Are you often confused between the words “told” and “tolled”? Do you find yourself wondering which one is the correct word to use in a particular situation? Don’t worry; you’re not alone! Many people find it challenging to differentiate between these two words, which is why we’ve created this guide to help you understand the difference between them.
The proper word to use depends on the context of the sentence. “Told” is a verb that means to communicate something to someone using words. “Tolled,” on the other hand, is a verb that means to ring a bell slowly and repeatedly, especially for a funeral or to mark the time.
In this article, we’ll explore the differences between “told” and “tolled” in more detail to help you understand when to use each word correctly.
Define Told
Told is the past tense of the verb “tell,” which means to communicate information or express oneself with words. It is a common word used in everyday conversation and writing. When you tell someone something, you are sharing information with them in a direct and straightforward manner. The act of telling is often associated with conveying a message, giving instructions, or sharing a story.
Define Tolled
Tolled is the past tense of the verb “toll,” which has multiple meanings depending on the context. One definition of toll is a fee or charge for using a particular service or facility, such as a toll road or bridge. Another definition of toll is the act of ringing a bell or chime, often in a solemn or mournful manner. This can be done to mark the passing of time, signal an event, or commemorate a significant occasion.
It is important to note that while “told” and “tolled” may sound similar, their meanings are distinct and should not be used interchangeably. Confusing these words can lead to misunderstandings and inaccuracies in communication.
How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence
In order to effectively communicate in writing, it is important to use the correct words in a sentence. The words “told” and “tolled” are commonly confused due to their similar spelling and pronunciation. However, they have distinct meanings and should be used appropriately in different contexts. In this section, we will discuss how to use these words correctly in a sentence.
How To Use “Told” In A Sentence
“Told” is the past tense of the verb “tell.” It is used to indicate that someone communicated information to another person. Here are some examples:
- She told me a secret.
- He told the teacher that he was sick.
- They told us the meeting was cancelled.
It is important to note that “told” is usually followed by an object, which is the person or thing that received the information. For example, in the sentence “She told me a secret,” “me” is the object.
How To Use “Tolled” In A Sentence
“Tolled” is the past tense of the verb “toll.” It is used to indicate that a bell or other instrument made a ringing sound. Here are some examples:
- The church bells tolled at midnight.
- The alarm clock tolled loudly in the morning.
- The ship’s bell tolled as it sailed into port.
It is important to note that “tolled” is typically used to describe the sound that a bell makes, rather than the act of ringing it. For example, you would say “The church bells tolled” rather than “The church bells were tolled.”
Overall, it is important to use “told” and “tolled” correctly in a sentence in order to avoid confusion and clearly convey your intended meaning.
More Examples Of Told & Tolled Used In Sentences
In this section, we will explore more examples of how “told” and “tolled” are used in sentences. Understanding the context in which these words are used can help prevent confusion and ensure effective communication.
Examples Of Using “Told” In A Sentence
- She told me about her trip to Paris.
- He told the truth about what happened.
- They told us to be quiet during the movie.
- I told him I couldn’t make it to the party.
- She told her boss she was resigning.
- He told his wife he loved her.
- They told the children a bedtime story.
- I told my friend the secret.
- She told the waiter her order.
- He told the audience a joke.
As you can see, “told” is commonly used to convey information or share a story with someone. It is often followed by an object, such as a person or group of people, that the information is being conveyed to.
Examples Of Using “Tolled” In A Sentence
- The church bells tolled for the funeral procession.
- The clock tower tolled the hour.
- The ship’s bell tolled to signal the end of the watch.
- The warning bell tolled to alert the students of an emergency.
- The funeral procession was led by a horse-drawn carriage with a bell that tolled mournfully.
- The tolling of the bells signaled the start of the New Year.
- The church bells tolled in remembrance of the fallen soldiers.
- The death of the beloved monarch was marked by the tolling of the bells throughout the kingdom.
- The old grandfather clock in the hallway tolled every hour.
- The bell tower tolled a somber melody as the sun set on the town.
“Tolled” is often used to describe the sound of a bell or other instrument that produces a similar sound. It is commonly used in the context of funeral processions or other solemn events. It can also be used to describe the sound of a clock or other timekeeping device.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
When it comes to the words “told” and “tolled,” many people tend to use them interchangeably without realizing that they have different meanings. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
Using “Told” Instead Of “Tolled”
One of the most common mistakes people make is using “told” instead of “tolled.” While “told” refers to conveying information or giving instructions, “tolled” refers to the sound of a bell or a similar instrument.
For example:
- Incorrect: The church bell told twelve times.
- Correct: The church bell tolled twelve times.
Using “Tolled” Instead Of “Told”
Another common mistake is using “tolled” instead of “told.” This mistake often occurs when people are referring to a story or a piece of information that they have shared with someone.
For example:
- Incorrect: I tolled him about my weekend plans.
