tell
Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English 5++LDOCE 5++tell /tel/ ●●● verb (past tense and past participle told) /təʊld $ toʊld/ S1 W1 1 communicate STH 交流某事 [transitive]TELL if someone tells you something, they communicate information, a story, their feelings etc to you 告诉，告知；说，讲tell somebody (that) I wish someone had told me the meeting was canceled. 要是有人告诉过我会议已取消就好了。 The Chief of Police told reporters that two people were killed in the blast. 警察局长告诉记者有两个人在爆炸中丧生。tell somebody what/how/where/who etc Jack had to go, but he didn’t tell me why. 杰克一定要走，但他没有告诉我为什么。 I think you’d better tell me exactly what’s been going on around here. 我想你最好实话告诉我这儿都发生了什么。tell somebody about something No one had told them about the drug’s side effects. 没人告诉过他们这种药品的副作用。 I’ll tell you all about it when I get back. 我回来再告诉你这一切。tell somebody something Tell me your phone number again. 再给我说一遍你的电话号码。tell (somebody) a story/joke/secret/lie She told us some funny stories about her sister. 她给我们说了一些有关她妹妹的趣事。 Sheppard was telling the truth. 谢泼德说的是实话。tell somebody straight (=tell someone the truth, even though it might upset them) 直截了当地告诉某人 Tell me straight, Adam. Just answer yes or no. 你跟我直说吧，亚当。你只要回答是或不是。5 ► Don’t say ‘tell that ...’. Say tell someone that ... or say that ...: She told me (NOT She told) that she was a vegetarian. | She said that she was a vegetarian. 不要说 ‘tell that ...’。 而要说 tell someone that ... 或 say that ...: She told me (不说 She told) that she was a vegetarian. 她告诉我她吃素。 | She said that she was a vegetarian. 她说她吃素。► see thesaurus at explain, reveal → see Thesaurus box on 000000 RegisterIn written English, people often prefer to say that another writer describes something, rather than using tell: 在书面英语中，人们写别的作者描写了什么，常常更喜欢用describe，不用tellHis book describes how the human brain has developed. 他的书描述了人脑的发育过程。2 show STH 说明某事物 [transitive] to give information in ways other than talking 显示；提示；说明tell somebody how/what/where/who etc The light tells you when the machine is ready. 机器就绪后提示灯会亮。 The bear’s sense of smell tells it where prey is hiding. 熊的嗅觉告诉它猎物藏在哪儿。tell somebody about something What do these fossils tell us about climate change? 这些化石告诉我们哪些气候变化信息？3 what SB should do 某人应做的事 [transitive]TELL to say that someone must do something 命令，吩咐；给…下命令tell somebody (not) to do something The teacher told the children to sit down quietly. 老师叫孩子们安安静静地坐下。 I thought I told you not to touch anything! 我想我告诉过你什么都不要碰的！tell somebody (that) Bernice was told she had to work late this evening. 伯尼斯被告知她今晚得加班。tell somebody what/how etc Stop trying to tell me what to do all the time. 别老是对我指手画脚的。 Do as you are told (=obey me) and don’t ask questions. 叫你做什么你就做什么，不要提问题。► see thesaurus at advise, order, recommend4 know 知道 [intransitive, transitive not in progressive]SHOW/BE A SIGN OF to know something or be able to recognize something because of certain signs that show this 知道；看出；认出5 recognize difference 分辨差异 [transitive not in progressive]RECOGNIZE to be able to see how one person or thing is different from another 识别，辨别，分辨6 tell yourself something REMIND/MAKE somebody REMEMBERto persuade yourself that something is true 提醒自己某事，告诉自己某事7 warn 警告 [transitive usually in past tense]WARN to warn someone that something bad might happen 警告，告诫8 tell SB about bad behaviour 告发不良行为 [intransitive] informalTELL/ORDER somebody TO DO something to tell someone in authority about something wrong that someone you know has done – used especially by children 告诉，告状〔尤为儿语〕 SYN tell on somebody9 tell tales British EnglishLIE DOWN to say something that is not true about someone else, in order to cause trouble for them – used especially about children 〔尤指小孩〕打小报告10 all told TOTALaltogether, when everyone or everything has been counted 总共，合计11 affect 影响 [intransitive not in progressive]EFFECT/INFLUENCE to have an effect on someone, especially a harmful one 产生影响〔尤指有害的影响〕12. tell the time British English, tell time American EnglishTIME/WHAT TIME IS IT to be able to know what time it is by looking at a clock 〔从钟表上〕会看时间，会看钟表 SPOKEN PHRASESn GRAMMAR: Patterns with tell• In meaning 1, tell is transitive and must be followed by an object.• You tell someone something: He told her the news.• You tell something to someone: He told the news to his mother. ✗Don’t say: He told to his mother the news. • You tell someone about something: He told me about his feelings. ✗Don’t say: He told about his feelings.• You tell someone to do something: He told me to sit down.