said to me/ told me

[mikko4]

Hi,
when should I use "said to me" instead of "told me"?

e.g.
He said to me I was terrible.
He told me I was terrible.

What is the difference?

Thanks

 

[MashUK]

Hello,
I don't think there's any difference in meaning-these two expressions are interchangeable. The only thing to remember is that you cannot say "tell" without any animated object following, so, the correct variant is "tell somebody". Whereas the verb "say" is more flexible-you can use it alone, but as soon as you decide to use an animated object, don't forget about the preposition "to"-say something to somebody.

Regards,
Maria

 

[banderas]

Hi,
when should I use "said to me" instead of "told me"?

e.g.
He said to me I was terrible.
He told me I was terrible.

What is the difference?No difference here.

Thanks

Think of when you should not use "say to me" and when "tell me" is a better option.
Use "tell' to ask for information. For example:
"Please tell me your last name."
"Please say to me your last name" sounds odd.

 

[engee30]

..
"Please say to me your last name" sounds odd.

Not only does it sound odd, but it is incorrect. :roll: It's you say something to somebody.

Please tell me your last name. = Please give me your last name. = Can I have your last name, please? (giving information)
Please say your last name to me. (it could be like showing somebody how you pronounce your last name)

 

[mikko4]

Thank you all guys for clarifying. I got it.