What does the phrasal verb “tell apart” mean?

What are the definitions of “tell apart”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. See a difference between two things.

  They're identical twins so I cannot TELL them APART.

What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “tell apart”?

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb tell apart is to see or recognize the difference between two things or people that look very similar. For example, it can be used when talking about identical twins or two items that look almost the same.

What are the different verb forms of “tell apart”?

Root Verb	tell apart
Third Person Singular Present	tells apart
Present Participle	telling apart
Simple Past	told apart
Past Participle	told apart

Example

It's difficult to tell apart the two paintings.

Example

She tells apart the twins by their hairstyles.

Example

He is telling apart the real diamond from the fake one.

Example

Yesterday, they told apart the counterfeit money from the real one.

Example

The two similar-looking plants have been told apart by the expert.

What kind of phrasal verb is “tell apart”?

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

What is a transitive and intransitive verb?
- A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.)
- An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)

Transitive verb

“tell apart” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.

Example

Can you tell the twins apart?

Example

She told the fake painting apart from the original.

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb?
- A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle.
- An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.

Inseparable

“tell apart” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.

Example

Can you tell the twins apart?

Example

She told the fake painting apart from the original.

What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “tell apart”?

Tell right from wrong

To distinguish between morally correct and incorrect actions or decisions.

Example

As a parent, it's important to teach your children how to tell right from wrong.

Tell fact from fiction

To differentiate between true information and false or made-up stories.

Example

In today's world of misinformation, it's crucial to tell fact from fiction.

Tell time

To read and understand the time displayed on a clock or watch.

Example

Learning to tell time is an essential skill for young children.

Good things to know

Does “tell apart” have an informal or formal tone?

Tell apart is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal settings, depending on the specific context.

What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “tell apart”?

Synonyms

• distinguish
• differentiate
• discern
• separate
• discriminate
• recognize

Antonyms

• confuse
• misidentify
• mistake
• mix up
• fail to distinguish