• You use tell someone (that) when reporting what someone said: He told them that he was sorry.She told me I could go. ✗Don’t say: He told that he was sorry.n COLLOCATIONSnounstell a story/taleHe then told the story of how he was injured while riding his motorcycle.tell a jokeThey sat around telling terrible jokes.tell somebody a secretI offered to tell her my secret if she didn’t tell anyone else.tell a lieThey told lies about us.tell the truth‘I’m telling you the truth, ’ she persisted. THESAURUStell to give someone information by speaking or writing to them 说；告诉She wrote to tell me she was getting married. 她写信告诉我说她要结婚了。Can you tell us where the nearest garage is? 你知道最近的加油站在哪里吗？let somebody know especially spoken to tell someone something when you know more about it 告诉某人Let me know your new address as soon as you can. 请尽快告诉我你的新地址。Let us know what happens at the interview. 跟我们讲讲面试怎么样。pass a message on to somebody (also pass it on informal) to tell another person the information that has been told to you 给某人带口信She’s with a client at the moment, but I’ll pass the message on to her. 她这会儿在陪客户，不过我会转告她的。If I get any news, I’ll pass it on. 有消息的话，我会转告的。brief to give someone all the necessary information about a situation, so that they can do their work 向…介绍基本情况Police officers were briefed before going out to arrest the suspects. 警察出去抓捕嫌犯之前听了基本情况介绍。relate formal to tell someone about something that happened to you or to someone else 叙述One girl related a story about a friend who had accidentally become pregnant. 一个女孩讲述了一位朋友意外怀孕的故事。recount formal to tell someone about a series of events 叙述〔一连串事件〕The guide recounted the history of the castle, from the 1300s onwards. 导游讲述了十四世纪以来那座城堡的历史。bring something to somebody’s attention to tell someone about something that they did not know about, but which they need to know about 引起某人对某事的关注I wanted to bring the matter to your attention. 我希望你能关注此事。She was the first person to study the effects of pesticides, and to bring them to people’s attention. 她是第一个研究杀虫剂的影响并引起世人对此关注的人。fill somebody in informal to tell someone about things that have happened recently, especially at work 告诉某人最新信息〔尤指工作〕Can you fill Robert in on the progress we’ve made while he’s been on holiday? 你跟罗伯特讲讲他度假期间我们取得的进展，好吗？to officially tell someone 正式告诉某人inform to officially tell someone about something 通知Do you think we ought to inform the police? 你觉得我们要报警吗？Doctors should inform patients about the possible side effects of any drugs they prescribe. 医生应该告知病人他们所开药物可能会有的副作用。announce to tell people publicly and officially about something 宣告The university chancellor announced his resignation on Friday. 那所大学的校长周五宣布辞职。It was announced that the company had made a profit of $6 billion. 据称那家公司获利60亿美元。report to officially tell someone about something that has happened 汇报，报告She was able to report that the project was nearly finished. 她可以报告说该工程即将完工。notify formal to tell someone officially about something that has happened or that is planned to happen 通知，告知Staff were notified several months in advance that they would be losing their jobs. 员工在数月前就被告知他们即将失业。 PHRASAL VERBS→ See Verb table
Examples from the Corpus
tell• Do as you're told and go and wash your hands.• Remember you promised me you would never tell anybody.• Don't tell anyone about this just yet.• Have you told anyone about this?• Maybe, he's told, he's much more than a celebrity.• I told him about my dream for a course there.• I told him to go and see a doctor if he was worried.• His years in the army certainly tell in his attitude to his work.• "What colour was the car?" "I couldn't tell in the dark."• Women are told it's prostitution or a beating, or death.• He told me about his time in the delta.• Don't tell me how to behave in public!• Can you tell me how to log on to the Internet?• Can you tell me the quickest way to the centre of town?• I'm in charge here, and I'm not going to have anyone telling me what to do.• He didn't tell me where he got this information.• I told Mrs Viney to leave our supper ready.• "Wait here!" he told the children.• I find it really difficult to tell the difference between Frank and his brother.• At the moment, we can only tell the twins apart by looking at their name tags.• A sign told us it was the highest village in England.• Can you tell us where the nearest garage is?• "Can you tell what this is with your eyes shut?" "It tastes of strawberry, but I'm not sure."• Come here Eva - let me tell you a secret.• I'm telling you this in the strictest confidence, so not a word to anyone.• I thought I told you to be in bed by 10 o'clock!telling the truth• For once, I think he's telling the truth.• We doubt Cox-Golder is telling the truth.• We weren't absolutely certain he was telling the truth.