Pronunciation

/tɛl/

Definitions

• Verb:
  • Base form: tell
  • Past tense: told
  • Past participle: told
  • Infinitive: to tell
  • Transitive: To communicate information to someone, often imparting knowledge or a story. For example: “She told me a secret.”
  • Intransitive: To express or convey a message or news. For example: “The news spread quickly, as people told each other.”
  • Interrogative: To inquire about something. For example: “Can you tell me the time?”
  • Modal: To request or permit someone to communicate. For example: “You should tell them the truth.”

Phrases

• “Tell me a story” asks for a narrative.
• “Tell me about yourself” seeks personal information.
• “Don’t tell anyone” implies confidentiality.
• “Tell a lie” means to deceive with false information.
• “Tell the truth” requests honesty.

Example Sentences

• Transitive: “She told her children the bedtime story.”
• Intransitive: “The news was told to the entire staff during the meeting.”
• Interrogative: “Can you tell me how you fixed the broken vase?”
• Modal: “You’re not allowed to tell anyone where we’re going.”

Synonyms

• Inform
• Convey
• Share
• Relate
• Report
• Reveal
• Announce
• Declare