Can we use ''told'' in direct speech?

Question

Can we use ''told'' in direct speech? For example,

She told him, '' I will marry you''.

Are there any differences between ''said to'' and ''told''? Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

Yes, you can use "to tell", as well as a very large number of synonyms.

She declared in a loud voice, "Yes, I will marry you!"

"I would not ask me to marry you," she advised, walking away abruptly.

"My brother is going to propose to his girlfriend after dinner tonight," she divulged, with a twinkle in her eye.

etc.

Answer 2

Definitely you can:

• She told him to wash the dishes. (Active voice)
• He was told to wash the dishes. (Passive voice)

And:

• She told him, "Buy milk." (Direct speech)
• She told him to buy milk. (Indirect speech)