9 Collocations with Say in English

Last updated on July 6, 2024 by Isabella Claire

This reference will explore some of the most common collocations with “say” and their meanings. You will find detailed sections that list collocations with “say”, provide example sentences, and explain how these collocations are used in different contexts like formal settings, informal settings, and academic writing.

Additionally, practice exercises such as fill-in-the-blanks and matching verbs will help reinforce your learning. Explore these resources to boost your understanding and use of collocations with “say.”

List of Collocations with Say

9 Collocations with Say in EnglishPin
List of Collocations with Say – Created by 7ESL
  • Say a word
  • Say for certain/sure
  • Say goodbye
  • Say hello
  • Say no more
  • Say nothing
  • Say something
  • Say sorry
  • Say yes/no

Collocations with Say with Example Sentences

Say a word

  • Meaning: To speak or utter a single word
  • Example: Can you say a word in German for me to practice my pronunciation?

Say for certain/sure

  • Meaning: To state or affirm something with confidence or certainty
  • Example: She couldn’t say for certain if she would be able to attend the party.

Say goodbye

  • Meaning: To bid farewell or take leave of someone
  • Example: It’s time to say goodbye to our guests and thank them for coming.

Say hello

  • Meaning: To greet someone or acknowledge their presence
  • Example: The receptionist greeted the visitors and said hello to them.

Say no more

  • Meaning: To indicate that no further information or explanation is necessary or desired
  • Example: I understand what you mean, say no more.

Say nothing

  • Meaning: To remain silent or not speak about a particular topic or issue
  • Example: I decided to say nothing when my friend asked me about their new haircut because I didn’t like it.

Say something

  • Meaning: To speak or utter something, usually in response to a question or request
  • Example: He wanted to say something to his friend, but he didn’t know how to approach the topic.

Say sorry

  • Meaning: To express regret or apologize for a mistake or wrongdoing
  • Example: He always says sorry when he makes a mistake.

Say yes/no

  • Meaning: To give an affirmative or negative response to a question or request.
  • Example: Can you say yes or no to the invitation to the party?

Collocations with SAY in Different Contexts

In Formal Settings

In formal settings, we use ‘say’ to convey our message politely and professionally. Here are some common collocations with ‘say’ in formal settings:

  • Say hello/goodbye: It is polite to greet someone when you meet them and say goodbye when you leave.
  • Say sorry: If you make a mistake or offend someone, it is important to apologize and say sorry.
  • Say please/thank you: When making requests or receiving help, it is essential to use polite expressions like ‘please’ and ‘thank you’.
  • Say something/nothing: In formal settings, it is important to contribute to the conversation and say something relevant.

In Informal Settings

In informal settings, we use ‘say’ to express our thoughts and feelings in a more casual and relaxed manner. Here are some common collocations with ‘say’ in informal settings:

  • Say anything: In informal settings, we can express ourselves freely and say anything that comes to our mind.
  • Say nothing: Sometimes, it is better to remain silent and say nothing if we do not have anything positive to say.
  • Say for sure: In informal settings, we use this collocation to express our confidence in something.

In Academic Writing

In academic writing, we use ‘say’ to report what others have said or to express our own opinions in a formal and objective manner. Here are some common collocations with ‘say’ in academic writing:

  • Say something/nothing: In academic writing, we use these collocations to report what others have said or to express our own opinions.
  • Say for certain/sure: In academic writing, we use this collocation to express our confidence in something.
  • Say what you mean: In academic writing, it is important to be clear and precise and say what we mean without any ambiguity.

Practice and Exercises

Fill in the blank

  1. He didn’t ___________ during the entire meeting.
  2. I can’t ___________ if he’s going to come or not.
  3. We need to ___________ to our friends before we leave the party.
  4. Can you ___________ to our new neighbors when you see them?
  5. When he saw the look on her face, he knew to ___________.

Match the Verbs

Phrasal Verb Meaning
a. Say no more 1. To remain silent or not speak
b. Say nothing 2. To speak or make a statement
c. Say something 3. To express regret or apologize
d. Say sorry 4. To provide an affirmative or negative response to a question or request
e. Say yes/no 5. To indicate that no further explanation is necessary
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