tell a joke
/tɛl ə dʒoʊk/
Meaning
This expression means to share a funny story, riddle, or pun with others to make them laugh. It is most commonly used in relaxed, informal social settings.
Examples
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My uncle loves to tell a joke at the dinner table, even if nobody laughs.
My uncle loves to tell a joke at the dinner table, even if nobody laughs.
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Can you tell a joke to cheer everyone up?
Can you tell a joke to cheer everyone up?
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He tried to tell a joke, but he forgot the punchline.
He tried to tell a joke, but he forgot the punchline.
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She is great at telling jokes and keeping the party lively.
She is great at telling jokes and keeping the party lively.
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I'm terrible at telling jokes because I always laugh before the end.
I'm terrible at telling jokes because I always laugh before the end.
Common Mistakes
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✗ He said a very funny joke yesterday.
✓ He told a very funny joke yesterday.
English speakers do not 'say' jokes; they 'tell' jokes.
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✗ He spoke a joke to the audience.
✓ He told a joke to the audience.
We do not use the verb 'speak' with jokes. The correct verb is always 'tell'.
Related Expressions
Practice
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He loves to ___ to make his friends laugh.
💡 Use the plural form of the expression.
Show answer
tell jokes
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I tried to ___ but nobody got it.
💡 Share a funny story or riddle.
Show answer
tell a joke