Mastering the Past Tense of “Tell”: A Comprehensive Guide

Understanding the past tense of irregular verbs like “tell” is crucial for effective communication in English. The past tense form, “told,” is essential for recounting past events, narrating stories, and expressing completed actions.

This article provides a thorough exploration of the past tense of “tell,” covering its definition, structure, usage rules, common mistakes, and providing ample practice exercises. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced learner, this guide will equip you with the knowledge and skills to use “told” confidently and accurately.

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Definition of “Tell” and Its Past Tense
• Structural Breakdown of “Told”
• Types of “Telling”: Direct and Indirect Speech
• Examples of “Told” in Sentences
• Usage Rules for “Told”
• Common Mistakes When Using “Told”
• Practice Exercises
• Advanced Topics: “Tell” in Complex Constructions
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Conclusion

Introduction

The English language, while often praised for its flexibility, can present challenges, particularly when it comes to irregular verbs. One such verb is “tell,” a fundamental word used daily in countless conversations and written texts.

Mastering the past tense of “tell,” which is “told,” is essential for accurately conveying information about events that have already occurred. This article serves as a comprehensive guide, breaking down the nuances of “told” and providing practical examples and exercises to solidify your understanding.

Whether you are a student preparing for an exam, a professional aiming to refine your communication skills, or simply an individual passionate about learning English, this resource will prove invaluable. We will explore the definition, structure, usage rules, and common mistakes associated with “told,” ensuring that you can use it with confidence and precision.

By the end of this article, you will have a firm grasp of how to effectively incorporate “told” into your everyday language.

Definition of “Tell” and Its Past Tense

The verb “tell” means to communicate information, facts, or stories to someone in spoken or written form. It involves conveying a message from one person to another. “Tell” is an irregular verb, meaning its past tense and past participle forms do not follow the standard “-ed” ending rule. The past tense of “tell” is “told.”

Classification: Irregular Verb

Function: To communicate information, narrate events, or give instructions.

Contexts: Everyday conversations, storytelling, formal writing, news reports, and more.

Structural Breakdown of “Told”

The word “told” functions as the simple past tense and past participle of the verb “tell.” It is used to describe actions that were completed in the past. The structure of sentences using “told” typically follows the pattern: Subject + Told + (Object/Complement).

Here’s a breakdown:

• Subject: The person or thing performing the action.
• Told: The past tense form of the verb “tell.”
• Object/Complement: The receiver of the information or additional details about the action.

For example:

• She told me a secret. (Subject: She, Told: told, Object: me, Complement: a secret)
• He told the truth. (Subject: He, Told: told, Object: the truth)
• They told us to be quiet. (Subject: They, Told: told, Object: us, Complement: to be quiet)

Types of “Telling”: Direct and Indirect Speech

The verb “tell” is commonly used in two main types of speech: direct and indirect (reported) speech. Understanding the difference is crucial for accurate and effective communication.

Direct Speech

Direct speech involves reporting the exact words someone said. It is enclosed in quotation marks.

The verb “tell” can introduce direct speech but is often replaced by “say” or “ask” depending on the context.

Example: She said, “I will be there.” (Instead of: She told, “I will be there.”) Although grammatically correct, “said” is more natural here.

Indirect Speech (Reported Speech)

Indirect speech involves reporting what someone said without using their exact words. The structure changes, and the tense of the verb often shifts back one step.

The conjunction “that” is often used, but it can be omitted in informal contexts.

Example: She told me that she would be there. (Direct: She said, “I will be there.”)

Here’s a table summarizing the key differences:

Feature	Direct Speech	Indirect Speech
Quotation Marks	Used	Not Used
Verb Tense	Original tense	Often shifted back one step (e.g., will -> would)
Pronouns	Original pronouns	May need to be changed to reflect the speaker’s perspective
Introductory Verb	Often “say” or “ask”	Often “tell,” “say,” or “ask,” depending on the context

Examples of “Told” in Sentences

To fully grasp the usage of “told,” let’s examine various examples categorized by different contexts and sentence structures. These examples will illustrate how “told” functions in different scenarios, helping you to use it correctly in your own writing and speech.

Simple Past Tense Examples

These examples demonstrate “told” used in simple past tense sentences, describing completed actions in the past.

