Sais vs Says – Which is Correct? (2026)

When learning English as a language, beginners and students often get confused about Sais vs Says. The word says is the correct English spelling used for the third singular present tense of the verb “to say.”

Its pronunciation /sɛz/ is simple, with a single syllable, a clear vowel sound, and a soft consonant, which makes it easy to read and understand. Sais, on the other hand, is a French verb form, meaning it is used in French writing and speaking, not in English sentences.

Confusing the two can lead to mistakes in homework, tests, and daily communication, so teachers, writers, and students must pay careful attention to spelling, grammar, and tense.

Using the correct word strengthens your confidence when speaking, writing, or typing, and ensures clear communication in articles, reports, quotes, or casual conversation.

Says belongs to the present tense, indicative mood, while the past tense form is said, and the progressive form is saying. It is a strong, professional tool for expressing ideas, messages, or opinions clearly to readers and listeners.

Beginners often make errors, like writing seys, seis, syas, or say’s, which confuse the meaning. From schoolwork to daily conversations, reading, writing, and speaking skills improve when practicing carefully, paying attention to detail, and following rules of grammar, syntax, and phonetics.

In my experience, a professional, strong, and confident approach to learning Sais vs Says smoothly enhances communication, whether in articles, posts, messages, or online forums.

Understanding the Difference Between Sais and Says

Says is a third-person singular form of the verb say. It is used when someone speaks or reports information. For example:

She says she will attend the event tomorrow.
The doctor says the weather forecast predicts sunny skies.

On the other hand, sais is not an English word. Using it in English sentences is incorrect. For instance:

❌ She sais she likes salmon.
✅ She says she likes salmon.

Think of says as the standard, correct form, while sais is often an influence from other languages or a spelling mistake.

Correct Usage of “Says” in English

The verb say changes form depending on the subject:

Subject	Verb Form
I	say
You	say
He/She/It	says
We/They	say

Key points about says:

Always paired with third-person singular subjects: he, she, it.
Often used with quotations or indirect speech:
- He says, “I love cake.”
- She says that she will visit the park.
Works in formal and informal settings, from doctors giving instructions to a coach guiding a team.

For example:

Tammi says the recipe for the cake is simple.
The director says the filming of the boat scene will take 24 hours.
Everyone says that the museum guidebook is helpful for first-time visitors.

Why “Sais” is Usually Incorrect in English

Many ESL learners mistakenly write sais because it resembles French or other languages’ forms. In English:

There is no verb “sais”.
Using sais is always grammatically incorrect.

Incorrect usage examples:

❌ Dora sais the traffic in New York is heavy.
❌ The doctor sais the forecast for tomorrow is cold.

Corrected versions:

✅ Dora says the traffic in New York is heavy.
✅ The doctor says the forecast for tomorrow is cold.

Remember, the rule is simple: always use “says” for he, she, it.

Grammar Rules Explained in Plain English

Here are the key rules you need to follow:

Third-person singular rule: He/She/It says, not say.
Direct speech: Use quotation marks to show what someone says.
- Example: The teacher says, “Lunch will be at noon.”
Indirect speech: Use that to report what someone says.
- Example: The teacher says that lunch will be at noon.
Do not add extra letters: Words like gluing or glueing don’t affect says, but be careful not to add “i” or “s” unnecessarily.

English is full of tricky words, but says is simple once you memorize it. Think of it as a collective rule that applies to all third-person singular subjects.

Real-Life Examples: Correct vs Incorrect Sentences

Here are some practical examples to see the difference clearly:

Incorrect	Correct
She sais she loves salmon.	She says she loves salmon.
He sais the museum is closed on Sundays.	He says the museum is closed on Sundays.
Tammi sais the boat ride takes 25 minutes.	Tammi says the boat ride takes 25 minutes.
Dora sais traffic in Canada is bad on Fridays.	Dora says traffic in Canada is bad on Fridays.
The doctor sais call in 24 hours.	The doctor says call in 24 hours.

Notice how small the difference is visually, but it changes the meaning completely in English grammar.

Common Mistakes ESL Learners Make

Here are mistakes learners often make with says:

Confusing says with sais (especially French speakers).
Using says with plural subjects:
- ❌ They says it’s sunny.
- ✅ They say it’s sunny.
Forgetting to use quotation marks with direct speech.
Using says for past tense reporting (use “said” instead).