• A second registrar examined Christopher, but decided it was possible Celia and Danny were telling the truth.• Again the eyes looked at her sharply, and they saw she was telling the truth.• At the time I thought he was exaggerating, but I was to discover that he was telling the truth.• But this time, it turns out he was telling the truth.• Had he been telling the truth?• It helped immeasurably that, at that point, he believed he was telling the truth.• They'd start telling the truth next.tell somebody (not) to do something• I was told people wanted to adopt me.• The admissions person told me to apply early and send the stuff directly to her.• His eyes had been awash with sensual longing and he had told her not to bother getting dressed.• The real estate man who handled the move-in was summoned by the ward organization and told what to do.• Eee-Eee told the squirrel to get out of my spacesuit.• A new advice centre opened in Edinburgh today, where energy advisers will tell you how to save money.• The sample is automatically looped to repeat continuously until you tell it to stop.• I climb the four flights and tell him to take his time at the door.tell something by something/from something• But the families say they have still not been told anything by the health authority.• He laughed, then frowned, because he knew he would have to tell her by then.• One of the ways to tell is by the mark.• The belief is to some degree affected by being told so by their authoritative pastors.• The famous story of Cupid and Psyche is told only by Apuleius, who writes very much like Ovid.• This tells you by how much the Government is overspending.• You can tell just by looking at her.• You could tell just by looking at defensive end Kevin Greene.tell the difference between• The legendary outfitter teaches hunters how to tell the difference between a smart shot and a bad idea.• Sometimes it is impossible to tell the difference between a solid model and a 3D drawing.• The symptoms are similar so hospital tests may be needed to tell the difference between bacterial and viral meningitis.• I can't tell the difference between being hungry and wanting food.• He could tell the difference between reality and fantasy Language, under-standing, and logic were well developed.• We are sophisticated people, and we can tell the difference between reality and myth.• If a man could tell the difference between the two parties he would make a sucker out of Solomon for wisdom.tell somebody (not) to do something• I was told people wanted to adopt me.• The admissions person told me to apply early and send the stuff directly to her.• His eyes had been awash with sensual longing and he had told her not to bother getting dressed.• The real estate man who handled the move-in was summoned by the ward organization and told what to do.• Eee-Eee told the squirrel to get out of my spacesuit.• A new advice centre opened in Edinburgh today, where energy advisers will tell you how to save money.• The sample is automatically looped to repeat continuously until you tell it to stop.• I climb the four flights and tell him to take his time at the door.Origin tell Old English tellantell verb →n GRAMMAR1 →REGISTER1
→REGISTER2 →n COLLOCATIONS1 →THESAURUS1 →SPOKEN PHRASES1
→PHRASAL VERBS1LDOCE OnlineChinese
→REGISTER2 →n COLLOCATIONS1 →THESAURUS1 →SPOKEN PHRASES1
→PHRASAL VERBS1LDOCE OnlineChinese
they tells someone you Corpus something, if
Tell
Tell, William
a Swiss folk hero of the 14th century, who opposed the Austrians who ruled Switzerland. According to a famous story, Tell was ordered by the Austrian governor to use his crossbow to shoot an apple placed on his own son’s head. He succeeded in doing this because of his great skill, and later killed the governor. This encouraged the Swiss people to fight and gain their independence. Tell’s story is told in a well-known opera by Rossini.
Tell, William
a Swiss folk hero of the 14th century, who opposed the Austrians who ruled Switzerland. According to a famous story, Tell was ordered by the Austrian governor to use his crossbow to shoot an apple placed on his own son’s head. He succeeded in doing this because of his great skill, and later killed the governor. This encouraged the Swiss people to fight and gain their independence. Tell’s story is told in a well-known opera by Rossini.
tell
tell S1 W1 /tel/ verb (past tense and past participle told) /təʊld $ toʊld/
tell somebody (that)
I wish someone had told me the meeting was canceled.
The Chief of Police told reporters that two people were killed in the blast.
tell somebody what/how/where/who etc
Jack had to go, but he didn’t tell me why.
