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.

Explained by Michele A.
Editor at TextRanch

Last updated: September 22, 2024 • 17332 views

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

"It says."

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.

Show examples from the web [+]
Last updated: November 08, 2024

Mar 21, 2016 ... After reading an article, I write a review starting with "In the text it says ..." and "In the text it is said ...". Are they both correct?
Apr 16, 2021 ... 18 votes, 42 comments. Just downloaded Snow Runner and it says level not downloaded yet but it's been a day and my PS4 says it's fully ...
Apr 19, 2022 ... I purchased Game Pass but it says I don't have it (PC). so yesterday I bought game pass and everything was fine, I was able to download a few ...
Jul 28, 2014 ... It says I have over 5000 pictures on my iphone when I connect it to my mac taking up 11GB of space, but I only have just over 2000 in my camera roll.
Jan 19, 2020 ... I get on my Xbox One and try to play Minecraft and it says, "Looks like you need to renew Xbox Game Pass. If your subscription is current ...
Mar 4, 2024 ... Hi Megan, I have always paid for my plan through Apple subscriptions. When I check through there, it says I am subscribed to Plus and fully paid ...
Apr 3, 2021 ... I have separate Google accounts for different things and one of them I recently tried to log in but it says there is no account by that ...
Jun 12, 2023 ... It says subscription has expired but it won't let me cancel. I'm just trying to update a free app. I want to cancel the subscription in question but it won't ...
Aug 13, 2023 ... It says the Google account cannot be found. I have a gmail account that i created over 10 years ago, i also have my facebook connected to it ...
Apr 1, 2022 ... For some reason my payment method isn't working. I have $10 gift card and trying to purchase books and it says insufficient funds.

Alternatives:

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

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

"It said."

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.

Show examples from the web [+]
Last updated: November 08, 2024

Mar 21, 2016 ... "Yes, it says 'No Parking'." We say "It's said" to mean "people say": It's said that XXX can cause cancer.
Nov 4, 2016 ... "It said that" is a complete sentence, implying that whatever "it" is said the thing referred to by "that".
Jun 3, 2010 ... Hi there, One billion years ago when I started studying English, I learned in a grammar book that "it's said" is a natural way to say things ...
Sep 28, 2015 ... It said quarter to five, but it was quarter to ass.... (ASS-CRACK BANDIT). Play. Archived post. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot ...
Apr 15, 2023 ... So one of my users noticed that a task cannot edit its description even though it said it was successful. Using the latest version 1.2.28 ...
7 days ago ... It's Said Many Times, and I will Echo it... RANT / COMPLAINT. The ... r ...
I've Heard It Said “You Are Enough”. September 06, 2024 by: Amy DiMarcangelo. This article is part of the I've Heard It Said series.
Oct 29, 2024 ... 527 likes, 4 comments - suzywelch on October 29, 2024: "It's said the cobbler's kids have squeaky shoes, so could it be that life coaches ...
Nov 11, 2022 ... To reset my apple ID password it said I will get a text or call on November 9 because they need to make sure it is me, and it's that is the day and I didn't ...
You've Heard It Said. Life.Church. 4.9 (148); RELIGION & SPIRITUALITY; UPDATED WEEKLY. Latest Episode. You've Heard It Said. If you've got questions about ...

Alternatives:

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

How TextRanch works

Fast and reliable proofreading, editing, and language advice tailored to your needs.

1. Choose Your Service

Quick Text Editing

Emails and short texts
Proofreading & editing
Ready in 5-10 minutes

SUBMIT YOUR TEXT NOW

Document Editing

Documents of any type (*.docx)
Advanced & Premium editing
Ready in as little as 4 hours

UPLOAD YOUR DOCUMENT

Ask an Editor

Personalized answers to your language questions
Expert guidance on grammar, style, and usage
Ready in 24 hours

ASK YOUR QUESTION

Upload your document or paste your text directly into our platform. Your text is reviewed and refined by our expert editors (real people, not machines) who understand the nuances of English. Expect corrections, improvements, and insightful suggestions that enhance the clarity, tone, and professionalism of your writing.

3. Receive Your Polished Text

In just a few minutes (or hours for longer documents), you'll receive your corrected text. Review the changes, make any final adjustments, and confidently share your polished English with the world.
You can count on a personalized, friendly service every time you use TextRanch. We're committed to helping you make a great impression with every word you write.

We proofread and edit these types of texts and documents:

Short texts Business Emails Personal Emails Social media posts Resume and Curriculum Vitae Business documents Sales proposal Research and academic papers Thesis Dissertation Essays Articles Blog posts and much more....

Our Customers Love Us!

We have an average rating of 4.79 stars based on 283125 votes, and

4.9 Excellent - Reviews 2.137

"7 years without any disappointment. Always 100% satisfied. You guys are the best in the world at what you do. Thank you so much :)"

Zubair
from Bangladesh

"I wasn't aware of this service, it's fascinating and more reliable than standard IA tools available on the internet"

Arturo
from Mexico

"In a world of text messages and online communication, this is great to have as a live tool. Thank you."

Selena
from USA

"Wow, it's just so excellent. I never would have believed I could have a sure and excellent English companion. Thanks, TextRanch."

Ifiok
from Nigeria

"This is my first time using TextRanch, and I like how the editors take time to correct my text. To everyone who has never used TextRanch before, I highly recommend trying it."

Wilson
from France

"It is an amazing source of feedback because, as a non-native speaker, I really need to have a reliable helper correct my text."

Susan
from Germany

It says. vs It said.

"It says."

"It said."

Related Comparisons

2. Submit Your Text

3. Receive Your Polished Text