A1verb high_frequency_chunk

Say

🇬🇧 UK /["/seɪ/","/sez/","/sed/","/ˈseɪɪŋ/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/seɪ/","/sez/","/sed/","/ˈseɪɪŋ/"]/

Meaning of Say

to speak or tell somebody something, using words

In simple words: to speak or express something in words

Say in a sentence

• 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.

How to use Say

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.

Related words

Collocations with 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
• 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 for Say

• declare
• state
• utter
• express
• communicate

Opposites of Say

• conceal
• withhold
• silence

Common mistakes with Say

• 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'.

Frequently asked questions about Say

What does Say mean?

to speak or express something in words

What is the definition of Say?

to speak or tell somebody something, using words

How do you use Say in a sentence?

She didn't say anything during the meeting.

Can you give another example of Say?

Can you say that again, please?

What are synonyms for Say?

Common alternatives include declare, state, utter, express, communicate.

What is the opposite of Say?

Opposite meanings include conceal, withhold, silence.

What words go with Say?

It commonly pairs with 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.

What are common mistakes when using Say?

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'.

How do you pronounce Say?

US: /["/seɪ/","/sez/","/sed/","/ˈseɪɪŋ/"]/, UK: /["/seɪ/","/sez/","/sed/","/ˈseɪɪŋ/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Say?

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.

What CEFR level is Say?

"Say" is at A1 level on the CEFR scale.