When I first mentored a student who kept typing sais instead of says, I understood how easy this mistake could be. English spelling and pronunciation often don’t follow usual rules, which makes one simple word turn into a confusing outlier. The difference between these two forms might look small, but the context changes everything.
The correct version, says, follows proper grammar and is the standard usage in both spoken and written language. On the other hand, sais is a non-standard variant that often slips in through autocorrect or poor typing habits. I’ve reviewed many documents, applications, essays, and even chats where this small error gave the wrong impression.
I once explained to that same student how being fluent doesn’t always mean knowing every detail of formal writing. We reviewed the guide together, learned how to avoid the trap, and it just clicked. They began paying attention to detail, noticed when words were used correctly, and felt new confidence in their writing.
Whether it’s a resume, a message, or any submitted document, using the correct form shows understanding, care, and attention to proper usage. The important thing is to know that says fits naturally in English grammar, while sais is simply incorrect. The perception of your writing depends on how you apply these small rules — and that makes all the difference.
Sais vs. Says: The Core Difference
At its core, the difference between “sais” and “says” is simple:
| Word | Language | Correct in English? | Meaning | Example |
| Says | English | ✅ Yes | Third-person singular of “say” | She says it’s too early. |
| Sais | French | ❌ No (in English) | “I know” or “You know” in French | Je sais la réponse. (I know the answer.) |
So, if you’re writing or speaking in English, “says” is the correct choice every single time. The form “sais” only belongs in the French language.
Why People Get It Wrong
The confusion often comes from:
- Phonetic misunderstanding – “Says” is pronounced /sez/, not /sāz/.
- Typing errors – Fast typists accidentally hit “sais.”
- Language crossover – French learners or bilingual speakers assume “sais” is English too.
Understanding these root causes helps you avoid repeating them.
Understanding the Word “Says”
“Says” is the third-person singular present tense of the verb “say.”
That means we use it when the subject is he, she, or it.
Example Sentences:
- He says he’s tired.
- She says the weather is perfect.
- The report says that sales increased by 20%.
Let’s look at the basic verb forms of say:
| Tense | Verb Form | Example |
| Base Form | say | I say what I think. |
| Third-person Singular | says | She says it clearly. |
| Past Tense | said | They said it was fine. |
| Present Participle | saying | He’s saying too much. |
Grammar Tip
If you’re describing what someone currently expresses, use “says.”
If you’re talking about something already expressed, use “said.”
Why “Sais” Seems Right but Isn’t
It’s easy to think “sais” looks right—especially if you’ve seen it on social media or come from a bilingual background. But in English grammar, it simply doesn’t exist.
The French Connection
In French, “sais” is a valid form of the verb savoir (“to know”). It’s used like this:
- Je sais – I know
- Tu sais – You know
So if you’ve ever learned French, that’s likely where the confusion started.
Phonetic Confusion
The pronunciation of “says”—/sez/—can feel misleading. Many assume it should sound like “sāz.” But English spelling isn’t always phonetic. For instance:
- “Does” sounds like /duz/, not /doz/.
- “Said” sounds like /sed/, not /sāid/.
This pattern explains why “says” doesn’t sound like “say.”
Real-World Example
Incorrect: He sais he’s coming tomorrow.
Correct: He says he’s coming tomorrow.
Common Mistakes with “Says”
Even people who know the correct spelling make subtle mistakes with “says.”
Let’s go over the most common ones and how to fix them.
1. Mixing “Say” and “Says”
- They says it’s raining.
- They say it’s raining.
Use “says” only with he, she, or it.
2. Overusing “Said” Instead of “Says”
Writers often default to “said,” but “says” keeps a statement present and immediate.
For example:
- “She said she likes pizza.” (past event)
- “She says she likes pizza.” (current fact)
3. Typing “Sais” in Formal Writing
This often happens because of autocorrect or habit. Always proofread important work—emails, essays, and reports—to catch such slips.
How to Pronounce “Says” Correctly
Many English learners—and even native speakers—mispronounce “says.”
Correct Pronunciation:
- Phonetic spelling: /sez/
- Rhymes with: “fez,” “pez,” “res”
Incorrect Pronunciations (Avoid These):
- /sāz/ (rhymes with “plays”)
- /sīs/ (like “size”)
| Word | IPA | Correct Sound Example |
| Says | /sez/ | “He says it’s fine.” |
| Say | /seɪ/ | “They say it often.” |
| Said | /sed/ | “She said it before.” |
Quick Pronunciation Trick
Remember this phrase: “Says rhymes with Fez.”
