Using say and tell when reporting short messages
CEFR: B1
Read/Listen first
During a short online meeting I took quick notes because people spoke fast and moved quickly through the slides. A colleague said the schedule would change, and another colleague told me to update the shared file by noon so everyone could see the new timing. After the call, I phoned the client to check details and said we could send a short written summary within the hour. They told us to include clear dates, a contact number, and one simple next step. Later, I told the team the plan and they said it sounded fine, as long as we warned partners early. Looking back, I learned to track who you tell and what you say, because say focuses on the exact words and tell focuses on the listener. With practice, reporting becomes easier, and the messages stay accurate, especially when people repeat them to others.⚡ Learning goals
- Can report short work messages with say and tell.
- Can summarise key decisions after a meeting.
- Can clarify who needs to do what by when.
✨ Key language
- said + that-clause ““She said the schedule would change.””
- tell + object + to + verb ““They told us to add a contact number.””
- reporting sequence markers ““After the call, I told the team.””
⚙️ Rules & Grammar — 4 Structures
1️⃣ Say vs tell: core patterns
Rule: Use say + that-clause; use tell + object (+ to + verb).Examples: She said the schedule would change; They told me to update the file; I told the team the plan
Common pitfall + fix: Using tell without an object — Add a person after tell.
Choose the correct option.
Tip: Say + that-clause. Tell needs an object.
Fill with the best answer: They ____ us to add a simple next step.
Tip: Tell + object.
2️⃣ Reported speech with would
Rule: Backshift will → would after a past reporting verb.Examples: She said the schedule would change; He said it would be fine; They said delivery would take longer
Common pitfall + fix: Keeping will after said — Change to would.
Pick the best form.
Tip: Past reporting verb → would.
Fill with the best answer: She said the meeting ____ start later.
Tip: Backshift after said.
3️⃣ Tell + object + to-infinitive
Rule: Use tell + someone + to + verb for instructions.Examples: They told us to include dates; He told me to call back; I told her to check the file
Common pitfall + fix: Using tell + that + infinitive — Tell needs object + to + verb.
Select the correct pattern.
Tip: Tell + object + to + verb.
Fill with the best answer: I ____ the team to warn partners early.
Tip: Tell + object + to + verb.
4️⃣ Sequencing with after / later / within
Rule: Use time markers to show order and deadlines.Examples: After the call, I phoned the client; Later, I told the team; within the hour
Common pitfall + fix: Listing events without connectors — Add clear markers.
Choose the best connector.
Tip: Use time markers to order events.
Fill with the best answer: ____ the call, we sent a short summary.
Tip: Connector for sequence.
✍️ Vocabulary
summary
Meaning: a short statement of main points.Synonyms: outline, recap.
Chunk/Idiom: send a short summary.
Example: We sent a short summary.
Morphology: noun.
Self-practice: Write three bullet points after a meeting..
deadline
Meaning: a time when something must be done.Synonyms: due date, cutoff.
Chunk/Idiom: meet a deadline.
Example: We met the noon deadline.
Morphology: noun.
Self-practice: Set a clear deadline for a task..
schedule
Meaning: a plan for events and times.Synonyms: timetable, program.
Chunk/Idiom: change the schedule.
Example: The schedule would change.
Morphology: noun.
Self-practice: Explain one change to a schedule..
contact number
Meaning: a phone number to reach someone.Synonyms: phone number, hotline.
Chunk/Idiom: add a contact number.
Example: We added a contact number.
Morphology: noun.
Self-practice: Say which number to include..
warn
Meaning: to tell someone about possible problems.Synonyms: alert, caution.
Chunk/Idiom: warn partners early.
Example: We warned partners early.
Morphology: verb.
Self-practice: Warn a colleague about a risk..
slides
Meaning: presentation pages in a meeting.Synonyms: deck, visuals.
Chunk/Idiom: move through the slides.
Example: People moved quickly through the slides.
Morphology: noun.
Self-practice: Name the most useful slide today..
☁️ Examples (+ audio)
She said the schedule would change next week.
They told us to add a contact number.
Later, I told the team the updated plan.
After the call, we sent a short summary.
✏️ Exercises
Grammar
Pick the correct pattern with tell.
Tip: Tell + object + to + verb.
Choose the correct backshift.
Tip: Past reporting verb → would.
Fill with the best answer:
____ the call, I told the team the plan.Tip: Use time markers.
Fill with the best answer:
They ____ me to update the shared file.Tip: Tell + object + to + verb (understood).
Vocabulary & Comprehension
Which word means a short recap?
Tip: Summary = short statement.
Which verb means to alert someone?
Tip: Warn = alert.
Fill with the best answer:
We added a ____ number for support.Tip: Compound noun: contact number.
Fill with the best answer:
Please meet the noon ____.Tip: Time limit.
✅ Guided practice
Mini-dialogue:
A: Can you send the summary within an hour?B: Yes, and I will warn partners.
Why this matters:
Clear reporting avoids confusion. Time markers keep teams aligned. Objects after tell clarify listeners.Verb & Adjective Pack:
report back — “Report back after each call.”set deadlines — “Set deadlines people can meet.”
confirm details — “Confirm details before you send.”
Try & compare:
Fill with the best answer: They ____ us to include a simple next step.
Tip: Tell + object + to + verb or implied object.
Self-correction: Fix the sentence: She said me to change it.
Tip: Tell needs an object.
Practice aloud: Listen, repeat, then type the sentence.
Tip: Keep the time marker at the start.