Sais vs Says – Which is Correct?

Have you ever found yourself in a text message or social media post, typing away, only to second guess whether you should use “sais” vs “says”? You’re not alone! This is a common dilemma that even the best of us fall into.

Sais and says are frequently confused, and more often than not, this mix-up comes down to a simple spelling mistake or a misunderstanding of how the words are used in the English language.

While “says” is perfectly at home in our everyday language, “sais” doesn’t belong unless you’re speaking a different language (such as French).

But, what’s the difference exactly? Why do so many people use “sais” incorrectly? And most importantly, how can you be sure to avoid the confusion in your own writing?

What Does “Says” Mean?

Let’s kick things off with the correct version: “says.” The word says is the third-person singular form of the verb say in the present tense. We use it when referring to someone or something stating something.

Definition of “Says”

In English, the word “says” is used when someone (or something) expresses or declares something, especially in direct speech or reported speech. It can also be used in a more general sense to convey information, whether in dialogue or narration.

Examples of “Says”

• He says it’s going to rain tomorrow.
• She says she loves this book.
• The teacher says we need to finish the project by Friday.
• The sign says “No Parking.”

These examples clearly demonstrate that “says” is used in everyday conversation and writing. It’s used with third-person singular subjects (he, she, it), as well as singular nouns.

Pronunciation of “Says”

Now, it’s worth noting that “says” can sometimes be tricky for non-native speakers or even native English speakers with certain accents. The pronunciation of “says” (sɛz) might sound like “sez”, which can lead to confusion when writing it out.

However, the meaning remains clear—when you’re referring to someone talking or conveying information, “says” is the word you need.

What Does “Sais” Mean?

Now, let’s talk about “sais”. This word might look a bit confusing to some, but it’s important to understand that “sais” is not an English word in the standard sense. Instead, it’s most likely a spelling mistake or, in some cases, a mix-up with words from other languages, like French.

“Sais” in French

In French, “sais” is the first and second-person singular form of the verb “savoir,” which means “to know.” In French, this word is used in phrases like:

• Je sais (I know)
• Tu sais (You know)

While “sais” has a proper meaning in French, in English, it simply doesn’t fit. It is considered an error when used in English, and it is often mistakenly used in place of “says”.

The Mistake of “Sais”

Common Incorrect Usage:

• Incorrect: She sais she will meet us soon.
• Correct: She says she will meet us soon.

If you’re ever unsure about whether to use “sais” in English, just remember: it’s not correct unless you’re quoting someone speaking in French or discussing something outside of English grammar.

Why Do People Confuse “Says” and “Sais”?

Understanding why people get these two mixed up is key to avoiding the mistake yourself. The mix-up typically happens due to:

1. Phonetic Similarity

Both says and sais sound almost identical, especially when spoken quickly or in different accents. This is one of the primary reasons why they are often confused, particularly in informal or fast-paced speech.

2. Autocorrect and Typing Mistakes

In today’s world of smartphones and autocorrect features, typing errors are common. Your phone or typing software might try to autocorrect “says” to “sais” if you’re not careful. These small mistakes are easy to miss, especially if you’re relying on automatic corrections rather than checking your work.

3. Language Transfer

Grammar Rules: “Says” vs. “Sais”

Now that we’ve got the basics down, let’s dig into the grammar rules that separate these two words.

The Right Way to Use “Says”

To use “says” correctly, keep these key rules in mind:

• Third-person singular: Always use “says” when the subject is he, she, or it.
• Present tense: “Says” is used in the present tense to describe what someone is currently stating or declaring.
• Examples:
  • He says it’s time to go.
  • She says she’ll join us later.
  • It says here that the store is closed.

Why “Sais” is Incorrect in English

• “Sais” should never be used in English as a replacement for “says” unless you’re quoting from a language other than English (i.e., French).
• Using “sais” can confuse your reader or listener, making your writing seem unpolished or incorrect.
• Example of misuse:
  • Incorrect: She sais she’s coming tomorrow.
  • Correct: She says she’s coming tomorrow.

How to Remember Which One to Use

So, how can you make sure you’re always using “says” correctly? Here are some simple strategies:

Mnemonics and Tips:

• Think of it this way: “Says” always refers to someone speaking or declaring something. If it involves speech, it’s “says,” never “sais.”
• Sais is from French: If you’re writing in English, and it looks like a French word, it’s probably wrong unless you’re discussing French.

Visual Aid

Real-World Examples and Case Studies

Let’s take a look at how these words have been misused in the real world:

Example from Literature

In a classic novel, you might find the sentence:

• “He says he will be at the meeting on time.”

The author would never use “sais” in this case because it is incorrect in the context of English grammar. It’s always “says.”

Social Media Mistakes

Have you ever seen a tweet that says:

• “She sais it’s all about timing.” This is an easy mistake for many to make. The correct version would be:
• “She says it’s all about timing.”

These real-life examples highlight how easily these two words can be confused, and they stress the importance of checking your grammar.

How to Avoid Common English Mistakes Like “Sais”

Avoiding “sais” in your English writing doesn’t require an advanced degree in grammar. It just takes a bit of mindfulness and editing. Here are some simple strategies:

1. Proofread Your Work

Before you hit send or submit, always re-read your sentences. Check for simple errors like confusing “says” and “sais.”

2. Use Grammar Check Tools

Grammar tools like Grammarly can help you catch errors like these. They will automatically suggest the correct form when needed.

3. Get a Second Opinion

If you’re unsure about a word or phrase, ask a friend or colleague to proofread your work.

Conclusion

In summary, while “says” is a standard and widely-used verb in the English language, “sais” is not, and using it in English will only confuse your audience. Understanding when and why to use “says” will improve the clarity of your writing and help you sound more polished. Always remember that “says” is the correct form for English, while “sais” is only used in languages like French.

FAQs

1. What is the correct way to use “says”?
   • Use “says” when referring to third-person singular subjects (he, she, it) to describe speech or statements.
2. Can “sais” ever be correct in English?
   • No, “sais” is incorrect in English unless you are quoting or referring to something in a foreign language, such as French.
3. Why do people mix up “says” and “sais”?
   • The mix-up often happens because both words sound similar, and the misspelling of “says” as “sais” is common, especially on devices with autocorrect.
4. How can I improve my English grammar to avoid errors like “sais”?
   • Proofread your work, use grammar tools, and pay close attention to common English mistakes when writing or speaking.