Conjugation of "Say" — All Forms, Examples, and Usage
Speak or tell someone something in words.
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All 12 Tenses of "Say"
Quick reference table — every tense form of "say" with the first-person example and a link to the grammar guide for that tense.
| Tense | Example (I) | Quick rule |
|---|---|---|
| Simple Present | I say |
Used for habits, facts, routines, and permanent situations. Full rule → |
| Simple Past | I said |
Used for completed actions at a specific time in the past. Full rule → |
| Simple Future | I will say |
Used for predictions, decisions made at the moment, and promises. Full rule → |
| Present Continuous | I am saying |
Used for actions happening right now or temporary situations. Full rule → |
| Past Continuous | I was saying |
Used for actions in progress at a specific moment in the past. Full rule → |
| Future Continuous | I will be saying |
Used for actions that will be in progress at a specific future time. Full rule → |
| Present Perfect | I have said |
Used for past actions with present relevance, life experiences, or unfinished situations. Full rule → |
| Past Perfect | I had said |
Used for an action that was completed before another past action. Full rule → |
| Future Perfect | I will have said |
Used for an action that will be completed before a specific future time. Full rule → |
| Present Perfect Continuous | I have been saying |
Used for actions that started in the past and continue now, with focus on duration. Full rule → |
| Past Perfect Continuous | I had been saying |
Used for ongoing actions in the past that continued up to another past moment. Full rule → |
| Future Perfect Continuous | I will have been saying |
Used for actions that will have been ongoing up until a specific future time. Full rule → |
Past Tense of "Say" — Said
The past simple of "say" is "said". Use it for completed actions at a specific past time. Because "say" is irregular, "said" is not formed by adding -ed — you have to memorize this form. See our simple past tense guide for a deeper explanation of the simple past.
- He said goodbye and left. A2
Past Participle of "Say" — Said
The past participle of "say" is "said". Use it after "have/has/had" for the perfect tenses ("I have said"), and after "be" for passive constructions ("It was said"). Because "say" is irregular, "said" is not the same as the past simple — students often confuse the two forms.
- He said goodbye and left. A2
Is "Say" Regular or Irregular?
"Say" is an irregular English verb. Its principal parts are: base form "say", past simple "said", and past participle "said". The 3rd-person singular present is "says" and the present participle/gerund is "saying". Conjugation pattern: highly irregular.
Conjugation pattern: highly irregular
How to Pronounce "Say" and Its Forms
Say: /seɪ/ — Stress pattern: O
One syllable, sounds like SEH.
How to Use "Say" — Common Grammar Patterns
With quotes: 'say + quoted speech'.
say + objectsay to someone
Example Sentences with "Say" in Different Tenses
- Simple Past: He said goodbye and left. A2
Common Collocations with "Say"
- say goodbye — I said goodbye at the airport.
- say thank you — Remember to say thank you.
- say hello — She says hello to everyone.
- say sorry — He said sorry for being late.
- say nothing — I have nothing to say about that.
When to Use "Say" vs Similar Verbs
Smart synonyms — when to use each one
- tell — give information directly to someone
- mention — reference something in passing during speech
Common Mistakes with "Say"
-
Wrong: She say it's true.
Correct: She says it's true.
Add "s" for third-person singular. -
Wrong: I have said to him.
Correct: I have said it to him. / I said to him.
"Say" usually needs a direct object (what you said). -
Wrong: They saying goodbye.
Correct: They are saying goodbye. / They said goodbye.
Use continuous or past tense; "they saying" is incomplete.
Origin and Etymology of "Say"
From Old English secgan.
Conjugation Tables for "Say"
Negative Forms
- Simple present: I do not say · He does not say
- Simple past: I did not say · She did not say
- Present perfect: I have not said · He has not said
Question Forms
- Simple present: Do you say? · Does he say?
- Simple past: Did you say?
- Present perfect: Have you said?
Passive Voice (where applicable)
- Simple present passive: It is said
- Simple past passive: It was said
- Present perfect passive: It has been said
Frequently Asked Questions About "Say"
- Is "say" regular or irregular?
- "say" is an irregular verb. Its past simple is "said" and past participle is "said". You must memorize these forms.
- What is the past tense of "say"?
- The simple past of "say" is "said".
- Are the past simple and past participle the same for "say"?
- Yes, for this irregular verb, both the past simple and past participle are "said".
- What's a common mistake with "say"?
- Add "s" for third-person singular. Wrong: "She say it's true." Correct: "She says it's true."