I think you’d better tell me exactly what’s been going on around here.
tell somebody about something
No one had told them about the drug’s side effects.
I’ll tell you all about it when I get back.
tell somebody something
Tell me your phone number again.
tell (somebody) a story/joke/secret/lie
She told us some funny stories about her sister.
Sheppard was telling the truth.
tell somebody straight (=tell someone the truth, even though it might upset them)
Tell me straight, Adam. Just answer yes or no.
► Do not say ‘tell that ...’. Say tell someone that ... or say that ...: She told me (NOT She told) that she was a vegetarian. | She said that she was a vegetarian. ⇨ see Thesaurus box on P.1816
REGISTER
In written English, people often prefer to say that another writer describes something, rather than using tell:
▪His book describes how the human brain has developed.
2. SHOW SOMETHING [transitive] to give information in ways other than talking
tell somebody how/what/where/who etc
The light tells you when the machine is ready.
The bear’s sense of smell tells it where prey is hiding.
tell somebody about something
What do these fossils tell us about climate change?
3. WHAT SOMEBODY SHOULD DO [transitive] to say that someone must do something
tell somebody (not) to do something
The teacher told the children to sit down quietly.
I thought I told you not to touch anything!
tell somebody (that)
Bernice was told she had to work late this evening.
tell somebody what/how etc
Stop trying to tell me what to do all the time.
Do as you are told (=obey me) and don’t ask questions.
4. KNOW [intransitive, transitive not in progressive] to know something or be able to recognize something because of certain signs that show this
can/can’t tell
She might have been lying. Benjy couldn’t tell.
tell (that)
The moment Kramer walked in, I could tell that things were not going well.
tell (something) a mile off (=know easily)
You could tell a mile off that he was lying.
tell when/how/whether/if etc
It’s hard to tell how long the job will take.
tell something by something/from something
I could tell from his tone of voice that Ken was disappointed.
5. RECOGNIZE DIFFERENCE [transitive not in progressive] to be able to see how one person or thing is different from another
tell something from something
How can you tell a fake Vuitton handbag from the real thing?
Can you tell the difference between sparkling wine and champagne? ⇨ TELL APART
6. tell yourself something to persuade yourself that something is true:
I keep telling myself there is nothing I could have done to save him.
7. WARN [transitive usually in past tense] to warn someone that something bad might happen
tell somebody (that)
I told you it was a waste of time talking to him.
tell somebody (not) to do something
My mother told me not to trust Robert.
8. TELL SOMEBODY ABOUT BAD BEHAVIOUR [intransitive] informal to tell someone in authority about something wrong that someone you know has done – used especially by children
SYN tell on somebody:
If you hit me, I’ll tell. ⇨ kiss-and-tell
9. tell tales British English to say something that is not true about someone else, in order to cause trouble for them – used especially about children:
an unpopular boy, who was always telling tales on the other children ⇨ telltale2
10. all told altogether, when everyone or everything has been counted:
There must have been eight cars in the accident, all told.
11. AFFECT [intransitive not in progressive] to have an effect on someone, especially a harmful one
tell on somebody
These late nights are really beginning to tell on him.
12. tell the time British English, tell time American English to be able to know what time it is by looking at a clock
SPOKEN PHRASES
13. I/I’ll tell you what (also tell you what)
a. used when you are suggesting or offering something:
I tell you what – let’s have a picnic in the park.
b. American English used in order to emphasize what you are really saying:
I tell you what, I’m not looking forward to standing up in court tomorrow.
14. to tell (you) the truth used to emphasize that you are being very honest:
I don’t really want to go out, to tell the truth.
15. I can tell you/I’m telling you used to emphasize that what you are saying is true even though it may be difficult to believe:
I’m telling you, Sheila, I’ve never seen anything like it in my life.
16. tell me used before asking a question:
Tell me, do you think this dress goes with these shoes?
So tell me, how was it in Argentina?
17. I told you so used when you have warned someone about a possible danger that has now happened and they have ignored your warning:
I suppose you’ve come to say ‘I told you so.’
18. I’ll tell you something/one thing/another thing (also let me tell you something/one thing/another thing) used to emphasize what you are saying:
I’ll tell you one thing – you’ll never get me to vote for him.
Let me tell you something – if I catch you kids smoking again, you’ll be grounded for a month at least.
19. you can tell him from me used to ask someone to tell another person something, when you are annoyed or determined:
Well, you can tell him from me that I’m going to make a complaint.
