say

Everyday

1. To say is to speak words: «Say hello.» tree →
2. To say is to tell a fact or opinion: «The sign says stop». tree →
3. Say can mean «for example» or «let's imagine»: «Take a number, say 7». tree →
4. Your say is your chance to give your opinion: «Everyone gets a say». tree →
5. (casual) «I say», «say what?» and «you don't say» show surprise; «you don't say» is often sarcastic: I knew that already. tree →
6. (casual) «Says who?» challenges someone: who decided that? tree →
7. (rough) «Say that again and you're dead» is a threat in a row; it is usually anger, not a real plan. tree →
8. (formal) «State», «assert», «declare», «indicate» and «it is stated that» are stiff words for say. tree →

In the lessons

In maths: a word of the story; brings what someone tells, sometimes a number; «let's say» sets up an example. In English lessons: reported speech («she says that…»). In everyday life: «say please and thank you», «what does the clock say?», «have your say». In stories: «they say the house is haunted»; «easier said than done». In casual talk: «says who?», «I'm just saying». In the exam voice: «it is stated that», «the notice indicates». Phrases: «say sorry», «that is to say», «needless to say», «to say the least».

Examples

• Mia says she has 20 stickers. tree →
• Let's say each box holds 6 eggs. tree →
• What number does Tom say next? tree →
• Say how many are left. tree →
• Say please when you ask for something. tree →
• What does the clock say? tree →
• The sign says «Keep off the grass». tree →
• Everyone in the class gets a say. tree →
• my brother says the Sun goes round the Earth, right? (casual, wrong claim) tree →
• «It's 12.» «Says who? I counted 13.» (casual) tree →
• Say that again and I'll thump you. (rough) tree →
• It is stated that a pupil possesses 20 stickers; determine the number remaining upon the disposal of 7. (formal exam) tree →
• "With all my heart," says I. tree →

Note

No operation; the numbers in what is said are the data. «Let's say» sets up an example. Forms: say, says (said «sez»), said («sed»). «Say» vs «tell»: you say something, you tell someone something. Trap: what someone says may be wrong — «my brother says 3 × 4 is 7» must be checked, not believed. Trap: if a speaker corrects herself («she has 5 — no, 6»), the last number counts. What people say online is not always true. Formal «it is stated that» = it says.

In Jewish tradition

In the Torah, "say" often introduces God's words to Moses to be passed on to Israel. The people's "Amen" is their agreement.

Interpretation. Saying "Amen" is taken as accepting and confirming what was said, as with the curses and blessings announced on Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal.

Examples

• And all the people shall say: Amen. (Torah DEU.27.16, JPS 1917) tree →
• And all the people shall say: Amen.' (Torah DEU.27.26, JPS 1917) tree →
• Go say to them: Return ye to your tents. (Torah DEU.5.30, JPS 1917) tree →
• And thou sayest: 'What doth God know? (Writings JOB.22.13, JPS 1917) tree →
• And they say: 'How doth God know? (Writings PSA.73.11, JPS 1917) tree →
• But ye say: 'Wherein shall we return?' (Prophets MAL.3.7, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

No operation; the numbers in what is said are the data. «Let's say» sets up an example. Forms: say, says (said «sez»), said («sed»). «Say» vs «tell»: you say something, you tell someone something. Trap: what someone says may be wrong — «my brother says 3 × 4 is 7» must be checked, not believed. Trap: if a speaker corrects herself («she has 5 — no, 6»), the last number counts. What people say online is not always true. Formal «it is stated that» = it says.