Say means to express something using words. It’s the core verb for sharing thoughts, information, or opinions aloud.
- Use say when focusing on the exact words someone expresses.
- Commonly used in reported speech and everyday conversation.
- Not usually followed directly by the exact words spoken (that’s for “tell” or “speak”).
Definition
To say is to express something verbally; it places importance on the act of speaking rather than to whom the words are addressed.
- Say: To express words or ideas aloud.
- Focuses on the act of expressing rather than the audience.
Usage and Examples
Say is typically followed by the words expressed (in reported speech) or by a simple statement of what was said.
| Structure | Example |
|---|---|
| Subject + say | She says... |
| Subject + say + that | He says that... |
| Subject + say + to + (someone) | She says to me... |
Examples:
- She says she’s tired.
- They said that the movie was great.
- What did you say to him?
'Say' can be used to report spoken thoughts or opinions: 'He says he is busy.'
Verb Forms
- Base: say
- Past: said
- Past Participle: said
- Present Participle: saying
Example:
- Present: I say, you say, we say...
- Past: They said goodbye.
The past form of 'say' is 'said'.
Differences: Say / Tell / Speak
| Verb | Use | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Say | To express words (focus on words) | She says, “Hello.” |
| Tell | To give information (focus on listener) | He told me a secret. |
| Speak | To talk (formal or general) | They speak English. |
- Say focuses on the words themselves.
- Tell requires a direct/indirect object (who is informed).
- Speak is about the action of talking, often used in formal contexts.
'Say' can be used without mentioning a listener: 'He said he’d come.'
'Say' / 'said' / 'saying' are correct; 'sayed' is not.
Conclusion
Say is essential for expressing spoken ideas and is used whenever you want to focus on the words someone uses. Remember the differences with tell and speak for accurate usage.
- Use say to highlight spoken words or opinions.
- Verb forms: say / said / said / saying.
- Not correct to use “say” with a direct object like “say me.”
- Common patterns: say, say that, say to someone.