Sentence	Explanation
He told me a story about his childhood.	Describes a past narration.
She told her friend the truth.	Indicates a past act of honesty.
They told us to be quiet during the movie.	Refers to a past instruction or request.
The teacher told the students to study for the exam.	Indicates a past instruction by the teacher.
My parents told me not to talk to strangers.	Describes a past warning from parents.
The doctor told him to take the medicine twice a day.	Refers to a past medical instruction.
She told him that she loved him.	Indicates a past declaration of love.
He told her that he was sorry.	Describes a past apology.
They told us that they were moving to a new city.	Refers to a past announcement about relocation.
The news reporter told the public about the disaster.	Indicates a past broadcast of news.
My brother told me about the surprise party.	Describes a past revelation of a secret.
The guide told the tourists about the history of the building.	Refers to a past explanation by the guide.
She told me she couldn’t come to the party.	Indicates a past notification of absence.
He told me he was feeling sick.	Describes a past expression of illness.
They told us the meeting was canceled.	Refers to a past announcement of cancellation.
The police officer told him to pull over.	Indicates a past command by the officer.
She told him to be careful.	Describes a past expression of concern.
He told her to call him later.	Refers to a past request for a phone call.
They told us to wait outside.	Indicates a past instruction to wait.
The manager told the employee he was fired.	Describes a past notification of job termination.
The fortune teller told her that she would be rich.	Refers to a past prediction by the fortune teller.
He told me the movie was great.	Indicates a past recommendation of a film.
She told me the book was boring.	Describes a past opinion of a book.
They told us the food was delicious.	Refers to a past compliment about the food.
The weather forecast told us it would rain.	Indicates a past weather prediction.

Indirect Speech Examples

These examples illustrate “told” used in indirect speech, reporting what someone said without using their exact words.

Sentence	Direct Speech Equivalent
She told me that she was going to the store.	She said, “I am going to the store.”
He told us that he had finished his homework.	He said, “I have finished my homework.”
They told me that they would be late for the meeting.	They said, “We will be late for the meeting.”
The teacher told the students that the exam would be difficult.	The teacher said, “The exam will be difficult.”
My parents told me that I needed to clean my room.	My parents said, “You need to clean your room.”
The doctor told him that he needed to rest.	The doctor said, “You need to rest.”
She told him that she had a surprise for him.	She said, “I have a surprise for you.”
He told her that he missed her.	He said, “I miss you.”
They told us that they were excited about the trip.	They said, “We are excited about the trip.”
The news reporter told the public that the storm was approaching.	The news reporter said, “The storm is approaching.”
My brother told me that he had won the lottery.	My brother said, “I have won the lottery!”
The guide told the tourists that the monument was very old.	The guide said, “The monument is very old.”
She told me that she couldn’t believe what had happened.	She said, “I can’t believe what has happened!”
He told me that he was having a great time.	He said, “I am having a great time.”
They told us that they were happy to see us.	They said, “We are happy to see you.”
The police officer told him that he was speeding.	The police officer said, “You are speeding.”
She told him that she was worried about him.	She said, “I am worried about you.”
He told her that he would always love her.	He said, “I will always love you.”
They told us that they would be there soon.	They said, “We will be there soon.”
The manager told the employee that he was doing a great job.	The manager said, “You are doing a great job.”
The fortune teller told her that she would meet a tall, dark stranger.	The fortune teller said, “You will meet a tall, dark stranger.”
He told me that the movie was a must-see.	He said, “The movie is a must-see.”
She told me that the book was very interesting.	She said, “The book is very interesting.”
They told us that the food was the best they had ever tasted.	They said, “The food is the best we have ever tasted.”
The weather forecast told us that the weather would be sunny tomorrow.	The weather forecast said, “The weather will be sunny tomorrow.”

Examples with Different Sentence Structures

These examples showcase how “told” can be used in various sentence structures, including questions and passive voice.

Sentence	Type
I was told that the meeting was postponed.	Passive Voice
Have you told him the news yet?	Question (Present Perfect)
She had told me everything before she left.	Past Perfect
Why weren’t we told about this earlier?	Passive Voice Question
He will be told the truth eventually.	Passive Voice (Future)
We were told to be there by 8 AM.	Passive Voice (Instruction)
Had they told you about the changes?	Question (Past Perfect)
She is often told that she looks like her mother.	Passive Voice (Present)
They are being told to evacuate the building.	Passive Voice (Present Continuous)
I have been told to keep this a secret.	Passive Voice (Present Perfect)
He should have told me sooner.	Modal Verb (Should)
You must have told her something.	Modal Verb (Must)
If I had told him, things would be different.	Conditional Sentence
She wished she hadn’t told him the secret.	Regret (Past Perfect)
Told from a young age to pursue her dreams, she became successful.	Participial Phrase
Having told the story, he felt relieved.	Participial Phrase
She was told by her doctor to exercise more.	Passive Voice (Doctor’s Advice)
The children were told a bedtime story by their grandfather.	Passive Voice (Bedtime Story)
He was told to wait in the lobby.	Passive Voice (Waiting Instruction)
They weren’t told about the surprise party.	Passive Voice (Surprise Party)

