Differences between tell on and touch on
Tell on means to report someone's bad behavior or actions to an authority figure, while touch on means to briefly mention or discuss a topic without going into detail.
Meanings and Definitions: tell on vs touch on
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
Tell on
- 1Report someone to an authority.
The pupil TOLD ON the others for cheating and the teacher failed them.
Touch on
- 1Mention.
The talk TOUCHED ON the issue, but didn't give any new information.
Usage Examples: tell on, touch on in Sentences
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
tell on
Example
If you don't stop making noise, I will tell on you to the teacher.
Example
She always tells on her classmates when they break the rules.
touch on
Example
The teacher touched on the topic of climate change during the lecture.
Example
She touches on the importance of exercise in her book.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Tell on
To give an account of something to an authority figure, especially when it involves someone's wrongdoing or misbehavior.
Example
She decided to report her coworker's unethical behavior to their supervisor.
To inform an authority figure about someone's wrongdoing or misbehavior, often in exchange for personal gain.
Example
He was accused of snitching on his colleagues to get a promotion.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Touch on
Explore more Phrasal Verbs
Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles
Phrasal Verbs with “tell”
Phrasal Verbs with “touch”
Differences in tell on vs touch on: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: tell on or touch on?
In daily conversation, people use touch on more often than tell on. This is because touch on can be used in various contexts, such as in a casual conversation or a formal presentation. Tell on, on the other hand, is more specific and is mainly used when someone wants to report someone else's wrongdoing. So, while both phrases are used, touch on is more common in everyday conversation.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of tell on and touch on
Tell on and touch on are both informal phrases that can be used in casual conversations. However, touch on can also be used in more formal settings like business or academic contexts, whereas tell on is not suitable for formal situations.
Tone and Implication: The Nuances of tell on and touch on
The tone of tell on and touch on can differ based on context. Tell on often carries a negative or accusatory tone, while touch on typically has a neutral or informative tone.
