ENGLISH
REFERENCE

says

v.
A1 Beginner US //ˈsɛz// UK //sˈɛz// says
SIMPLE

He says he is tired and wants to go home.

CONTEXTUAL

The sign says that the museum is closed on Mondays, so we should come back tomorrow.

COMPLEX

The report says that global temperatures are rising faster than previously predicted, urging immediate action from world leaders.

Usage

The verb is transitive and often introduces a direct quote or a 'that' clause.

Pitfall

He says me that he is happy.He says to me that he is happy.Unlike 'tell', the verb 'say' cannot take an indirect object without the preposition 'to'.

Idioms1 entry

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