What are the definitions of “tell on”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Report someone to an authority.
The pupil TOLD ON the others for cheating and the teacher failed them.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “tell on”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb tell on is to report someone's bad behavior or actions to an authority figure, such as a teacher, parent, or boss. This often implies that the person telling on someone else is trying to get them in trouble.
What are the different verb forms of “tell on”?
| Root Verb | tell on |
| Third Person Singular Present | tells on |
| Present Participle | telling on |
| Simple Past | told on |
| Past Participle | told 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.
Example
He is telling on his coworker for stealing office supplies.
Example
Yesterday, the student told on his friend for cheating on the test.
Example
The little girl had told on her brother for eating the cookies.
What kind of phrasal verb is “tell on”?
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 on” 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
She told on her brother for stealing the candy.
Example
He told the teacher on his classmate for cheating.
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 on” 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
She told on her brother for stealing the candy.
Example
He told the teacher on his classmate for cheating.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “tell on”?
Good things to know
Does “tell on” have an informal or formal tone?
Tell on is generally considered informal and is more commonly used in everyday conversations, especially among children and in casual settings. In more formal situations, it is better to use synonyms such as 'report,' 'inform,' or 'reveal.'
