say
verb/seɪ/
🔊 listen
say and tell are among the most confused English verbs. Quick rule: you tell someone something (needs a person: tell me), while say is usually used without a person. Irregular: say → said → said.
📖 Meanings
1say = to state (no person needed)
"She said hello." — (no listener stated)
2tell = to inform someone (needs a person)
"She told me a secret." — (needs 'me')
3say + to to add the person
"She said hello to me." — (person added with 'to')
⚠️ Forms
| Present | Past | Past Participle |
|---|---|---|
| say | said | said |
🔄 Often confused
💬 say phrases
say sorryI'd saysay no more
❓ Which is correct? “She ___ me a story.”