Sais vs Says – Which is Correct? A Complete Guide (With Example)

When you first dig into different spellings of English words, it can be really puzzling to decide whether to use sais or says, and Sais vs Says – Which is Correct? is a question many writers face daily. Experience shows that knowing the correct form of the verb say makes writing smoother, more natural, and avoids errors when he, she, or it talking verbally expresses something clearly.

In real-life usage, says is utilized to report dialogue or an utterance, in indirect speech or when you quote someone’s exact words. It indicates what a person would normally say in real-world situations, helping readers ensure clarity in English. Unlike sais, which is a common misspelling and doesn’t exist, says is widely recognized and essential for correct writing.

Pay attention to who says what because it’s easy to confuse. Says is often the word you need when indicating something someone expresses clearly. Using says properly aligns with grammar rules, making examples easier to apply while keeping your writing consistent and proper.

Understanding the Correct Spelling

The Origins of “Says”

The word “says” comes from Old English secgan, which meant “to say or tell.” Over time, its spelling evolved to the modern “says”, even though the pronunciation (/sɛz/) doesn’t directly match the letters. This discrepancy between spelling and pronunciation is a key reason people often write “sais” incorrectly.

Why “Sais” is Incorrect in English

Many learners confuse “sais” with “says” because of its similarity to French. In French, sais means “I know” or “you know” depending on the context. However, in English, “sais” is not a word, and using it will mark your writing as incorrect.

Incorrect Example:

• She sais she’s ready.

Correct Example:

• She says she’s ready.

Notice that even though “says” is spelled differently, its pronunciation can mislead people into writing “sais.”

Pronunciation vs Spelling

One of the tricky parts about “says” is that it’s pronounced /sɛz/. The pronunciation doesn’t match the spelling perfectly, unlike many English words where letters are more predictable. This mismatch is why remembering the correct spelling is essential.

How to Use “Says” Correctly

Basic Sentence Structure

The most straightforward usage of “says” is in present tense sentences where a subject communicates something. The structure typically looks like this:

Subject + says + object

Examples:

• He says the weather is nice.
• Maria says hello to everyone.

Using “says” in this structure is standard in daily conversation, emails, and reports.

Using “Says” in Reported Speech

Reported speech is when you convey what someone else has said. Here, “says” is crucial in keeping tense consistent.

Direct Speech Example:

• He says, “I’m tired.”

Indirect Speech Example:

• He says he’s tired.

Notice that in indirect speech, the quotation marks are removed, but “says” still introduces what the person communicated.

Tense Agreement

It’s important to differentiate “says” from other tenses:

• Present tense: says → She says she’s happy.
• Past tense: said → She said she was happy.
• Future tense: will say → She will say her opinion tomorrow.

Using the correct tense ensures clarity and grammatical accuracy.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even native speakers slip up with “says”. Understanding common mistakes helps you avoid embarrassment.

Frequent Errors

• Writing “sais” instead of “says.”
• Confusing “says” with “said” in present tense sentences.
• Forgetting subject-verb agreement when using “says.”

Context-Based Mistakes

Language interference is a common issue:

• French speakers might default to “sais.”
• Casual texting or social media may encourage shortcuts, but formal writing requires accuracy.

Quick-Fix Examples Table

Incorrect	Correct	Explanation
She sais hello	She says hello	“Sais” is not English
He sais he’s tired	He says he’s tired	Present tense always uses “says”
They sais it’s fine	They say it’s fine	“They” pairs with “say” not “says”

This table is a handy reference to check your sentences at a glance.

Memory Tricks to Remember “Says”

Spelling can stick better with a few clever tricks.

Pronunciation-Based Trick

Remember the pronunciation /sɛz/. Since the sound ends with “z,” it can help you recall the correct spelling as says, not sais.

Visual Trick

Picture a speech bubble when thinking of “says.” Whenever you visualize someone speaking, mentally attach the word “says” to the bubble. This makes it easier to remember the correct spelling in context.

Rule of Thumb

If in doubt, default to “says” in English sentences. Unlike “said,” which is past tense, “says” is always safe for present tense speech.

Real-World Applications

Correct usage of “says” isn’t just for grammar tests. It plays a practical role in writing and communication.

Professional Writing

Emails, reports, presentations, and business documents demand proper grammar. A single mistake like “sais” can reduce credibility.

Example:

• Wrong: The manager sais we will start at 9 AM.
• Right: The manager says we will start at 9 AM.

Creative Writing

In fiction, dialogue often uses “says” to attribute speech. Using it correctly helps readers follow conversations naturally.

Example:

• “I can’t believe it,” says Jane, shaking her head.

Everyday Communication

Even in casual texting, social media posts, or forum discussions, correct spelling conveys professionalism and clarity.

Practice Exercises

Repetition is the best way to internalize “says”. Here are some exercises to reinforce learning.

Fill-in-the-Blank Sentences

1. He ____ he will finish the project today. (Answer: says)
2. Maria ____ she wants coffee. (Answer: says)
3. John ____ he’s ready to leave. (Answer: says)

Correct the Mistakes

1. She sais she can help. → She says she can help.
2. They sais it’s too late. → They say it’s too late.

Quick Quiz

Choose the correct word:

1. He ____ he is tired.
   • a) sais
   • b) says 
2. They ____ they are hungry.
   • a) says
   • b) say 

These exercises are simple yet effective for reinforcing correct spelling and usage.

Conclusion

Understanding the difference between sais and says is simple once you remember that says is the correct form of the verb say for third-person, singular, present tense. Says is used to report dialogue, utterances, or quote someone’s exact words, while sais is just a misspelling that doesn’t exist in English.

Paying attention to who says what and how it is expressed verbally ensures your writing is clear, correct, and professional. Using says properly conveys meaning and aligns with grammar rules, making your examples easy to apply in both direct and indirect speech.

FAQs

Q1: Is “sais” ever correct in English?

No, sais is a common misspelling and doesn’t exist in proper English. Always use says.

Q2: When should I use “says”?

Use says when he, she, or it talking verbally expresses something in present tense, or when reporting dialogue or an utterance.

Q3: Can “says” be used in indirect speech?

Yes, says can be utilized in both direct and indirect speech to convey what someone expresses.

Q4: What is the main difference between “sais” and “says”?

The main difference is says is the correct verb form, while sais is a misspelling that should never be used in writing.

Q5: How do I remember to use “says” correctly?

Focus on third-person, singular, present tense, and think about who expresses the exact words. Practicing real-world examples helps a lot.