Search
Select the dictionary language
to tell
01
to use words and give someone information
Transitive: to tell sb about sth
Examples
Did he tell you about the new project?
1.1
to make confidential information or a secret known
Intransitive
Examples
' How did you do on the exam? ' ' I 'm not telling. You'll have to wait for the results.'
1.2
to use words in order to express or narrate something
Transitive: to tell sth
Ditransitive: to tell sb sth
Examples
Can you tell me if what he said is true or not?
1.3
to instruct or recommend someone to do a particular thing
Ditransitive: to tell sb to do sth
Examples
He was told to turn off his phone during the movie.
1.4
to provide information or facts about something in non-verbal ways
Ditransitive: to tell sb a piece of information | to tell sb that
Examples
His facial expression told me that he was upset.
02
to realize or determine with confidence
Transitive: to tell that
Intransitive
Examples
' He 's definitely not from around here. ' ' How can you tell?'
2.1
to be able to differentiate a person or thing from another
Transitive: to tell the difference between two things | to tell that
Examples
Can you tell which song is the original and which is the cover?
03
to have an effect that is noticeable, particularly a harmful one
Intransitive
Examples
He 's been neglecting his health lately and it 's starting to tell.
