Have you ever typed sais when you really meant says? You’re not alone. Many English learners and even native speakers get confused between “sais” and “says”. Though they may sound similar, only one is correct in English.
Using the wrong form can make your writing look sloppy or confuse your reader.
In this guide, we’ll break down the difference, explain correct spelling and pronunciation, show you real-world examples, and give you tricks to remember which one to use. By the end, you’ll never mix them up again.
Why People Get “Sais” and “Says” Mixed Up
The confusion mostly comes from pronunciation. “Says” is pronounced /sɛz/, which doesn’t match its spelling. That throws a lot of people off.
Another reason is the influence of other languages. For instance, in French, sais is a real word, meaning “know,” and some bilingual speakers accidentally carry this spelling over into English.
Typing mistakes or autocorrect errors also contribute. Social media is full of posts like:
“She sais she will come tomorrow.”
Small mistakes like this make it essential to understand why “says” is correct and how to use it properly.
Understanding “Says”
Definition and Meaning
In English, “says” is the third-person singular present tense form of the verb “say.” It tells us what someone expresses verbally.
For example:
- She says hello every morning.
- He says he’s busy today.
Pronunciation
Even though it’s spelled “says,” it is pronounced /sɛz/, rhyming with “beds.” Remember, the English spelling doesn’t always match pronunciation.
Usage in Context
“Says” is used when talking about someone in the he, she, or it form. You’ll often find it in:
- Simple sentences: He says hi.
- Dialogue in writing: “I’ll be there soon,” she says.
- Reporting speech: The article says the event is canceled.
Why “Sais” Is Incorrect in English
“Sais” is not an English word. It’s easy to mistake it for a typo of “says.” Some bilingual speakers carry over the French spelling. In French:
“Je sais” = I know
In English, however, using “sais” will always be incorrect. A common error:
- ❌ She sais she’s coming.
- ✅ She says she’s coming.
Correct Spelling and Grammar Rules for “Says”
The key rule is subject-verb agreement.
| Subject | Correct Verb Form | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| I / You / We | say | I say hello every morning. |
| He / She / It | says | She says it’s raining outside. |
Notice that “says” only appears with third-person singular subjects: he, she, it. Using it with “I” or “we” is incorrect.
Using “Says” in Sentences
Simple Sentences
The easiest way to see “says” in action:
- He says he’s tired.
- She says it’s a beautiful day.
Compound Sentences
Combine ideas with conjunctions:
- He says he’s tired, but he keeps working.
- She says hello, and everyone waves back.
Questions and Negatives
Even in questions or negative sentences, “says” adapts:
- Question: What does he say?
- Negative: He doesn’t say much.
Real-world writing examples:
- News headline: “Mayor says city budget will increase.”
- Book dialogue: “‘I don’t want to go,’ she says quietly.”
Difference Between “Say” and “Says”
The difference lies in subject and tense.
| Subject | Present Tense | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| I / You / We | say | I say hi to my neighbors every day. |
| He / She / It | says | He says hi to my neighbors every day. |
Tip: Always check the subject. If it’s third-person singular, use “says.” If it’s anything else, use “say.”
Common Mistakes and Misuses of “Says”
Typical Errors
- Writing “sais” instead of “says”
- Using “says” with plural subjects: “They says hello.”
- Mispronouncing: “says” pronounced as /seɪz/
Why Mistakes Happen
- Pronunciation doesn’t match spelling
- Influence from other languages
- Typing errors and autocorrect
Correcting Mistakes
Before-and-after examples:
| Incorrect | Correct |
|---|---|
| She sais she is coming. | She says she is coming. |
| They says hello. | They say hello. |
| He say he is tired. | He says he is tired. |
Tricks and Memory Aids to Remember “Says”
- Sound it out: “says” sounds like sez, not says
- Third-person rule: Only use “says” with he, she, it
- Visual mnemonic: Imagine the “y” in “say” turning into a “z” when talking about someone else: say → says
These tricks make it easier to remember correct spelling when typing or writing quickly.
Real-World Application of “Says”
Correct spelling impacts clarity, credibility, and professionalism. Examples include:
- Journalism: Newspapers ensure all quotes use “says” correctly to maintain accuracy.
- Social media: Misusing “sais” can make posts look unprofessional.
- Literature: Dialogue tags in books always use “says” for he/she/it.
Case Study: A famous author once received feedback that their manuscript looked unpolished due to repeated “sais” mistakes, which they corrected before publication. Accuracy matters!
Practice Section – Test Yourself
Fill in the blanks
- He ___ he will arrive soon.
- She ___ it’s raining outside.
- I ___ hello to everyone every morning.
Multiple Choice
Choose the correct verb:
- He ___ he doesn’t want to leave.
- a) say
- b) says
- They ___ they are ready for the game.
- a) says
- b) say
Error Spotting
Identify the mistake:
- ❌ She sais she is hungry.
- ❌ They says hello to everyone.
Correct them using what you’ve learned.
FAQS
What is the correct spelling, sais or says?
The correct English spelling is “says.” “Sais” is incorrect in English.
How do you pronounce “says”?
It’s pronounced /sɛz/, rhyming with “beds.”
When should I use “say” instead of “says”?
Use “say” for all subjects except he, she, or it.
Why do people write “sais” instead of “says”?
It’s usually due to pronunciation confusion, influence from French, or typing mistakes.
Can “says” be used in negative sentences?
Yes. Example: He doesn’t say much during meetings.
Conclusion
Getting “sais” and “says” right is easier than it seems. Remember:
- “Says” is correct, always.
- Use it with he, she, or it.
- Pronunciation doesn’t match spelling, so sound it out: /sɛz/.
By practicing sentences, checking your work, and using memory tricks, you’ll write with confidence and never mix them up again.
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I’m Alex Henry — a passionate English enthusiast who loves exploring words, grammar, and the art of expression. I share creative tips to help you fall in love with the English language every day.