Phrases with ''say''-----> Bolster your vocabulary by learning three a day! I dare you to try! :)

I can not stress the utmost importance of learning new vocabulary through full phrases and collocations, with that being said- 

With many thanks to the Macmillan Dictionary Group- I present to you,  some wonderfully useful phrases - to help bolster your English speaking skills!

Enjoy reading and take time to make use of the phrases when you attend classes/ chat with people in ''real-time.'' :

PHRASES with ''say.'' 

someone can't say (something) SPOKEN

1a polite way of saying that you do not know something

Synonyms or related words for this sense of say

Ways of saying that you do not know or understand: not that I know of, don’t ask me, your guess is as good as mine, (that’s a) good question, I couldn’t tell you, how should/do I know?, not for the life of me, what is someone on about?, who can say?... 

2a polite way of saying that you do not want to give information to someone

Synonyms or related words for this sense of say

Polite words and expressions: hope, seem, respectfully, perhaps, I’d/we’d be delighted, no disrespect (to), do you mind?, I took the liberty of doing something, excuse me...

3.used for saying that you do not have a particular opinion

Synonyms or related words for this sense of say

Ways of saying that you do not know or understand: not that I know of, don’t ask me, your guess is as good as mine, (that’s a) good question, I couldn’t tell you, how should/do I know?, not for the life of me, what is someone on about?, who can say?... 

can't say fairer than that BRITISH INFORMAL

used for saying that an offer is the best that can be expected

Synonyms or related words for this sense of say

Fair and reasonable: fair, reasonable, natural, independent, legitimate, just, decent, accepted, unbiased, fair-minded...

go without saying (that)

to be completely obvious or true

Synonyms or related words for this sense of say

To be, or to become obvious or noticeable: stand out, jump out at, stick out, stare someone in the face, stand out in a crowd, dominate, get noticed, leap off the page, shine through, pervade... more

have something to say to someone/about something

to be angry with someone or about something

Synonyms or related words for this sense of say

To be, or to become angry or annoyed: lose your temper (with), go mad, see red, lose it, fly into a temper/rage, hackles, snap, lose your cool, go off the deep end, hold against...

have something/a lot/nothing etc to say for yourself

to be fairly/very/not at all keen to talk, especially about yourself and your reasons for doing something

Synonyms or related words for this sense of say

Words used to describe writing or speech style: articulate, chatty, circuitous, clean, conversational, crisp, declamatory, diffuse, discursive, economical...

having said that SPOKEN

used for adding an opinion that seems to be the opposite of what you have just said, although you think both are true

Synonyms or related words for this sense of say

Ways of giving your opinion: your two cents, perhaps, frankly, personally, as/so far as I’m concerned, to my way of thinking, to my way of thinking, if you want my advice/opinion, if you ask me, to my mind...

I must say (that)

used for emphasizing a statement

Synonyms or related words for this sense of say

Ways of emphasizing what you are saying: ach, actively, actual, any, awful, awfully, bloody, e’en, e’er, entirely...

I say BRITISH OLD-FASHIONED

1used for attracting someone's attention

Synonyms or related words for this sense of say

Expressions used for telling someone to pay attention: right, now then, hello, all right, see?, here, listen up, hey, look, just/wait a moment...

2.used for emphasizing a statement

Synonyms or related words for this sense of say

Ways of emphasizing what you are saying: ach, actively, actual, any, awful, awfully, bloody, e’en, e’er, entirely...

3.used for expressing surprise, shock, anger etc

Synonyms or related words for this sense of say

Ways of emphasizing when you are annoyed or angry: hell, blast, for heaven’s sake/sakes, for pity’s sake, for crying out loud, what’s that supposed to mean?, what’s the big idea?, give me strength, give me a break, constant... more

I wouldn't say no (to something) SPOKEN

used for admitting that you would like something, especially something that has been offered to you

Synonyms or related words for this sense of say

Willing to do or accept something: willing, ready, interested, delighted, inclined, amenable, obliging, yielding, pleased/only too pleased to do something, prepared to do something...

if I may say (so) SPOKEN FORMAL

used for introducing a personal comment when you know that the person you are speaking to may find this offensive

Synonyms or related words for this sense of say

Polite words and expressions: hope, seem, respectfully, perhaps, I’d/we’d be delighted, no disrespect (to), do you mind?, I took the liberty of doing something, excuse me... 

