Grammar 4: Phrasal with TELL

1. Tell apart: Tell something/someone apart: see the difference between 2 or more things
 Ex: 

• Which twin is Lisa? I can’t tell them apart.
• I know one of these champagnes is more expensive than the other, but I can’t tell them apart. They taste the same to me.

2. Tell off: Tell someone off: express unhappiness or disapproval with another person in a strong way
Ex: 

• I told my son off for lying to me about stealing the money.
• I was really upset after my manager told me off for not including her in the meeting.

3. Tell from: Tell A from B
Ex: How can you tell a fake Vuitton handbag from the real thing
4. Tell on: Tell on someone: report bad behavior (usually used by children)
Ex: 

• If you don’t do your homework, I’ll tell on you.
• Why did you tell on your brother? He got in trouble from your dad.