verb
1
BAD : The article tells about the history of Rome.
GOOD : The article is about the history of Rome.
DUBIOUS : The story tells of a princess and a frog.
GOOD : The story is about a princess and a frog.
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You usually say that a book, story, article etc is about a particular subject: 'The novel is about the experiences of a young German soldier during the First World War.'
Tell of is used only in literary styles: 'The poem tells of the deeds of a young Greek soldier during the Trojan War.' Tell about does not exist.
2
BAD : He told that he hadn't eaten anything for over a week.
GOOD : He told them that he hadn't eaten anything for over a week.
GOOD : He said that he hadn't eaten anything for over a week.
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tell sb sth (WITH indirect object): 'Jim told me that you've been offered a new job.'
say sth (WITHOUT indirect object): 'Jim said that you've been offered a new job.'
3
BAD : John said that he was trying to get to London. 'That's where I'm going,' told the man.
GOOD : John said that he was trying to get to London. 'That's where I'm going,' said the man.
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Say is used with both direct and indirect speech: "'I'm not going,"' he said.' 'He said he wasn't going.'
Tell is used only with indirect speech: 'He told me he wasn't going.'
4
BAD : Kiri was always telling about herself and her problems.
GOOD : Kiri was always talking about herself and her problems.
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talk about sth (NOT tell about ): 'Once she felt more relaxed, she began to talk about her real reasons for coming to see me.'
Compare tell sb about sth : 'Did you tell him about the party on Saturday?' 'Don't forget to tell the doctor about your headaches.'