Says or Sais: Which Spelling Is Correct and Why It Matters

Have you ever written a sentence like “She sais she is busy” and then paused to check if it is right? You are not alone. Many people search for “says or sais” because both words sound the same when spoken. English pronunciation can be tricky, and spelling does not always match sound. This makes small words like says easy to misspell.

The confusion often happens when typing fast, learning English, or relying on sound instead of spelling rules. Since says is pronounced like “sez,” many writers guess the spelling and end up with sais, which looks reasonable but is not correct in English.

This article clears up that confusion once and for all. You will learn which spelling is correct, why the mistake happens, and how both British and American English treat the word. You will also see common mistakes, real-life examples, and simple advice you can trust. By the end, you will feel confident every time you choose between says or sais.

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Says or Sais – Quick Answer

“Says” is correct. “Sais” is incorrect in English.

• ✅ Says: correct spelling
  Example: He says he is ready.
• ❌ Sais: incorrect spelling
  Example: He sais he is ready. (wrong)

There is only one correct form in English: says.

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The Origin of Says or Sais

The word says comes from the verb say, which has roots in Old English secgan, meaning “to speak.” Over many years, English spelling and pronunciation changed. The spelling says stayed the same, but the sound shifted to “sez.”

The incorrect spelling sais appears because people try to spell the word the way it sounds. In some other languages, similar spellings exist, which can also influence learners. However, English spelling rules do not allow sais as a correct form.

Learn more about : Used or Use: Which One Is Correct and When to Choose Each

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British English vs American English Spelling

There is no spelling difference between British and American English.

Variant	Correct Spelling	Example
American English	says	She says it is fine.
British English	says	She says it is fine.

Sais is incorrect in all forms of English.

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Which Spelling Should You Use?

No matter your audience:

• US audience: Use says
• UK/Commonwealth audience: Use says
• Global audience: Use says

There are no exceptions.

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Common Mistakes with Says or Sais

Here are frequent errors and fixes:

• ❌ The teacher sais the test is hard.
  ✅ The teacher says the test is hard.
• ❌ She sais no to the offer.
  ✅ She says no to the offer.
• ❌ Spelling by sound
  ✅ Remember: say → says

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Says or Sais in Everyday Examples

Emails:

• He says the meeting starts at noon.

News:

• The report says prices will rise.

Social Media:

• She says this song is amazing 🎵

Formal Writing:

• The study says the results are clear.

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Says or Sais – Google Trends & Usage Data

Search trends show that “says or sais” is often searched by students, ESL learners, and writers checking spelling. These searches are common worldwide.

Books, articles, and news sources always use says. Sais appears mostly in spelling questions and typing errors. This shows that people search the keyword to fix a mistake, not because both forms are correct.

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Comparison Table: Keyword Variations

Spelling	Correct?	Notes
says	✅ Yes	Correct English
sais	❌ No	Common spelling error

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FAQs

1. Is “sais” ever correct in English?
No. It is always incorrect.

2. Why does “says” not sound like it looks?
English pronunciation changed over time.

3. Is the spelling different in British English?
No. Both use says.

4. What is the past tense of says?
The past tense is said.

5. Can spellcheck always catch “sais”?
Not always, but often.

6. Is says a verb or noun?
It is a verb.

7. How can I remember the spelling?
Think: say + s = says.

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Conclusion

The confusion between says or sais comes from pronunciation, not grammar. English often spells words differently from how they sound, and says is a perfect example. Even though it sounds like “sez,” the correct spelling is always says.

There is no difference between British and American English, and there is no situation where sais is correct in English writing. Using the right spelling helps your writing look clear, accurate, and professional.

If you remember one simple rule, remember this: the verb “say” becomes “says” in the present tense. With that in mind, you will never struggle with says or sais again.

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