What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
tell
Example
Can you tell me what happened at the meeting? [tell: verb]
Example
She told us a funny story about her trip to the beach. [told: past tense]
Example
His facial expression told me that he was not happy with the decision. [told: past participle]
discern
Example
It was difficult to discern the details of the painting in the dimly lit room. [discern: verb]
Example
I could discern a hint of disappointment in his voice. [discerned: past tense]
Example
She has a keen ability to discern the underlying meaning of complex texts. [discern: infinitive]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Tell is much more common than discern in everyday language, as it covers a wider range of contexts and is more versatile. Discern is more commonly used in academic or professional settings where precise language is required.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between tell and discern?
Discern is generally considered more formal than tell, as it is often used in academic or professional contexts. However, both words can be used in formal or informal settings depending on the context and tone of the communication.
