Says vs Sais – Which Is Correct? Usage, Spelling & Accuracy

I’ve ever wondered why so many people type sais instead of says. “Says vs Sais” guides you through every corner of correct spelling in English, where it comes from, and how to avoid mistakes, providing plenty of real-world examples. We’ll make it a one-stop guide for mastering vs sais without fluff, just useful, actionable, clear, while showing you thinking, choice, and precision.

Understanding What “Says” Means – and Why “Sais” Causes Trouble

You see someone write “sais”, but what’s really at play?

• “Says” is the third-person singular present of say: I say, you say, he/she says.
• “Sais” isn’t standard in English – it’s actually the French verb for “I know” (je sais). That sneaks into English writing when learners mix languages or rely on how things “look.”

Key fact: In standard modern English, “sais” is a misspelling. Always choose says.

“Use says, not sais. It’s just how the language works.” – Writing coach

When and How to Use “Says” in English Grammar

“Says” is simple – but using it confidently means knowing how it fits into grammar and style.

Verb form and subject-verb agreement

• “Say” conjugates as:
  • I say
  • You say
  • He/She says
  • We say
  • They say

Table: “Say” conjugation across pronouns

Pronoun	Present Tense	Example
I	say	I say what I mean.
You (sing)	say	You say it’s easy.
He/She	says	She says she’s ready.
We	say	We say hello often.
You (pl)	say	You all say hi.
They	say	They say it’ll rain today.

Use says only when the subject is singular third-person (“he,” “she,” “it,” or a noun like “the book says”). If the subject’s plural (“they say”), drop the “s”.

Using “says” in different contexts

• Simple Present “He says he’ll be late.”
• Present Continuous “She is saying hello.”
• Quoted and reported speech
  • Quoted: He says, “I’m hungry.”
  • Reported: He says that he’s hungry.

Pro Tip: In journalistic writing, dialogue tags often use says:

“I agree,” she says. Smart writers vary tags (“adds,” “remarks”) to keep things lively.

Why “Sais” Doesn’t Belong in English Writing

If “sais” shows up, it usually signals a mistake:

• It’s not found in English dictionaries as a form of “say.”
• Social media, quick chats, or texts sometimes slip it in – but it’s still wrong.
• The only valid time “sais” appears is when writing French: je sais (“I know”), tu sais (“you know”).

Summary:

• Says = English third-person singular present of “say.”
• Sais = French “sais” meaning “I know.” Not English.

Common Mistakes Around “Says”

Even native speakers stumble. Let’s tackle mistakes head-on.

• Says vs Said “He says he’s tired” vs “He said he was tired.” One’s present tense, the other past.
• Says vs Say “He say he’s coming” is wrong – should be says.
• Overusing “says” Dialogue can get repetitive: “he says,” “she says.” Spice it up with “he adds,” “she replies,” “they note.”
• Pronunciation confusion “Says” is pronounced /sɛz/. Spelling “saids” doesn’t work. Stick to “says.”

List of better dialogue tags:

• adds
• replies
• notes
• mentions
• states
• observes

Aim to mix these to keep your writing fresh.

Clever Tricks to Remember “Says” Spelling

Mix up work and memory? These hacks help keep “says” straight.

• Sound-based trick: “Says” sounds like “sez” → S-A-Y-S.
• Visual cue: The “A-Y-S” chunk reminds you of how it sounds.
• Mnemonic: “Someone Always Yells ‘Says’” – the first letters spell S-A-Y-S.
• Flashcards or sticky note on your screen: “Correct: says. Not: sais.”

These simple reminders help stick the right form in your brain – fast.

Real-World Examples of “Says” in Use

Seeing “says” in action solidifies its correctness.

Examples from news and formal writing

• Headlines often lead with quotes or statements: “Climate envoy says carbon cuts are crucial.”
• In research papers: “The study says that …”

Spoken vs. written English

Spoken: “Mom says dinner’s ready!” (casual, immediate)

Written: Formal: “The report says crime is down by 10 percent.”

Academic, legal, journalistic contexts

• Legal writing: “The contract says the tenant must …”
• Journalism: “The president says job growth is up.”
• Academia: “Smith (2024) says that our assumptions need reevaluation.”

These samples show how “says” is a workhorse across fields.

Practice Exercises to Master “Says”

Here are ways to nail the form for good:

Fill-in-the-blank

1. The brochure ___ that visitors must register.
2. She ___ she’ll join us later.
3. According to the memo, the boss ___ take action by Friday.

Sentence corrections

• “He say he wants to go.” → “He says he wants to go.”
• “She said the report saysed it wouldn’t wait.” → “She said the report says it wouldn’t wait.”

Writing challenge

Compose three sentences using “says” in different contexts:

• Dialogue:
• Reported speech:
• Formal statement:

Answer key

1. The brochure says that visitors must register.
2. She says she’ll join us later.
3. According to the memo, the boss says take action by Friday.

Final Thoughts

Language thrives on precision. When it comes to Sais vs Says, the difference is more than spelling – it’s about correctness and credibility. “Says” is the only valid form in English for the third-person singular present tense of “say.” The alternative, “sais”, belongs in French and means “I know.” Mixing the two not only leads to grammatical errors but can also confuse your audience.

Writers, journalists, students, and professionals rely on accuracy to maintain trust. A single spelling slip can undermine your authority, especially in formal communication. That’s why it’s essential to use “says” in every English context. Whether you’re quoting a source, reporting facts, or crafting dialogue, “says” is the safe, correct, and professional choice.

FAQs

What does “says” mean in English?

“Says” is the third-person singular present tense of the verb “say.” It’s used when the subject is “he,” “she,” “it,” or a singular noun, meaning that person or thing is expressing something verbally or in writing.

Is “sais” ever correct in English?

No. “Sais” is not a valid English word. It’s a French verb meaning “I know” (first person singular of “savoir”). It should only appear when you’re writing in French or quoting French text.

Why do people confuse “sais” and “says”?

Confusion comes from similar pronunciation in some accents and influence from French. Language learners often mix the two due to phonetics or exposure to both languages in study or conversation.

How is “says” pronounced?

“Says” is pronounced /sɛz/, which sounds like “sez.” The irregular pronunciation sometimes causes spelling mistakes, but memorizing the sound-spelling connection helps avoid them.

How can I remember to use “says” correctly?

Use a mnemonic like “Someone Always Yells ‘Says’” to recall the correct spelling. Also, practice writing sentences with “says,” pay attention to reading materials, and correct errors immediately to build habit.