“Tell Someone” vs. “Let Someone Know”: What’s the Difference?
Jun 8, 2023
Engram
The difference between “tell someone” and “let someone know”
- "Tell someone" is a more direct way of imparting information than "letting someone know".
- "Let someone know" connotes a more considerate approach and implies a preference of delivering information in a softer manner than "telling".
- Both phrases imply giving information but "tell" is more often used when sharing information that is more urgent or critical, while "let someone know" is preferred when conveying less serious information.
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What is the definition of “tell someone” and “let someone know”?
Tell someone
- To give information to someone using words or writing.
- The information being given is often specific and important.
- The person receiving the information is passive in the exchange.
Let someone know
- To inform someone about something with the intent of communicating important information.
- It can be less direct than telling and implies a softer delivery of information.
- The person receiving the information is an active participant in the exchange.
Which is the more popular variant on the Internet?
“Tell someone” is the more popular variant on the web.
More popular
Tell someone
14,500,000 results on the web
Examples
- I need to tell someone about my new job offer.
- Can you tell someone in charge that we need more supplies?
- I want to tell someone how proud I am of my child's accomplishments.
Let someone know
1,400,000 results on the web
Examples
- Please let me know if you'll be able to make it to the party.
- I'll let you know if I make any progress on the project.
- Could you let your colleague know that their phone is ringing?
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