I'll say OLD-FASHIONED

used for expressing agreement, or for saying yes in a very definite way

Synonyms or related words for this sense of say

Ways of saying yes: yes, definitely, of course, sure, naturally, that’s right, I don’t mind if I do, by all means, you bet, you’re on... more

(just) say the word SPOKEN

used for telling someone that you are ready to do something for them as soon as they ask

Synonyms or related words for this sense of say

Obedience and cooperation: adherence, complaisance, compliance, cooperation, give-and-take, integrity, legalism, obedience, observance, observation...

not to say

used for adding a description that emphasizes the one that you have just used

Synonyms or related words for this sense of say

Ways of adding extra information: namely, incidentally, furthermore, anyhow, anyway, not to mention, even so, the fact that, in any case, by the way...

say it all

used for saying that something shows very clearly what someone's feelings are or what a particular situation is really like

Synonyms or related words for this sense of say

To have a meaning: mean, intend, say, connote, denote, cohere, suggest, record, fall into place...

say a lot/very little etc for

to show that someone or something has a lot/very little etc of a particular quality

Synonyms or related words for this sense of say

To say that something has a particular quality or feature: rate, term, attribute to, represent, brand, designate, peg, say a lot/very little etc for, credit with...

say no more SPOKEN

used for saying that you understand the hidden meaning of something and do not need any more details

Synonyms or related words for this sense of say

Ways of saying that you know, understand or agree: of course, OK, all right, fair enough, I know, if you like, I see, I know what you mean, I see/take your point, I don’t blame you/him/her/them...

say this/that for someone

used for admitting that someone who you do not approve of has a good quality

Synonyms or related words for this sense of say

Words used to describe someone's personality: adaptive, addictive, babyish, badass, born, classy, clingy, constitutionally, flawed, flexible... more

say something to yourself

to have something in your mind, especially something that you are trying to make yourself believe is true

Synonyms or related words for this sense of say

To have an opinion or opinions: think, believe in, say, consider, hold, incline, reckon, have a mind of your own, know best, view... 

say what you like (about) SPOKEN

used for mentioning a good quality of someone or something that is not liked or approved of by other people

Synonyms or related words for this sense of say

Ways of describing something in a general way: generally, as a whole, by definition, by and large, overall, together, broadly/generally speaking, something of the kind, in general, when all is said and done...

say when SPOKEN

used for telling someone to tell you when you have given them enough of something, especially food or drink

Synonyms or related words for this sense of say

Brewing, storing and serving drinks: brew, brewer, brewery, draught, freshen, head, mash, microbrewery, pour out, stir... more

say your piece

to say what you really think about something

Synonyms or related words for this sense of say

To give your opinion: express, comment, speak out, articulate, pronounce on, sound off, air, formulate, put forward, run by...

shall I/we say SPOKEN FORMAL

used for making a statement or criticism seem less severe or offensive

Synonyms or related words for this sense of say

Ways of making or receiving criticism or blame: against, charming, someone can dish it out but they can’t take it, where does someone get off doing something?, look at, mea culpa, OK, pick on someone your own size, really, would... more

that is to say FORMAL

used for explaining something that you have just said in a more exact way

Synonyms or related words for this sense of say

Ways of explaining or clarifying: as, because, besides, explain, i.e., inasmuch as, look at, nay, precisely, since...

that said SPOKEN

used for adding an opinion that seems to be the opposite of what you have just said, although you think both are true

Synonyms or related words for this sense of say

Ways of giving your opinion: your two cents, perhaps, frankly, personally, as/so far as I’m concerned, to my way of thinking, to my way of thinking, if you want my advice/opinion, if you ask me, to my mind...

that's/it's easier said than done

used for telling someone that what they are advising you to do is not easy to achieve

