Sais or Says? Which Spelling Is Correct?
If you've ever paused while writing a sentence like "She __ she's running late," you're not alone. Many people wonder whether the correct word is "says" or "sais." Although the answer is straightforward, the confusion is surprisingly common because the pronunciation of "says" doesn't match its spelling. Once you understand the rule, you'll never have to second-guess it again.
Is It "Says" or "Sais"?
The correct spelling is "says." It is the third-person singular present tense of the verb "say." Whenever the subject is he, she, it, or a singular noun, you should use "says."
Examples:
- She says she'll arrive before noon.
- The doctor says you should get more rest.
- My watch says it's almost six o'clock.
- David says he enjoyed the movie.
The word "sais" is not an English verb. Its only accepted English use is as the plural of "sai," the traditional three-pronged weapon used in Okinawan martial arts. Outside of that specific meaning, writing "sais" instead of "says" is simply a spelling mistake.
Why Do People Write "Sais"?
The mistake is easy to understand because several factors make "sais" seem believable.
The Pronunciation Is Misleading
The word "says" is pronounced like "sez," not like "days." Since English spelling doesn't always follow pronunciation, many writers instinctively spell the word the way it sounds.
Influence From Other Languages
People familiar with French may recognize endings like "-ais" in French verbs. That spelling pattern can accidentally influence English writing, making "sais" look reasonable even though it isn't.
Fast Typing and Autocorrect
Quick texting, emails, and social media posts often lead to typing mistakes. Because "sais" exists in other languages and contexts, some spellcheck tools may not immediately flag it, allowing the error to slip through unnoticed.
The Simple Grammar Rule
This follows the standard English subject-verb agreement rule.
SubjectCorrect VerbIsayYousayHesaysShesaysItsaysWesayTheysay
Whenever the subject is singular in the third person, add -s to the verb.
Correct examples:
- Emma says hello every morning.
- The report says sales increased.
- My brother says he feels better.
Incorrect examples:
- Emma say hello.
- The report say sales increased.
Questions and Negative Sentences
One rule often surprises learners. When you use Grammar does or doesn't, the main verb returns to its base form.
Correct:
- Does she say she's coming?
- Does he say anything about the meeting?
- She doesn't say much during class.
Incorrect:
- Does she says she's coming?
- She doesn't says much.
Remember that does already carries the -s, so the verb say stays unchanged.
Don't Mix "Says" and "Said"
Another common mistake is switching between present and past tense.
Incorrect:
- She says she was tired and said she needs a break.
Correct:
- She says she's tired and needs a break.
- She said she was tired and needed a break.
Keep your tense consistent throughout the sentence unless there's a clear reason to change it.