SAY vs. TELL

'SAY' and 'TELL' are irregular verbs and their past forms are 'SAID' and 'TOLD', respectively.

​You 'say' something,

BUT

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2. The kids always tell their parents (that) they love their Math classes with Mrs. Smith.

​SAY is used with a Direct Object.

You SAY SOMETHING

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You SAY SOMETHING TO SOMEONE

Examples:

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Bob said (that) he loved his job.

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Bob said TO his boss (that) he loved his job.

Examples:

Bob said: "I love my job, Mr. Robinson." (Direct speech)

​Bob said that he loved his job. (Indirect speech)

Examples:

​Bob told Mr. Robinson: "I love my job." (Direct speech)

​Bob told Mr. Robinson that he loved his job. (Indirect speech)