Clarifying the Correctness of 'Who Did Tell You' vs 'Who Told You'

Questions about correctness in relation to language are often prone to biases in response. People tend to answer in the shortest way possible, reflecting a common tendency towards simplicity and brevity. However, in evaluating language correctness, it's essential to consider the context in which the question is asked.

The Importance of Context in Language Usage

When faced with the choice between 'Who did tell you' and 'Who told you,' the context often determines which form is more appropriate. Both phrases can be correct, but they serve different communicative functions.

Backshift and Emphasis in 'Who Did Tell You'

Backshift is a linguistic phenomenon where modal verbs and tenses are shifted to reflect new information or confirmation. In the case of 'Did tell you,' the addition of 'did' can serve as an emphatic device to express a sense of doubt or challenge.

For example, if Person A thinks Person B mentioned something to Person C, and then Person C says they didn't hear it from Person B, Person A might respond by emphasizing who actually told them:

A: So who told you Joe was getting married?
B: It was Susie.
A: No, it wasn’t Susie. She wasn’t even there.
B: Oh, that’s right. It wasn’t Susie. And it wasn't Bob. Or Eddie.
A: So if it wasn’t Susie or Bob or Eddie who did tell you...

Note that the use of 'did' here requires strong emphasis to convey the intended meaning.

Common Usage of 'Who Told You'

In most everyday situations, 'Who told you' is the more common and appropriate form. It's used for routine confirmation or questioning.

A: Who told you Joe was getting married?
B: It was Susie.

In this example, 'Who told you' serves as a direct and straightforward query.

Distinguishing Between 'Who Told You' and 'Who Did You Tell'

Another related but distinct question is 'Who did you tell.' Here, the object pronoun 'you' is the focus. This form is typically used to ask who was informed by the speaker.

A: Who did you tell?
B: I told Joe.

In this case, 'I' is the subject, and 'Joe' serves as the object. Understanding the difference between these forms can help clarify the speaker's intent more effectively.

Final Thoughts

In summary, both 'Who told you' and 'Who did tell you' can be correct, depending on the context and the intended emphasis. 'Who told you' is the more common and straightforward form suited for everyday conversations.

On the other hand, 'Who did tell you' is used more emphatically, often in scenarios where the speaker is challenging the accuracy or origin of the information.

By understanding these nuances, authors and speakers can select the most appropriate form to convey their intended message effectively.