TELL, SAY OR ASK?

SAY TELL ASK

 hello  sb one’s name  a question
 good morning/afternoon/  sb the way  a favour
evening/night  sb so  the time
 sorry  a story  after sb
 something  a joke  the price
 nothing  a secret  for smth/sb
 so  a lie  around
 a few words  the truth  for advice
 no more  the difference  for directions
 for sure  one from another  sb out
 for certain  sb what to do  permission
 a prayer  sb off  about
 yes/no  the time

1. Choose the correct verb (say, tell or ask) to complete the sentences. Use the correct tense or
form as well.
a) My grandma loves_________stories about her past.
b) If you accept my offer - _________yes.
c) Do you have a watch? Can you_______me the time, please?
d) I like Jenny so much. I think I’ll_________her out on a date.
e) When Dan had_______her the truth, she looked at him but______nothing.
f) Come on! ________me your secret! I promise I’ll keep it!
g) A: I want something casual but trendy……B: _____no more! I got what you need!
h) Vincent is a professional comedian. He works in a night club and _______jokes to the
audience.
i) Excuse me! I’d like to_______a question!
j) If I were you, I’d never________Helen for advice.
k) I spoke to James today. He _____________ after you.
l) If you see Peter today, _______hi to him!
m) I can’t________the difference between these two guys. They look absolutely the same!
Are they twins?
2. Choose the correct alternative.
1. Can I______________? Will you open a window! It’s too hot in here!
a) ask you a favour b) ask around c) tell you the way
2. Will you ________ about the project, please?
a) ask the time b) say a few words c) tell the difference
3. Why are you___________? There’s a tag here. It costs $10.
a) asking the price b) telling a lie c) saying a prayer
4. Sorry, I can’t___________. I’m new to this neighbourhood.
a) tell you a story b) ask you for directions c) tell you the way
5. I can________ - you’ll win the race!
a) say for sure b) ask permission c) tell a joke
3. Complete the questions with the correct verb. Ask and answer with a partner.

Student A
1. When was the last time you________ someone off? Why?
2. When was the last time you had to ________no to someone?
3. When is it ok to ________ a lie?
4. How can you_______ the difference between a good employee and a bad employee in a job
interview?
5. How can you ________’sorry’ in English?
6. Who do you usually________ for advice?
7. When was the last time you_______ the time in the street?
Student B
8. Are you good at_____________ jokes?
9. When was the last time you_______ someone a secret?
10. When was the last time you____________ for directions?
11. How many times a day on average do you___________ hello to somebody?
12. If you met your favourite celebrity or historical person (either dead or alive), what would be the
first question you’d____________ him or her?
13. What kind of stories do you like___________?
14. Would it be difficult for you to___________ somebody a way in your hometown without using
your phone?