Quick tip: If you are unsure, check the subject. If it’s he, she, or it, use says; otherwise, use say.

Usage Types and Sentence Structures

Says is versatile and appears in multiple sentence types:

Statements:
- The news says the cold week will continue.
Questions (indirect):
- The teacher asks what Tammi says about the project.
Commands (reporting speech):
- The coach says to stop immediately.
Comparisons and approximate information:
- The brochure says the salmon costs approximately $25.

Notice how it can appear with abstract ideas, metaphors, or collective concepts:

The guidebook says that the woodwind section, including the oboe, is beautiful.
The story says much about citizens’ devotion and judgment.

Synonyms and Alternative Phrases

Sometimes, you can replace says with other words depending on context:

Synonym	Example Sentence
States	The director states the filming will take 24 hours.
Reports	The news reports heavy traffic in New York.
Announces	Tammi announces the recipe for the cake.
Mentions	Dora mentions the museum is closed on Sundays.
Declares	The government declares masks are mandatory.
Recites	The teacher recites the rules for lunch.

Using synonyms adds variety and can help convey nuance, like authority, surprise, or devotion.

Idioms and Expressions Related to “Says”

Here are some common idioms using say or says:

“Easier said than done” – Something is easier to talk about than do.
“That’s easier to say than do” – Similar meaning, emphasizes action vs words.
“Says it all” – Summarizes everything clearly.
“What she says goes” – Indicates authority or influence.

Example:

The director says it all in the briefing.
Everyone in the park knows what Tammi says goes.

Practice Exercises to Master “Says”

Try correcting these sentences:

❌ Dora sais the car is cold.
❌ He sais the cake recipe is abstract.
❌ The news sais the flu spreads in fluids.
❌ Tammi sais the menu in the brochure is special.
❌ The teacher sais lunch is at noon.

Correct answers:

Dora says the car is cold.
He says the cake recipe is abstract.
The news says the flu spreads in fluids.
Tammi says the menu in the brochure is special.
The teacher says lunch is at noon.

Quotes Highlighting the Use of “Says”

“The fact is, he says what he means and means what he says.” – Author Unknown
“Devotion and grace are shown not just by what one does, but by what one says.” – Tammi, 2017

Using quotes helps learners see natural, authentic usage of says in context.

Keyword Variations Comparison Table

Variation	Correct Usage?	Example
says	✅ Correct	The doctor says call in 24 hours.
sais	❌ Incorrect	❌ Tammi sais the cake is good.
say	✅ Correct (for I, you, we, they)	We say the weather is sunny.
said	✅ Correct (past tense)	The director said the filming would start at 8 PM.

This table is useful for ESL learners to recall the proper form quickly.

Summary: Key Takeaways for Proper Usage

Says is the correct third-person singular form of say.
Sais is not English and is always incorrect.
Use says with he, she, or it in both direct and indirect speech.
Be aware of common mistakes, including using says with plurals or forgetting quotation marks.
Practice with examples, exercises, and reading to embed the correct form in your memory.

Remember: The key to mastering says is exposure, practice, and attention to context. Even tricky sentences, like “The doctor says the weather forecast predicts sunny skies tomorrow at 8 PM,” become natural with repetition.

FAQs

1. Is it correct to write “sais” in English?
No. Sais is not an English word. The correct form for third-person singular subjects is says.

2. When should I use “says” in a sentence?
Use says when reporting speech or quotations for he, she, or it. Example: “Tammi says lunch is at noon.”

3. Can I use “says” with plural subjects?
No. For plural subjects, use say. Example: “They say the museum is closed.”

4. What is the difference between “says” and “said”?
Says is present tense for third-person singular; said is past tense for all subjects. Example: “He says hello” vs “He said hello.”

5. Are there synonyms for “says”?
Yes. You can use states, reports, announces, mentions, declares, or recites depending on context.

Conclusion

In English, says is the standard, correct form to express speech for he, she, or it. Avoid the common mistake of writing sais, which is influenced by other languages but incorrect in English.

By understanding grammar rules, practicing examples, and using synonym alternatives, you can confidently use says in daily conversation, writing, and reporting.

Whether you’re reading a guidebook, following a recipe, or listening to a coach at the park, mastering says will strengthen your English fluency and accuracy.

Aldous Huxley

Aldous Huxley was a visionary writer and philosopher whose works explored human nature, consciousness, and the future of society. His ideas continue to challenge minds and inspire generations.

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