Here's a breakdown:
Said:
* General purpose: Use "said" when you simply want to report what someone said without focusing on the direction of the communication.
* Example: "He said, 'I'm going to the store.'"
Told:
* Direct communication: Use "told" when you want to emphasize that the speaker was addressing someone directly and conveying information.
* Example: "She told me, 'I'll be late.'"
Here are some key differences:
* Directness: "Told" implies a more direct communication than "said."
* Receiver: "Told" always indicates a specific person who received the information.
* Content: "Told" often implies the speaker was giving instructions, advice, or news.
Examples:
* Said: "The teacher said, 'Please open your books.'"
* Told: "The teacher told the students, 'Please open your books.'"
* Said: "She said she was feeling sick."
* Told: "She told her friend she was feeling sick."
In general, "said" is the more versatile and commonly used word. Use "told" when you want to highlight the specific recipient of the message or emphasize that the speaker was conveying information directly to someone.