say and tell

Both Say and Tell are used in relating indirectly what someone has said.
He says that you are a very good student.
He said to me the other day that we should have good weather next week.
They tell me that you are doing a fine job.
He told Jack that he would meet us for lunch.

*In these structures, an indirect object follows Tell; a to-phrase, not a indirect object, may follow say.
*Say and Tell are also used in referring to the kind of things that someone says about someone or something.
What did he say?
He said some very nice things to her.
He told us many good things about your work.

*Say is used in quoting directly from a spoken or written source.
In his speech of acceptance last Tuesday, the new director said,"I know that I shall enjoy working with all of you".
In a recent article in a fashion magazine ,a well-known dress desinger said,"Women will wear whatever I decide they should wear."

*Tell is used in the following situations:
1.Tell -the truth or a lie:
Rodney always tells the truth.
He always tells us the truth.
According to legend, George Washington could never tell a lie.
He couldn't tell a lie to his father.
-In this construction, an indirect object may follow tell or a to-phrase may follow the direc object.

2.Tell-a story, a joke, the news, the facts, and so forth.
Try to tell me all the important facts.
Why don't you tell Stella the joke you told me yesterday?
George has alreadly told the good news to her wife.
She is alwasy telling fantastic stories about herself.
-An indirec object may follow tell or a to-phrase may follow the direct object

3.Tell-about experienes,plans, and so forth:
Please tell us about your experiences in Alaska.
Denise has already told them about her plans.
-An indirect object may follow tell.

4.Tell--time:
Would you please tell me the time?
Can you tell me the time?
-An indirec object usually follows tell in expressions of this kind

5.Tell--one thing or person from another (make out or distinguish):
Can you tell one brand of coffee from another?
I can't tell the twins apart.
-Neither an indirect objerct nor a to-phrase follows tell in expressions of time kind.