Homophones can be confusing, especially for new English learners. One common pair that often trips people up is “told” and “tolled.” Despite sounding the same, these words have different meanings and uses.
In this article, we’ll help you understand the difference between “told” and “tolled.” We’ll cover their definitions, spellings, and how to use each one correctly. By the end, you’ll feel more confident using these words in your writing and speech.
Told and Tolled are two different words in English vocabulary with distinct meanings and usage. Told is the past tense and past participle of ‘tell’, implying to inform or instruct. For example, ‘She told him about the incident.’
On the other hand, Tolled is the past tense and past participle of ‘toll’, often related to the chiming of a bell or the cost of a service. For example, ‘The bells tolled at midnight.’ or ‘The bridge toll was tolled at five dollars.’ Correct use of these words enhances clarity in communication.
Understanding Homophones: Told vs. Tolled
English has words called homophones that sound the same but mean different things. Take “told” and “tolled,” for example. They sound alike but have different meanings and uses.
Learning homophones is key to clear communication. “Told” is about sharing info, and “tolled” means a bell rings.
Using homophones in sentences is a good strategy. It helps you get which word fits best, lowering mistakes. By getting better at homophones, your writing and speaking will improve, bringing more clarity and accuracy.
Meaning and Definition of Told
“Told” is the past form of “tell,” an irregular verb in English. It’s key for strong communication. It helps share facts, views, or news, shaping any narrative. With “told,” people can smoothly share conveying information, enriching both written and spoken language.
Examples of “Told” in Sentences
- Nancy New was told to direct money to concussion treatment therapies.
- The Queen was told she cannot prevent certain royal titles from being bestowed.
- “When I told her the news, her reaction was of sheer joy,” he recounted.
The use of “told” brilliantly displays many sides of communication. It’s great at conveying information through news reports, instructions, or sharing personal events in a story form.
Meaning and Definition of Tolled
The word “tolled” helps us remember important events through the sound of bell ringing. It means a large bell was rung, usually with a rope, for a special reason. This is often done in religious events and ceremonies to add a special feeling.
The word “toll” is easy to use in English, following the usual rules for verbs. Knowing about bell ringing in the past and today makes us value this word more.
Examples of “Tolled” in Sentences
Here are some examples of how “tolled” is used:
- Bells tolled on Armistice Day to remember the end of World War I.
- A church bell tolled in memory of Second World War veteran Kenneth Westwood.
- Each strike of the bell tolled across the quiet town, marking the hour.
The sound of a bell tolling is very meaningful. It reminds us of events or honors the past. Using “tolled” in our conversations helps us describe these moments well.
Common Mistakes: Told vs. Tolled
The mix-up between “told” and “tolled” is a big mistake due to how similar they sound. It’s a common English mistake that leads to unclear messages and wrong sentences. Knowing their real meanings and when to use them is key to fixing this problem.
- Told: Being the past tense of “tell,” this verb is about sharing info, news, or stories. For example, “She told us about her travel adventures.”
- Tolled: This word, however, is the past tense of “toll” and refers to bell ringing, often for important events. Like in, “The church bell tolled at noon.”
Using these words wrong can mess up your message. If you write “the bell told” instead of “the bell tolled,” the sentence doesn’t make sense. So, knowing how to use them right makes your writing clear and correct.
Being careful and double-checking your words are vital in correcting homophone usage. They help you dodge common English mistakes. With enough practice, avoiding these errors gets easier, making you a better communicator.
Correct Usage: All Told, Not All Tolled
Understanding the right word use in English idioms is critical. Phrases like “all told” are key, meaning “when everything is considered.” It is meant to give a final total. Yet, some confuse it with “all tolled,” thinking of tolling bells. But “all told” actually comes from “tell,” which used to mean “to count.”
Many mix up “all tolled” with “all told” because they sound alike. Also, bells have a symbolic meaning. For example, using “all tolled” by mistake changes the meaning. “Told” rightly stands for counting. Based on Garner’s Modern American Usage, a correct use is: “All told there were 14 casualties.” This dates back to the mid-19th century.
It’s vital to use English idioms correctly to prevent spreading wrong info. Choosing “all tolled” over “all told” can mislead. Knowing the right usage boosts clear communication and celebrates English’s depth. Remember, say “all told” for summaries, not “all tolled.”
