tell
verb (used with object)
to give an account or narrative of; narrate; relate (a story, tale, etc.).
had told
-
past perfectof tell.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
She had told them that on 15 July she would go to Kypseli, where her "American friends" or acquaintances were.
From BBC ● Jul. 31, 2026
The Madrid regional government's environment official, Carlos Novillo, had told reporters Friday that the fire was "at its peak and... currently beyond the capacity of firefighters to contain".
From Barron's ● Jul. 25, 2026
Monopoly Events said a number of guests had told the company they would be reluctant to appear at Comic-Con shows again after cases of recordings taking place without their knowledge.
From BBC ● Jul. 24, 2026
Following the publishing of Chey’s letter, Roh had told friends she would defend her household, keep the family together and resist granting a divorce.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 24, 2026
More than once, though, he had told her, “If I die young, I hope it’s in an eruption.”
From "Mountain of Fire" by Rebecca E. F. Barone