- Correct: I told him about my weekend plans.
Offering Tips To Avoid Making Mistakes
To avoid making these mistakes in the future, here are some tips:
- Remember that “told” refers to conveying information or giving instructions, while “tolled” refers to the sound of a bell or a similar instrument.
- If you are unsure which word to use, look up the definition in a dictionary or use a thesaurus to find a similar word that you are more familiar with.
- Practice using the words in context to help you remember the correct usage.
Context Matters
Choosing between told and tolled can be a bit tricky as it depends on the context in which they are used. Both words are past tense verbs, but they have different meanings and uses.
When To Use “Told”
“Told” is used to describe the act of conveying information or giving instructions to someone. It can also refer to sharing a story or giving an account of something that happened in the past.
For example:
- “I told him to meet me at the park.”
- “She told me a funny story about her cat.”
- “He told the police what he saw.”
In all of these examples, “told” is used to indicate that someone communicated something to another person.
When To Use “Tolled”
“Tolled” is used to describe the sound of a bell ringing or the act of charging a fee or tax.
For example:
- “The church bells tolled at noon.”
- “The toll road charges drivers for using it.”
- “The tax on cigarettes was recently tolled.”
In these examples, “tolled” is used to indicate the sound of a bell or the act of charging a fee or tax.
Context Matters
The choice between told and tolled can depend on the context in which they are used. For instance, in a sentence like “The clock tolled midnight,” “tolled” is the correct word choice because it describes the sound of a bell ringing. On the other hand, in a sentence like “I told him to call me later,” “told” is the correct word choice because it describes the act of conveying information.
Other examples of contexts where the choice between told and tolled might change include:
| Context | Correct Word Choice |
|---|---|
| A story | told |
| A fee or tax | tolled |
| A warning or instruction | told |
| A sound | tolled |
As you can see, the choice between told and tolled can vary depending on the context, so it’s important to understand the meanings and uses of each word in order to use them correctly.
Exceptions To The Rules
While the rules for using “told” and “tolled” are generally straightforward, there are a few exceptions to keep in mind.
1. Told In The Past Tense Of “Tell”
One exception to the rule is in the past tense of the verb “tell.” In this case, “told” is always used, regardless of whether it refers to a sound or a bell. For example:
- She told me the news yesterday.
- He told the church bells to stop ringing.
2. “Toll” As A Noun
Another exception is when “toll” is used as a noun, as in the cost of using a particular road or bridge. In this case, “toll” is always used, and “told” is never used. For example:
- The toll for crossing the bridge is $5.
- He paid the toll to use the highway.
3. Regional Variations
Finally, it’s worth noting that there may be regional variations in the use of “told” and “tolled.” In some areas, one form may be preferred over the other, or the rules may be more flexible. For example, in some dialects of British English, “toll” may be used instead of “told” in certain contexts. As always, it’s important to be aware of the context and audience when using these words.
Practice Exercises
One of the best ways to improve your understanding and use of told and tolled is through practice exercises. Here are a few exercises to help you sharpen your skills:
Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank
Choose the correct form of told or tolled to fill in the blank in each sentence:
| 1. The church bell _______ every hour. | tolled |
| 2. She _______ me that she was going to be late. | told |
| 3. The teacher _______ the students to be quiet during the test. | told |
| 4. The clock _______ midnight. | tolled |
Answer Key: 1. tolled, 2. told, 3. told, 4. tolled
Exercise 2: Choose The Correct Word
Choose the correct form of told or tolled to complete each sentence:
- The church bell _______ every hour.
- tolled
- told
- told
- tolled
- told
- tolled
- told
- tolled
Answer Key: 1. tolled, 2. told, 3. tolled, 4. told
Exercise 3: Writing Practice
Write a paragraph using both told and tolled correctly:
Example:
The church bell tolled loudly, signaling the end of the day. As I walked home, my friend told me about her new job.
Answer Key: Your paragraph should include both told and tolled used correctly in context.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the difference between “told” and “tolled” is quite simple yet often confused. “Told” is the past tense of the verb “tell,” which means to communicate information or give instructions to someone. On the other hand, “tolled” is the past tense of the verb “toll,” which means to ring a bell or sound a signal.
It is important to use these words correctly in order to communicate effectively and avoid confusion. Remember that “told” is used when referring to giving information, while “tolled” is used when referring to ringing a bell or sounding a signal.
Key Takeaways
- “Told” is the past tense of the verb “tell.”
- “Tolled” is the past tense of the verb “toll.”
- “Told” is used when referring to giving information.
- “Tolled” is used when referring to ringing a bell or sounding a signal.
- Using these words correctly is important for effective communication.
It is always beneficial to continue learning about grammar and language use. By improving our language skills, we can better communicate with others and express ourselves more effectively. Keep exploring and expanding your knowledge to become a confident and skilled communicator.
Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don’t even want to know what he calls pancakes.