tells, told, telling
to tell apart
phrasal verb
To recognize differences between two or more things
- 1It's hard to tell apart the twins.
- 2Can you tell apart these two colors?
To tell apart means to see how things are different. For example, you can tell apart a cat and a dog because they look different. It's like noticing the unique features of each thing to understand which is which.
Remember, when trying to tell things apart, focus on the key differences that stand out the most. This will help you avoid confusion and make it easier to distinguish between them.
in a waiting room
Choosing the Right Magazine
Ronald
Betty, can you help me choose a magazine? I can't tell apart the ones about health from the ones about travel.
Betty
Sure, Ronald. The health magazines usually have a lot of articles about nutrition and exercise.
Ronald
Ah, I see. And the travel ones have pictures of destinations, right?
Betty
Exactly! Now you can easily pick the one you want.
during lunch break
Spotting the Difference
Patricia
These two sandwiches look so similar, it's hard to tell apart which one has turkey and which one has chicken.
Joshua
Yeah, I always have trouble with that too.
Patricia
I think the one with turkey has a slightly darker bread.
Joshua
Good eye! I'll remember that next time.
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Similar to "to tell apart":
- 1distinguish
- 2differentiate