20. I couldn’t tell you used to tell someone that you do not know the answer to their question:
‘How much would a rail ticket cost?’ ‘ I couldn’t tell you; I always drive.’
21. I can’t tell you
a. used to say that you cannot tell someone something because it is a secret:
‘Where are you taking me?’ ‘I can’t tell you; it would spoil the surprise.’
b. used to say that you cannot express your feelings or describe something properly
I can’t tell you how/why/what etc
I can’t tell you how worried I’ve been.
22. don’t tell me used to interrupt someone because you know what they are going to say or because you want to guess – used especially when you are annoyed:
‘I’m sorry I’m late but ...’ ‘Don’t tell me – the car broke down again?’
23. somebody tells me (that) used to say what someone has told you:
Mike tells me you’ve got a new job.
24. you’re telling me used to emphasize that you already know and agree with something that someone has just said:
‘He’s such a pain to live with.’ ‘You’re telling me!’
25. tell me about it used to say that you already know how bad something is, especially because you have experienced it yourself:
‘I’ve been so tired lately.’ ‘Yeah, tell me about it!’
26. you never can tell/you can never tell used to say that you cannot be certain about what will happen in the future:
The boy might turn out to be a genius. You never can tell.
27. there’s no telling what/how etc used to say that it is impossible to know what has happened or what will happen next:
There’s no telling what she’ll try next.
28. that would be telling used to say that you cannot tell someone something because it is a secret
29. tell somebody where to go/where to get off used to tell someone angrily that what they have said is insulting or unfair:
‘Andy started criticizing the way I was dressed.’ ‘I hope you told him where to get off!’
30. tell it like it is American English to say exactly what you think or what is true, without hiding anything that might upset or offend people:
Don always tells it like it is.
31. I’m not telling (you) used to say that you refuse to tell someone something:
‘Mum, what are you getting me for my birthday?’ ‘I’m not telling you – you’ll have to wait and see.’
32. tell me another (one) used when you do not believe what someone has told you
■ nouns
▪tell a story/tale He then told the story of how he was injured while riding his motorcycle.
▪tell a joke They sat around telling terrible jokes.
▪tell somebody a secret I offered to tell her my secret if she didn’t tell anyone else.
▪tell a lie They told lies about us.
▪tell the truth ‘I’m telling you the truth,’ she persisted.
▪ tell to give someone information by speaking or writing to them: She wrote to tell me she was getting married. | Can you tell us where the nearest garage is?
▪let somebody know especially spoken to tell someone something when you know more about it: Let me know your new address as soon as you can. | Let us know what happens at the interview.
▪pass a message on to somebody (also pass it on informal) to tell another person the information that has been told to you: She’s with a client at the moment, but I’ll pass the message on to her. | If I get any news, I’ll pass it on.
▪brief to give someone all the necessary information about a situation, so that they can do their work: Police officers were briefed before going out to arrest the suspects.
▪relate formal to tell someone about something that happened to you or to someone else: One girl related a story about a friend who had accidentally become pregnant.
▪recount formal to tell someone about a series of events: The guide recounted the history of the castle, from the 1300s onwards.
▪bring something to sb’s attention to tell someone about something that they did not know about, but which they need to know about: I wanted to bring the matter to your attention. | She was the first person to study the effects of pesticides, and to bring them to people’s attention.
▪fill somebody in informal to tell someone about things that have happened recently, especially at work: Can you fill Robert in on the progress we’ve made while he’s been on holiday?
■ to officially tell someone
▪inform to officially tell someone about something: Do you think we ought to inform the police? | Doctors should inform patients about the possible side effects of any drugs they prescribe.
▪announce to tell people publicly and officially about something: The university chancellor announced his resignation on Friday. | It was announced that the company had made a profit of $6 billion.
▪report to officially tell someone about something that has happened: She was able to report that the project was nearly finished.
▪notify formal to tell someone officially about something that has happened or that is planned to happen: Staff were notified several months in advance that they would be losing their jobs.
tell against somebody phrasal verb British English formal
to make someone less likely to succeed in achieving or winning something:
I badly wanted the job, but knew that my age would probably tell against me.
tell somebody/something apart phrasal verb
if you can tell two people or things apart, you can see the difference between them, so that you do not confuse them
SYN distinguish:
It’s almost impossible to tell the twins apart.
tell of somebody/something phrasal verb literary
to describe an event or person:
The poem tells of the deeds of a famous warrior.
