A1verbhigh_frequency_chunk

Say

UK /["/seɪ/","/sez/","/sed/","/ˈseɪɪŋ/"]/US /["/seɪ/","/sez/","/sed/","/ˈseɪɪŋ/"]/

Definition

to speak or tell somebody something, using words

In simple words: to speak or express something in words

Examples

  • She didn't say anything during the meeting.
  • Can you say that again, please?
  • He was too shy to say hello.
  • In her letter, she said she would visit us.
  • I want to say a few words about my friend.

Usage notes

Used in everyday conversation. It's appropriate in informal settings. In formal contexts, use 'state' or 'declare'. Avoid redundancy, like saying 'say that' unless specifying.

Grammar pattern

say + (object) + (to + object)

Memory hint

Think of a person 'saying' something, like a character giving a speech.

Collocations

  • aloud
  • out loud
  • loudly
  • be about to
  • be going to
  • hasten to
  • about
  • to
  • be quoted as saying something
  • a thing to say
  • I have to say
  • aloud
  • out loud
  • loudly
  • be about to
  • be going to
  • hasten to
  • about
  • to
  • be quoted as saying something
  • a thing to say
  • I have to say

Synonyms

  • declare
  • state
  • utter
  • express
  • communicate

Antonyms

  • conceal
  • withhold
  • silence

Common mistakes

  • Confusing 'say' with 'tell'; 'tell' requires a direct object.
  • Using 'say' without an object can sound incomplete.
  • Incorrect verb forms, like 'sayed' instead of 'said'.