All Ears English Podcast AEE 2535: So I Said to Myself, “You’re Gonna Love This Episode!”
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Dec 23, 2025 Explore the nuances of reporting inner thoughts with expressions like 'I said to myself' and 'I told myself.' Discover how these phrases differ in formality and motivation, adding depth to your conversations. The hosts offer storytelling tips, highlighting the impact of voice and tone in engaging narratives. Get ready to enhance your English with practical examples and role play that brings these concepts to life! Plus, there's a free quiz to assess your current English level.
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Use "I Said To Myself" For Thoughts
- Use "I said to myself" to report a thought when telling a story.
- It usually means you thought it, not that you literally spoke out loud.
"I Told Myself" Signals Commitment
- "I told myself" can sound slightly more formal than "I said to myself."
- It often carries motivation, self-advice, or a promise to oneself.
Frame Self-Motivation With "Told Myself"
- Use "I told myself" to record encouragement or self-instruction before an event.
- You can also use "I said to myself" in this case, but "told" emphasizes the pep-talk tone.