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It says. vs It said.

Both "it says" and "it said" are grammatically correct, but "it says" is used to report something in the present tense, while "it said" is used to report something in the past tense.
Michele A. profile picture

Explained by Michele A.
Editor at TextRanch

Last updated: September 22, 2024 • 16964 views

It says.

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to report something in the present tense.

Use "it says" when you want to report something that is currently being stated or written.

Examples:

  • The sign says the store is closed.
  • The manual says to press the red button.
  • The website says the event starts at 7 p.m.
  • Just read the saga and see what it says.
  • I think you should do as it says.
  • I can't work out what it says.
  • You just read it and do what it says.
  • I'm here, no matter what it says.
  • I don't know what it says.
  • I want to know what it says.
  • That depends on what it says.
  • Can't see what it says.
  • I just need the reagent to see what it says.
  • Then I'd like to know what it says.
  • Will, I know what it says.
  • You know perfectly well what it says.
  • First, I need to know what it says.
  • We should find out what it says.
  • Read this and then do what it says.
  • It believes everything that it says.
  • Read what it says. Exactly.
  • - No, I know what it says.
  • - I'm not telling you what it says.

Alternatives:

  • it states.
  • it indicates.
  • it mentions.
  • it reports.
  • it declares.

It said.

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to report something in the past tense.

Use "it said" when you want to report something that was stated or written in the past.

Examples:

  • Yesterday, it said the store would be closed today.
  • The email said the meeting was postponed.
  • The book said the story took place in the 19th century.
  • Tell the jury what it said.
  • "Take somebody to the doctor's," it said.
  • Not the actual missive, but what it said.
  • I don't remember what it said.
  • She told me what it said.
  • - She didn't tell me what it said.
  • "A robbery of national significance", it said.
  • "You have three minutes left," it said.
  • He read it, and he didn't like what it said.
  • "The eye is a camera," it said.
  • "Bold" would have been reading it or asking you what it said.
  • You must remember what it said.
  • Dead or alive, I believe it said.
  • "Don't pay more" or whatever it said.
  • She told me what it said.
  • I came with the expectations that the European Union meant what it said.
  • The economies of the euro were very diverse, it said.
  • Yes, I have heard it said.
  • Look, I just needed to get it said.
  • I did get a note, but that is not what it said.

Alternatives:

  • it mentioned.
  • it reported.
  • it declared.
  • it communicated.
  • it conveyed.

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