"Said" is the most general verb for reporting speech. It is used when you want to focus on the words spoken, without any particular emphasis on the speaker or the relationship between the speaker and the listener.
Examples:
* "He said, 'I'm going to the store.'"
* "She said, 'Hello there.'"
* "The teacher said, 'Please open your books.'"
"Told" implies a direct communication of information or a story. It is often used when the speaker is conveying something specific or giving instructions.
Examples:
* "He told me he was going to the store."
* "She told us a story about her childhood."
* "The doctor told her to take the medicine twice a day."
Here are some additional considerations:
* Direct objects: "Told" often takes a direct object (the person being told). "Said" usually doesn't.
* Context: Sometimes the context of the sentence can influence the choice between "said" and "told." For example, you would likely use "told" if someone is giving a command or explaining something: "The coach told the team to run laps."
* Formal vs. Informal: "Told" can sound more formal than "said" in some cases.
In general, if you're unsure which verb to use, "said" is the safer choice. It's a versatile verb that works in most situations.
Let me know if you'd like more examples or have specific situations in mind!