say: basically means to articulate words: ~ each word carefully and clearly; but it may be used in reporting something voiced: he ~ he would be home soon; or in implying the fact of putting in speech OR writing: be careful what you ~ to that man. (articulate口齿清晰的，善于表达的，口齿清晰地表达implies the use of language which exactly and distinctly reveals or conveys what one seeks to express，如questioned the validity of the criticism from a critic who is himself hardly articulate评论家自身口齿不清，他的评论因而受到质疑) voice虽然表示人的语音，但作为动词时，也可以表示书面表达，所以say也可以引用书面表达
utter: stresses the use of the voice and the act of putting into spoken words: ~ed a faint response; and is appropriate for reference to vocal sounds other than words: ~ a hoarse laugh. 嘶哑沙哑的
tell: stresses the imparting of an idea or information and may refer to either spoken OR written communication OR other method to present an idea: an attempt to ~ the story of her life. （impart告知传授=tell，如the ability to impart knowledge and command respect is the essential qualification for teachers具备传授知识并赢得尊敬的能力是对教师的基本要求）
state: may replace say when the added implication of clearness and definiteness is needed: ~ one's objections to a proposal. definite就是clear, 就像specific就是detailed，请死记
/1 
鄂公网安备42010202000179号 )