REGISTER
In everyday English, people usually say that a poem, story etc is about something rather than tells of something:
▪What's his latest poem about?
tell somebody ↔ off phrasal verb
if someone in authority tells you off, they speak to you angrily about something wrong that you have done
be/get told off
Shelley was one of those kids who was always getting told off at school.
tell somebody off for doing something
My dad told me off for swearing.
tell on somebody phrasal verb informal
to tell someone in authority about something wrong that someone you know has done – used especially by children:
Please don’t tell on me – my parents will kill me if they find out!
tell S1 W1 /tel/
verb (past tense and past participle told) /təʊld $ toʊld/ Language: Old English
Origin: tellan
1. COMMUNICATE SOMETHING [transitive] if someone tells you something, they communicate information, a story, their feelings etc to youOrigin: tellan
tell somebody (that)
tell somebody what/how/where/who etc
tell somebody about something
tell somebody something
tell (somebody) a story/joke/secret/lie
tell somebody straight (=tell someone the truth, even though it might upset them)
► Do not say ‘tell that ...’. Say tell someone that ... or say that ...: She told me (NOT She told) that she was a vegetarian. | She said that she was a vegetarian. ⇨ see Thesaurus box on P.1816
REGISTER
In written English, people often prefer to say that another writer describes something, rather than using tell:
▪
2. SHOW SOMETHING [transitive] to give information in ways other than talking
tell somebody how/what/where/who etc
tell somebody about something
3. WHAT SOMEBODY SHOULD DO [transitive] to say that someone must do something
tell somebody (not) to do something
tell somebody (that)
tell somebody what/how etc
4. KNOW [intransitive, transitive not in progressive] to know something or be able to recognize something because of certain signs that show this
can/can’t tell
tell (that)
tell (something) a mile off (=know easily)
tell when/how/whether/if etc
tell something by something/from something
5. RECOGNIZE DIFFERENCE [transitive not in progressive] to be able to see how one person or thing is different from another
tell something from something
6. tell yourself something to persuade yourself that something is true:
7. WARN [transitive usually in past tense] to warn someone that something bad might happen
tell somebody (that)
tell somebody (not) to do something
8. TELL SOMEBODY ABOUT BAD BEHAVIOUR [intransitive] informal to tell someone in authority about something wrong that someone you know has done – used especially by children
SYN tell on somebody:
9. tell tales British English to say something that is not true about someone else, in order to cause trouble for them – used especially about children:
10. all told altogether, when everyone or everything has been counted:
11. AFFECT [intransitive not in progressive] to have an effect on someone, especially a harmful one
tell on somebody
12. tell the time British English, tell time American English to be able to know what time it is by looking at a clock
SPOKEN PHRASES
13. I/I’ll tell you what (also tell you what)
a. used when you are suggesting or offering something:
b. American English used in order to emphasize what you are really saying:
14. to tell (you) the truth used to emphasize that you are being very honest:
15. I can tell you/I’m telling you used to emphasize that what you are saying is true even though it may be difficult to believe:
16. tell me used before asking a question:
17. I told you so used when you have warned someone about a possible danger that has now happened and they have ignored your warning:
18. I’ll tell you something/one thing/another thing (also let me tell you something/one thing/another thing) used to emphasize what you are saying:
19. you can tell him from me used to ask someone to tell another person something, when you are annoyed or determined:
20. I couldn’t tell you used to tell someone that you do not know the answer to their question:
21. I can’t tell you
a. used to say that you cannot tell someone something because it is a secret:
b. used to say that you cannot express your feelings or describe something properly
I can’t tell you how/why/what etc
22. don’t tell me used to interrupt someone because you know what they are going to say or because you want to guess – used especially when you are annoyed:
23. somebody tells me (that) used to say what someone has told you:
