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Sais or Says – Which is Correct?

When it comes to grammar, it’s important to use the right word at the right time to ensure clear communication. The word “say” is a verb that indicates someone is expressing something through words. In its third-person singular present tense form, it can be spelled as “says.” So, the correct choice between “sais” and “says” depends on the subject of a sentence or the person who is speaking.

To determine whether “sais” or “says” is appropriate, you need to consider the grammatical rules surrounding verbs and verb conjugation. In English, verbs change forms depending on the tense and subject. In present tense sentences, the third-person singular subject, meaning when it involves “he,” “she,” or “it,” requires the verb form to end in “-s” in order to be grammatically correct. This rule applies to most regular verbs, including “say.”

Let’s take a closer look at some examples to solidify our understanding:

1. She says, “I love chocolate.”
2. He never says anything mean.
3. It always says “error” on the screen when I try to open the program.

In these sentences, you can see that the word “says” is used correctly to match the third-person singular subjects – she, he, and it. If we were to replace “says” with “sais,” the sentences would become grammatically incorrect and confusing to the reader or listener.

Now, let’s imagine a scenario where we are discussing a friend named Alice and her habit of sharing funny stories. The conversation may go something like this:

Person A: “Alice always ____ the most amusing anecdotes. It’s like she has an endless supply!”
Person B: “Oh, she definitely _____ a talent for storytelling.”

In this context, if we were to fill in the blanks, the correct word to use is “says.” So, Person A might say, “Alice always says the most amusing anecdotes. It’s like she has an endless supply!” And Person B would respond, “Oh, she definitely says a talent for storytelling.” By using “says,” we maintain grammatical accuracy and ensure effective communication.

In summary, when deciding between “sais” or “says,” it is crucial to remember that “says” is the correct form for the third-person singular present tense. By following this rule, we can prevent confusion and relay our thoughts more clearly. So, the next time you have to choose between “sais” or “says,” choose wisely and remember – it’s all about using the correct form of the verb to express yourself accurately in English.