That one simple link can fix your pronunciation instantly.
Easy Tricks to Remember “Says”
Keeping track of English spelling can be tough, but here are a few tricks that actually work.
1. Mnemonic Devices
- “He says what he sez.” (Helps you remember pronunciation)
- “A person says one thing, not two—just one ‘says’ is true.”
2. Visualization
Picture a speech bubble above a person. Inside the bubble, it always says “says.”
3. Writing Practice
Try these fill-in exercises:
- She ___ she’s ready.
- The teacher ___ we can start.
- He ___ it’s too late.
Answers: says, says, says.
4. Flashcards for ESL Learners
Make a flashcard:
- Front: “Correct form of ‘say’ for he/she/it”
- Back: “says”
5. Teachers’ Tip
If you teach English, create a mini spelling chart for students comparing similar-looking verbs (say, says, said, sais).
Real-World Application
Why does this matter? Because correct spelling shapes credibility. Whether you’re a teacher writing feedback, a student crafting an essay, or a professional sending an email—precision counts.
In Professional Settings
Imagine a company memo:
“The manager sais the meeting is at 10 AM.”
That one misspelling can make the whole message look careless. In business, clarity equals professionalism.
In Education
Teachers often correct “sais” in essays, but it’s better when students learn to self-correct. It builds long-term writing confidence.
In Digital Media
Social posts travel fast. Using the wrong spelling publicly can affect your image. For influencers, content creators, or journalists, small details like this matter a lot.
Case Study: Workplace Email Error
A marketing assistant once sent out a client email with “He sais he approved the layout.” The client questioned the team’s attention to detail—resulting in a reputation hit. After retraining on language accuracy, the company improved email quality and regained trust.
Moral: Even one incorrect word can shape perception.
Practice Section: Test Your Knowledge
Let’s check how much you’ve learned.
Choose the Correct Word:
- She ___ she’s done.
- A) sais
- B) says
- He ___ he can help.
- A) say
- B) says
- The article ___ that it’s true.
- A) sais
- B) says
Answers: 1) says, 2) says, 3) says
Fill in the Blanks
- My teacher ___ we have homework today.
- He always ___ what he thinks.
- The sign ___ “No Parking.”
Answers: says, says, says
Challenge Question
Which sentence is correct?
- “The student sais the test was easy.”
- “The student says the test was easy.”
Recap: Key Takeaways
Let’s quickly review what you’ve learned:
- Only “says” is correct in English.
- “Sais” is French, meaning “I know,” not “I say.”
- Pronounce “says” as /sez/.
- Use “says” with he, she, or it.
- Consistent spelling builds credibility and confidence.
| Common Error | Correct Form | Explanation |
| He sais it’s fine. | He says it’s fine. | English verb form |
| She say it’s okay. | She says it’s okay. | Subject-verb agreement |
| They says it’s wrong. | They say it’s wrong. | Plural subject rule |
Conclusion
In short, the mix-up between sais and says is a common mistake, but understanding the difference makes a big difference in your writing and communication. The correct version, says, is part of proper English grammar and shows that you pay attention to detail and usage.
The incorrect form, sais, may appear because of autocorrect, typing habits, or simple confusion, but it doesn’t belong in formal documents, resumes, or any standard language context. When you know how to use says correctly, your writing sounds more fluent, confident, and professional — and that’s something every student and writer should aim for.
FAQs
1. Why do people type “sais” instead of “says”?
Many people type sais because of autocorrect, quick typing, or because the spelling looks similar to other English words that follow usual rules. However, says is the correct and standard form.
2. Is “sais” ever correct in English?
No, sais is not used in standard English. It’s a non-standard variant and considered incorrect in any formal writing.
3. How can I remember the difference between “sais” and “says”?
Think of says as related to say, just in a different form. You can even write it down or say it aloud a few times to remember the pronunciation.
4. Can “sais” appear in other languages?
Yes, in French, “sais” means “I know.” But in English, it’s still wrong to use it instead of says.
5. Why is spelling so important in English?
Spelling affects how others see your writing and overall perception. Even small errors can change the impression your documents or messages give.
