Which is Grammatically Correct: “Everyone’s Been Saying” or “Everyone’s Been Telling”?

Both everyone's been saying and everyone's been telling can be correct, depending on how the rest of the sentence is structured. To understand their usage, let's explore these phrases in more detail. These are commonly used in everyday conversations and written content, making it important to use them correctly.

Grammatical Context and Usage

In English grammar, saying and telling are present perfect continuous forms. They express ongoing actions that have been happening for some time in the past and may continue into the present moment or future.

Case 1: "Everyone Said that It Was Going to Rain and It Did."

In this sentence, said is the correct word to use. The reason is that it indicates a statement that was made (past tense), which can be regarded as a one-time action or a statement that has been repeated multiple times. Example:

“Everybody said that it was going to rain and it did.”

Case 2: "Everyone Told Me/Us That It Was Going to Rain and They Were Right!"

Here, told is the appropriate verb. The context is about being informed or given information that was later proven true. This sentence indicates a direct action of imparting information. Example:

“Everyone told me that it was going to rain and they were right!”

Necessary Objects and Subjects

The phrases “saying” and “telling” do not necessarily require an object, as the subject of the sentences ('everybody' or 'everyone') often implies the action. However, additional subjects or objects can be added for clarity and specificity.

“Saying” Doesn’t Require an Object

When using saying, it often implies a general statement. For instance:

“Everyone’s saying the end of the world is coming.”

Here, the phrase “everyone’s saying” can stand alone and imply that people are making this statement or rumor. Conversely, when using telling, it implies a specific recipient.

“Everyone’s telling me the end of the world is coming.”

Examples with Objects and Subjects

To ensure the sentences are grammatically correct and make sense, adding objects and subjects can be helpful. Here are a few examples:

Example 1: Everyone's Been Saying That...

Adding “that” introduces a clear subject for the sentence:

“Everyone’s been saying that I should get my hair cut.”

In this sentence, “saying that I should get my hair cut” is the formal way to express what everyone is saying, leaving no ambiguity about the nature of the action.

Example 2: Everyone’s Been Telling Me About...

Here, it is clear that someone is being informed about something specific:

“Everyone’s been telling me about the new restaurant in town.”

This sentence indicates that multiple people are informing the speaker about the new restaurant.

Summary

In conclusion, whether you choose “everyone’s been saying” or “everyone’s been telling” depends on the context and intended meaning of the sentence. Saying often implies a general statement, while telling implies a specific piece of information being shared. By carefully structuring your sentences with the appropriate subject, object, and verb, you can ensure grammatical correctness and clarity.