Gateway to Grammar: Asking and Telling

Walter needs to learn some manners. However, it is useful to look at the difference between asking someone to do something, and telling them to do something.

ASKING = You can say no! I want you to do something, but you have a choice.

TELLING = You must do this, you have no choice!

A parent might ask their child to help them in the kitchen, but tell them to go to bed. But be careful not to use TELL or TOLD with adults. Even as an employer or manager with a lot of authority, telling people to do things is not seen as good behaviour in the British workplace. It is understood that when a boss ASKS you to do something, you still have no choice!

Let’s have a look at some examples of things you might ask or tell:

·         Timmy, I asked you to feed the guinea pigs, have you done it?

·         Hi, I asked you to wash the cars have you done that yet?

·         Karen, I told you, you can talk to the manager when he gets here!

·         I told you if you said a rude word you would go to bed without dinner!

So, peeps, I’m asking you to practice your English language skills. I’m not telling you!