Usage Rules for “Told”

Using “told” correctly involves understanding its grammatical role and how it interacts with other parts of a sentence. Here are the key rules to follow:

1. Subject-Verb Agreement: Ensure that the subject of the sentence agrees with the verb. “Told” remains the same regardless of the subject (e.g., I told, you told, he told, she told, it told, we told, they told).
2. Indirect Objects: “Told” is often followed by an indirect object (the person being told) and a direct object (the information being conveyed). For example: She told me (indirect object) a secret (direct object).
3. “Tell” vs. “Say”: Use “tell” when you are specifying *who* is being communicated *to*. Use “say” when you are simply reporting *what* was communicated. For example: She told me that she was tired. (Correct) vs. She said that she was tired. (Correct, no indirect object). It is incorrect to say “She told that she was tired.”
4. Reported Speech: When using “told” in reported speech, remember to adjust the verb tense and pronouns accordingly. For example: He said, “I am going.” becomes He told me that he was going.
5. Passive Voice: “Told” can be used in the passive voice to indicate that someone received information. For example: I was told that the meeting was canceled.

Exceptions and Special Cases

• “Tell a lie”: This is a common idiom where “tell” is always used, not “say.” For example: He told a lie.
• “Tell the truth”: Similar to “tell a lie,” this idiom uses “tell.” For example: She told the truth.
• “Tell the time”: This idiom refers to the ability to read a clock. For example: Can you tell the time?

Common Mistakes When Using “Told”

Even experienced English speakers sometimes make mistakes when using “told.” Being aware of these common errors can help you avoid them.

1. Using “told” without an indirect object when necessary:
   Incorrect: She told that she was happy.
   Correct: She told me that she was happy.
2. Confusing “tell” and “say”:
   Incorrect: She told, “I’m tired.”
   Correct: She said, “I’m tired.” OR She told me, “I’m tired.”
3. Incorrect tense shifting in reported speech:
   Incorrect: He told me that he is going.
   Correct: He told me that he was going.
4. Misusing “tell” in passive voice constructions:
   Incorrect: I am tell to be quiet.
   Correct: I was told to be quiet.

Here’s a table with more examples of common mistakes and their corrections:

Incorrect	Correct	Explanation
He told that he was coming.	He told me that he was coming.	“Told” requires an indirect object (who was told).
She tell me she was busy.	She told me she was busy.	Incorrect verb form; needs to be past tense.
I was tell to wait here.	I was told to wait here.	Incorrect passive voice construction.
They told, “We are leaving.”	They said, “We are leaving.” OR They told us, “We are leaving.”	“Say” is used for direct quotes without an indirect object.
He told to her that he loved her.	He told her that he loved her.	Unnecessary preposition “to.”
She told me she will be there.	She told me she would be there.	Incorrect tense shifting in reported speech.
They told me that they are going yesterday.	They told me yesterday that they were going.	Incorrect tense and word order.
He didn’t told me the truth.	He didn’t tell me the truth.	“Tell” should be in the base form after “didn’t.”
She have told me everything.	She has told me everything.	Incorrect auxiliary verb.
We are telling to go home.	We were told to go home.	Incorrect voice and verb form.
He told I that he was tired.	He told me that he was tired.	Incorrect pronoun.
She told to me a secret.	She told me a secret.	Incorrect word order.
They told us for waiting.	They told us to wait.	Incorrect preposition and verb form.
I was told him the story.	I told him the story.	Incorrect sentence structure.
She told that she is happy.	She told me that she is happy.	Missing indirect object.

Practice Exercises

Test your understanding of “told” with these practice exercises. Each exercise focuses on different aspects of using “told” correctly.

Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks

Fill in the blanks with the correct form of “tell” (told).

Question	Answer
1. She ______ me a funny story yesterday.	told
2. He ______ us that he was going to be late.	told
3. They ______ me not to worry.	told
4. I was ______ to be quiet in the library.	told
5. Have you ______ him the truth yet?	told
6. She ______ him she loved him.	told
7. He ______ her he was sorry.	told
8. They ______ us they were moving.	told
9. The teacher ______ the students to study.	told
10. My parents ______ me not to talk to strangers.	told

Exercise 2: Correct the Errors

Identify and correct the errors in the following sentences.