24. you’re telling me used to emphasize that you already know and agree with something that someone has just said:
25. tell me about it used to say that you already know how bad something is, especially because you have experienced it yourself:
26. you never can tell/you can never tell used to say that you cannot be certain about what will happen in the future:
27. there’s no telling what/how etc used to say that it is impossible to know what has happened or what will happen next:
28. that would be telling used to say that you cannot tell someone something because it is a secret
29. tell somebody where to go/where to get off used to tell someone angrily that what they have said is insulting or unfair:
30. tell it like it is American English to say exactly what you think or what is true, without hiding anything that might upset or offend people:
31. I’m not telling (you) used to say that you refuse to tell someone something:
32. tell me another (one) used when you do not believe what someone has told you
| COLLOCATIONS |
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| THESAURUS |
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■ to officially tell someone
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tell against somebody phrasal verb British English formal
to make someone less likely to succeed in achieving or winning something:
tell somebody/something apart phrasal verb
if you can tell two people or things apart, you can see the difference between them, so that you do not confuse them
SYN distinguish:
tell of somebody/something phrasal verb literary
to describe an event or person:
REGISTER
In everyday English, people usually say that a poem, story etc is about something rather than tells of something:
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tell somebody ↔ off phrasal verb
if someone in authority tells you off, they speak to you angrily about something wrong that you have done
be/get told off
tell somebody off for doing something
tell on somebody phrasal verb informal
to tell someone in authority about something wrong that someone you know has done – used especially by children:
Say never has a person as the object. Yousay something orsay something to somebody .Say is often used when you are giving somebody's exact words.* say 从不以人作宾语，可说 say something 或 say something to somebody。say 常与直接引语连用 ：◆ 'Sit down,' she said. “坐下。” 她说。 ◆ Anne said, 'I'm tired.' 安妮说：“我累了。” ◆ Anne said (that) she was tired. 安妮说她累了。 ◆ What did he say to you? 他对你说了些什么？ You cannot use 'say about', but say something about is correct.不能用 say about，但可说 say something about ：◆ I want to say something/a few words/a little about my family. 我想谈谈我的家庭。 Say can also be used with a clause when the person you are talking to is not mentioned.没有指明说话对象时，say 亦可与从句连用 ：◆ She didn't say what she intended to do. 她没说她想做什么。 Tell usually has a person as the object and often has two objects.* tell 常带有两个宾语，其中一个通常是人 ：◆ Have you told him the news yet? 你告诉他这消息了吗？ It is often used with 'that' clauses. 该词常与 that 从句连用 ：◆ Anne told me (that) she was tired. 安妮对我说她累了。 Tell is usually used when somebody is giving facts or information, often withwhat ,where , etc.* tell 通常在某人告知事实或提供信息时使用，常与 what、where 等词连用 ：◆ Can you tell me when the movie starts? 你能告诉我电影什么时候开演吗？ (BUT 但 ：◆ Can you give me some information about the school? 你能给我讲讲这所学校的情况吗？ ) Tell is also used when you are giving somebody instructions.发出指示时亦可用 tell ：◆ The doctor told me to stay in bed. 医生要我卧床休息。 ◆ The doctor told me (that) I had to stay in bed. 医生对我说我必须卧床休息。 OR 或 ：◆ The doctor said (that) I had to stay in bed. 医生说我必须卧床休息。 NOT 不能说 ：◆ The doctor said me to stay in bed.
◆ Could you tell me the best way to get to Paddington station, please?您能告诉我去帕丁顿车站的最佳路线吗？ ◆ Do you happen to know whether Amy Brown works here?你可知道艾米 · 布朗是否在这里工作？ ◆ I wonder whether/if you can help me. I'm trying to find out which number to call for reservations.不知道您能否帮帮我，我想知道打哪个号码可以预订。
◆ Could you wait here for a moment,please ?请在这里等一会儿好吗？ ◆ Would you come through now?/You can come through now.你现在过来可以吗？／你现在可以过来了。 ◆ Can you send it up to my room,please ?请把它送到我的房间里好吗？ ◆ Just sign herefor me, please .请在这里给我签个名。 ◆ I need you to finish the report by Friday.我需要你在星期五之前把报告做好。 ◆ Everyone has to use the side entrance this week.本周所有人只能从侧门进出。 ◆ You have to sign these reports before submitting them.你提交这些报告之前必须在上面签字。
