Explaining Phrasal Verbs with "Tell" (with Discussion Questions)

Table of Contents

As we've mentioned in previous articles, phrasal verbs are combinations of verbs and other short words that form new meanings when put together. They are both simple and very common in all forms of English communication.

We'll continue our look at them, focusing this time on "tell."

As always, consider the examples included here as starting points you can use to initiate more conversation and opportunities for practice with your students.

Phrasal verbs with “tell”

Tell the difference

Being able to "tell the difference" between things means understanding what makes them different. Be sure to mention that it is often shortened to simply "tell" when used with the modal verb "can."

Simple explanation: to notice a difference

Sam said he lost weight, but no one can tell (the difference).
I could tell right away that Aya's English was much better than it was last year.

Tell a lie

A young man being tested to see if he is telling the truth while sitting in a dark room

Telling a lie is saying something that is not true.

His mother punished him for telling a lie.

Tell the truth

This, of course, is the opposite of the previous phrasal verb.

It's a good idea to mention that "the" always comes before "truth."

Everyone believed that he was telling the truth.

Tell a joke

Students probably know that telling a joke is saying something funny, usually in the form of a short story.

Sarah told a joke at the party that made everyone cry with laughter.

Tell a story

Telling a story is creating a story from your imagination, usually without preparation.

My children asked me to tell them a story before they went to bed.

Tell time

"Telling time" is reading the hands on an analog clock in order to understand what time it is.

Simple explanation: to "read" the time

My young son recently learned how to tell time. Now he doesn't need to rely on digital clocks.

Tell on (someone)

A young boy telling on a classmate who is teasing him in the distance

"Telling on" someone means revealing to others that they have done something bad or against the rules. This phrasal verb is mostly used by children.

Simple explanation: to blame, to expose

Everyone in class knew that Johnny threw the paper airplane, but no one told on him.

Sometimes this usage is shortened to only "tell."

How did the teacher know it was me who threw the airplane? Who told?

Tell off

An angry boss telling off his employee, who sits with his hands raised over his head

"Telling someone off" means scolding or yelling at them, usually because they have done something wrong.

The boss told me off for missing my sales targets.

Other expressions

You’re telling me!

This is used to express strong agreement. As it is quite casual, students should know that it should only be used with people they have a close, friendly relationship with.

Meaning: "I agree!"

Wow, that was a good movie.

You're telling me! I think it's the best movie of the year.

Truth be told

This is another way to say "Honestly." It's often used to introduce information that the listener may think is surprising or unexpected.

Meaning: "Actually/Honestly~"

Truth be told, even after years of performing, I still get nervous before every show.

We also say "To tell (you) the truth," which has the same meaning.

To tell you the truth, I don't actually like the food there.

As far as I can tell

This can be used before or after a statement the speaker believes is correct even though there's a chance it's not.

Meaning: "It seems ~"

As far as I can tell, the whole building is empty.
She doesn't have a boyfriend, as far as I can tell.

(There is) No telling

This expression is for talking about a possibility that cannot be predicted or known. It's used together with the question words "who," "what," "where" and "how."

Meaning: "I don't know ~"

There's no telling how many people will come, so we should prepare for a large number, just in case.
There's no telling what will happen, so be ready for anything.

In casual conversations, it can be used as a response to a question. In this case, it is shortened to simply "No telling."

What are they talking about in there?

No telling.

Discussion questions

Can you tell the difference between American and British English?
Have you ever gotten in trouble for telling a lie?
Did you ever have to tell someone off?
Are you good at telling jokes? (If so, ask them to tell you one!)
Can you tell me a short story?

Wrap-up

From jokes and lies to stories and differences, "tell" is useful in a variety of situations. In particular, the points introduced in the "Other expressions" section can really help learners sound more natural and fluent in their conversations.

Make sure your students are maximizing their vocabulary by taking advantage of all of the ways even simple verbs can be used in daily communication.