Question	Answer
1. He told that he was tired.	He told me that he was tired.
2. She tell me she is busy.	She told me she was busy.
3. I am tell to be quiet.	I was told to be quiet.
4. They told, “We are leaving.”	They said, “We are leaving.” OR They told us, “We are leaving.”
5. He told to her that he loved her.	He told her that he loved her.
6. She told me she will be there.	She told me she would be there.
7. They told me that they are going yesterday.	They told me yesterday that they were going.
8. He didn’t told me the truth.	He didn’t tell me the truth.
9. She have told me everything.	She has told me everything.
10. We are telling to go home.	We were told to go home.

Exercise 3: Rewrite in Indirect Speech

Rewrite the following sentences in indirect speech, using “told.”

Question	Answer
1. She said, “I am going to the store.”	She told me that she was going to the store.
2. He said, “I have finished my homework.”	He told us that he had finished his homework.
3. They said, “We will be late for the meeting.”	They told me that they would be late for the meeting.
4. The teacher said, “The exam will be difficult.”	The teacher told the students that the exam would be difficult.
5. My parents said, “You need to clean your room.”	My parents told me that I needed to clean my room.
6. The doctor said, “You need to rest.”	The doctor told him that he needed to rest.
7. She said, “I have a surprise for you.”	She told him that she had a surprise for him.
8. He said, “I miss you.”	He told her that he missed her.
9. They said, “We are excited about the trip.”	They told us that they were excited about the trip.
10. The news reporter said, “The storm is approaching.”	The news reporter told the public that the storm was approaching.

Advanced Topics: “Tell” in Complex Constructions

For advanced learners, understanding how “tell” functions in more complex grammatical structures is essential. This section explores some of these advanced topics.

“Tell” with Infinitives

“Tell” can be followed by an object and an infinitive to express instructions or commands. For example: She told him to be quiet. The infinitive phrase acts as the complement, specifying the action that was instructed.

“Tell” in Cleft Sentences

Cleft sentences are used to emphasize a particular part of a sentence. “Tell” can be part of a cleft structure to highlight who was told something. For example: It was me who she told the secret to.

“Tell” in Reduced Relative Clauses

Reduced relative clauses can be used to shorten sentences while maintaining clarity. For example: The story told by my grandfather was very interesting. (The story that was told by my grandfather…).

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the difference between “tell” and “say”?

   “Tell” requires an indirect object (the person being told something), while “say” does not. You *tell* someone something, but you simply *say* something. For example, “She told me a story,” but “She said that she was tired.”

2. Can I use “told” in direct speech?

   While grammatically possible, “told” is less common in direct speech. “Say” or “ask” are generally preferred. For example, it’s more natural to say, “He said, ‘I am coming,'” than “He told me, ‘I am coming.'”

3. How do I form the passive voice with “told”?

   To form the passive voice, use the appropriate form of “be” (is, are, was, were, been, being) + “told.” For example, “I was told to be quiet,” or “They were told to leave.”

4. What are some common idioms with “tell”?

   Common idioms include “tell a lie,” “tell the truth,” and “tell the time.” These expressions always use “tell,” not “say.”

5. How do I use “told” in reported speech?

   In reported speech, “told” is used to report what someone said without using their exact words. Remember to adjust the verb tense and pronouns accordingly. For example, “He said, ‘I am going,'” becomes “He told me that he was going.”

6. Is it always necessary to use “that” after “told” in reported speech?

   No, “that” is often optional, especially in informal contexts. For example, both “She told me that she was happy” and “She told me she was happy” are correct.

7. What if I don’t know who the information was told to?

   In such cases, use the passive voice. For example, “It was told that the meeting was canceled,” or “Everyone was told to evacuate.”

8. Can “told” be used in questions?

   Yes, “told” can be used in questions, especially in the passive voice or in reported questions. For example, “Were you told about the change?” or “She asked if I had told him the news.”

Conclusion

Mastering the past tense of “tell,” which is “told,” is essential for clear and accurate communication in English. This article has provided a comprehensive overview of “told,” covering its definition, structure, usage rules, common mistakes, and providing ample practice exercises.

By understanding these concepts and practicing regularly, you can confidently and effectively use “told” in your writing and speech.

Remember to pay attention to subject-verb agreement, the use of indirect objects, and the correct tense shifting in reported speech. Avoiding common mistakes, such as confusing “tell” and “say,” will further enhance your fluency and accuracy.

With consistent effort and attention to detail, you can master the nuances of “told” and elevate your English language skills.