order to use your position of authority to tell sb to do sth 指命令、指挥、要求 ：◆ The company was ordered to pay compensation to its former employee. 公司被勒令向以前的员工作出补偿。 ◆ 'Come here at once!' she ordered. “马上过来！” 她命令道。 tell to say to sb that they must or should do sth 指命令、指示、吩咐 ：◆ He was told to sit down and wait. 有人吩咐他坐下等着。 ◆ Don't tell me what to do! 别对我指手画脚的！ instruct ( to tell sb to do sth, especially in a formal or official wayrather
尤指以正式或官方的方式指示、命令、吩咐 ：◆ The letter instructed him to report to headquarters immediately. 那封信指示他立即向总部汇报。 direct ( to give an official order指正式发出指示、命令 ：◆ The judge directed the jury to return a verdict of not guilty. 法官指示陪审团作出无罪裁决。 command to use your position of authority to tell sb to do sth 指利用权力命令 ：◆ He commanded his men to retreat. 他命令手下撤退。
order or command? 用 order 还是 command？
Order is a more general word thancommand and can be used about anyone in a position of authority, such as a parent, teacher or government telling sb to do sth.Command is slightly stronger thanorder and is the normal word to use about an army officer giving orders, or in any context where it is normal to give orders without any discussion about them. It is less likely to be used about a parent or teacher.* order 含义较 command 宽泛，可指任何有权威的人，如父母、老师或政府下命令。command 的语气稍强于 order，是指部队长官发布命令的常规用词，或者用于没有商量余地的命令。command 不大用于父母或老师下命令的情况。
Patterns
to order/tell/instruct/direct/command sb to do sth to order/instruct/direct/command that… to do sthas ordered/told/instructed/directed/commanded
Say never has a person as the object. Yousay something orsay something to somebody .Say is often used when you are giving somebody's exact words.* say 从不以人作宾语，可说 say something 或 say something to somebody。say 常与直接引语连用 ：◆ 'Sit down,' she said. “坐下。” 她说。 ◆ Anne said, 'I'm tired.' 安妮说：“我累了。” ◆ Anne said (that) she was tired. 安妮说她累了。 ◆ What did he say to you? 他对你说了些什么？ You cannot use 'say about', but say something about is correct.不能用 say about，但可说 say something about ：◆ I want to say something/a few words/a little about my family. 我想谈谈我的家庭。 Say can also be used with a clause when the person you are talking to is not mentioned.没有指明说话对象时，say 亦可与从句连用 ：◆ She didn't say what she intended to do. 她没说她想做什么。 Tell usually has a person as the object and often has two objects.* tell 常带有两个宾语，其中一个通常是人 ：◆ Have you told him the news yet? 你告诉他这消息了吗？ It is often used with 'that' clauses. 该词常与 that 从句连用 ：◆ Anne told me (that) she was tired. 安妮对我说她累了。 Tell is usually used when somebody is giving facts or information, often withwhat ,where , etc.* tell 通常在某人告知事实或提供信息时使用，常与 what、where 等词连用 ：◆ Can you tell me when the movie starts? 你能告诉我电影什么时候开演吗？ (BUT 但 ：◆ Can you give me some information about the school? 你能给我讲讲这所学校的情况吗？ ) Tell is also used when you are giving somebody instructions.发出指示时亦可用 tell ：◆ The doctor told me to stay in bed. 医生要我卧床休息。 ◆ The doctor told me (that) I had to stay in bed. 医生对我说我必须卧床休息。 OR 或 ：◆ The doctor said (that) I had to stay in bed. 医生说我必须卧床休息。 NOT 不能说 ：◆ The doctor said me to stay in bed.
Say never has a person as the object. Yousay something orsay something to somebody .Say is often used when you are giving somebody's exact words.* say 从不以人作宾语，可说 say something 或 say something to somebody。say 常与直接引语连用 ：◆ 'Sit down,' she said. “坐下。” 她说。 ◆ Anne said, 'I'm tired.' 安妮说：“我累了。” ◆ Anne said (that) she was tired. 安妮说她累了。 ◆ What did he say to you? 他对你说了些什么？ You cannot use 'say about', but say something about is correct.不能用 say about，但可说 say something about ：◆ I want to say something/a few words/a little about my family. 我想谈谈我的家庭。 Say can also be used with a clause when the person you are talking to is not mentioned.没有指明说话对象时，say 亦可与从句连用 ：◆ She didn't say what she intended to do. 她没说她想做什么。 Tell usually has a person as the object and often has two objects.* tell 常带有两个宾语，其中一个通常是人 ：◆ Have you told him the news yet? 你告诉他这消息了吗？ It is often used with 'that' clauses. 该词常与 that 从句连用 ：◆ Anne told me (that) she was tired. 安妮对我说她累了。 Tell is usually used when somebody is giving facts or information, often withwhat ,where , etc.* tell 通常在某人告知事实或提供信息时使用，常与 what、where 等词连用 ：◆ Can you tell me when the movie starts? 你能告诉我电影什么时候开演吗？ (BUT 但 ：◆ Can you give me some information about the school? 你能给我讲讲这所学校的情况吗？ ) Tell is also used when you are giving somebody instructions.发出指示时亦可用 tell ：◆ The doctor told me to stay in bed. 医生要我卧床休息。 ◆ The doctor told me (that) I had to stay in bed. 医生对我说我必须卧床休息。 OR 或 ：◆ The doctor said (that) I had to stay in bed. 医生说我必须卧床休息。 NOT 不能说 ：◆ The doctor said me to stay in bed.
