Say vs Tell — Advanced Practice

At advanced level, say and tell appear in fixed expressions, idioms, and set phrases that go well beyond the basic person-test rule. Tell produces idioms about knowing or recognising: "tell the difference" (distinguish between two things), "tell apart" (recognise as different), "tell right from wrong" (know what is correct), and "I can't tell" (I don't know or can't see). Say creates expressions about communication and opinion: "needless to say" (obviously), "it goes without saying" (it is so obvious it does not need mentioning), "that is to say" (in other words), and "say the word" (just ask and I will help).

These expressions often appear in formal and semi-formal writing — academic essays, newspaper articles, and business correspondence. Knowing them signals a strong command of English and helps you understand native speakers in conversation. Another advanced point: "so I'm told" and "or so they say" are used when you are reporting something you have heard but cannot confirm: "The restaurant is excellent, or so they say." This distancing technique is useful in academic and professional writing when you want to present information without taking full responsibility for its accuracy, and they are tested in Cambridge B2 and C1 examinations.