Useful Expressions with “Say”

Useful Expressions with “Say”

How many times a day do you say say? Quite often, I bet! In this lesson, you’ll learn 16 common English expressions with say – phrases like say no more, easier said than done, and you don’t say that will help you sound more fluent and natural. Useful Expressions with “Say”

The expressions are as follows:

1. I would say
2. I must say
3. Having said that
4. Say when
5. That is to say
6. Wouldn’t say boo to a goose
7. It goes without saying
8. To say the least
9. Say no more
10. You don’t say
11. If I may say so
12. Whatever you say
13. Well said
14. Easier said than done
15. Something says a lot about something/someone
16. Say something (straight) to someone’s face

I would say

Use the phrase to give your opinion.

• I would say the woman is in her forties. I’m not quite sure from this distance, though.
• The party last night was very well organised, except for the food, I’d say. 

I must say

Use the phrase to emphasise.

• I must say your offer is quite tempting.
• I must say that the news made me really sad.

Having said that

Use it to say that something is true despite what you previously said.

• My grandpa is becoming forgetful. But, having said that, he remembers our birthdays. Useful Expressions with “Say”
• Of course, you should exercise and eat healthily. Having said that, however, don’t forget to relax and have fun from time to time.

Say when

Use it to tell someone to stop pouring a drink into your glass or serving food.

• I’ll put some buffet food on your plate. Say when (you want me to stop).
• I’m pouring coffee into your mug. Say when!

That is to say

Use it to give more details or to correct a previous statement.

• Our relatives, that is to say, our uncle and aunt, are meeting us in front of the theatre.
• Sorry, but I must correct you – that tennis player has never won any championships, that is to say, he’s never been a tennis star.

 

Wouldn’t say boo to a goose

This expression describes a shy person.

• Alice is so quiet and shy that she wouldn’t say boo to a goose.
• Back in high school, Peter wouldn’t say boo to a goose. He’s a popular rock star now; who’d say it’s the same person?

It goes without saying

Use the phrase to say that something is clear without explanation.

• Of course, it goes without saying that we will pay you for all your overtime work.
• It goes without saying that we all must obey the law and teach our children to do so.

To say the least

Use it to say that something is more serious than you suggested.

• The citizens were surprised by the Mayor’s speech, to say the least.
• What you did was quite thoughtful, to say the least. Useful Expressions with “Say”

Say no more

Use it to tell someone that you understand and there is no need to explain any further.

• “When we get to the party, don’t talk about work”, “Say no more. I’ll talk about the holiday.”
• “Have you seen Clare?” “She asked me if I’d seen her umbrella a few minutes ago.” “Say no more. She’s left for work.”

 You don’t say

Use the phrase to show you’re surprised.

• Have you heard that there was a horrible accident last night?” “You don’t say! Where was it?”
• I saw Sandra holding hands with another man.” You don’t say! Who was he?”

If I may say so

Use the expression to be polite after you’ve said something that could be offensive.

• You are not exactly the person we’re looking for this job, if I may say so. We need someone more experienced.
• If I may say so, that information is incorrect.

Whatever you say

Use the phrase to indicate that you agree with someone’s suggestion, especially if you don’t want to argue.

• “I think it’s a good idea to visit my mother for the weekend. I haven’t seen her for quite some time.” “Whatever you say.“
• “Will you please change the channel? I want to watch the film.” “Whatever you say.“

Well said!

Use it to express your approval and agreement with what someone has said.

• “Very well said, Tom!” said the teacher. “I couldn’t agree more.”
• “I think the negotiations are the best way to go.” “Well said, Malcolm. Any other suggestions?”

Easier said than done

Use it to say that something is complicated or difficult to do.

• Finding good and cheap accommodation in August on the Mediterranean coast is easier said than done.
• It is so difficult to lose 10 kilos in a month on this diet. It’s easier said than done. Besides, it may not be very healthy.

Something says a lot about something/someone

Use the phrase to express or show something clearly.

• Ryan is an eager student and a kind and polite person, which says a lot about him.
• Tess believes that people’s horoscopes say a lot about them.

Say something (straight) to someone’s face

The phrase refers to saying something unpleasant directly to someone.

• Her dressing style is terrible, although I’d never say it to her face. Useful Expressions with “Say”
• If you have something to say, say it straight to my face; don’t go around and gossip about me.

Learn 15 expressions with “back” here

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