student asking question

Is there any difference in nuance between "it has a story" and "it tells a story"? What kind of situation do you use "tell" instead of "have"?

teacher

Native speaker’s answer

Rebecca

Yes there is a difference in nuance between "tells a story" and "has a story". If something "has a story", then it means there is some information that is interesting or important that you need to know about it, but someone must tell you the information. However, if something "tells a story"it means that if you simply look at the thing you already know the story, no one has to tell it to you. Usually "tells a story" is used for art, and creative things which make people feel some kind of emotional reaction. "Has a story" is usually used for people, to relay some information about them. Ex: He has a story that would make you cry. Ex: Every picture tells a different story.

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