Synonyms or related words for this sense of say

Difficult to do and involving a lot of effort: difficult, hard, tough, demanding, challenging, arduous, taxing, gruelling, complicated, be an effort...

that's not saying much

used for emphasizing that something is not very unusual, surprising, or impressive

Synonyms or related words for this sense of say

Ways of saying that you are not surprised: of course, sure enough, as you might expect/imagine, I thought as much, it/that figures, anyway, that’s not saying much, what do/can you expect?, typical... 

that's not to say (that)

used for adding a statement that corrects what you have just said or makes it less definite

Synonyms or related words for this sense of say

Ways of adding extra information: namely, incidentally, furthermore, anyhow, anyway, not to mention, even so, the fact that, in any case, by the way...

there's something/a lot/not much etc to be said for something

used for saying that there are some/many/few etc advantages in doing something

Synonyms or related words for this sense of say

Ways of emphasizing how good or bad something is: ultimate, unbelievable, unadulterated, conspicuous, with/without distinction, like nothing on earth, not...anything better/worse, there’s nothing better, worse, more exciting etc than, couldn’t be better/worse/nicer etc, of your life...

though/if I say it myself

used when you do not want to seem too proud of your own ability or achievement

Synonyms or related words for this sense of say

Humble and not proud: humble, modest, unassuming, self-effacing, unpretentious, undemanding, low-profile, self-deprecating, though/if I say it myself, modesty forbids/prevents me from doing something...

to say the least

used for saying that you could have expressed something in a much stronger way

Synonyms or related words for this sense of say

Ways of describing something in a general way: generally, as a whole, by definition, by and large, overall, together, broadly/generally speaking, something of the kind, in general, when all is said and done...

to say nothing of

used for adding extra information to what you have just said

Synonyms or related words for this sense of say

Ways of adding extra information: namely, incidentally, furthermore, anyhow, anyway, not to mention, even so, the fact that, in any case, by the way...

what do you say I/we do something? SPOKEN

used for making a suggestion

Synonyms or related words for this sense of say

Ways of making a suggestion: perhaps, maybe, may, might, could, how about...?, why not...?, what if...?, I/you/they etc could always, I thought (that)...

what have you got to say for yourself? SPOKEN

used for asking someone what explanation or excuse they have for their bad behaviour

Synonyms or related words for this sense of say

Ways of asking questions and making requests: anyway, what has/will become of, do with, what’s got into someone?, where has something/someone got to?, what (has) happened to something, how, innit, just, keep...

what someone says goes

used for emphasizing that a particular person has the power to decide what happens in a situation

Synonyms or related words for this sense of say

Being in charge: executive, supervisory, responsible, in charge (of), in control, on top, what someone says goes, at the helm... more

what would someone say to something? SPOKEN

used for asking whether someone would accept a suggestion

Synonyms or related words for this sense of say

Ways of making a suggestion: perhaps, maybe, may, might, could, how about...?, why not...?, what if...?, I/you/they etc could always, I thought (that)...

when all is said and done MAINLY SPOKEN

when you consider the whole of a situation, and not just one aspect of it

Synonyms or related words for this sense of say

Ways of describing something in a general way: generally, as a whole, by definition, by and large, overall, together, broadly/generally speaking, something of the kind, in general, when all is said and done... 

who can say? SPOKEN

used for saying that no one knows the answer to a particular question or knows what will happen in the future

Synonyms or related words for this sense of say

Ways of saying that you do not know or understand: not that I know of, don’t ask me, your guess is as good as mine, (that’s a) good question, I couldn’t tell you, how should/do I know?, not for the life of me, what is someone on about?, who can say?...

who says? SPOKEN

used for expressing disagreement with a statement, opinion etc

Synonyms or related words for this sense of say

Expressions showing anger and used in arguments: arguably, what has something (got) to do with...?, firstly, full stop, ha, hah, my, of course, pooh, pshaw...

who's/what's to say (that)? SPOKEN

used for saying that something is not certain because no one knows exactly what has happened or what is going to happen

Synonyms or related words for this sense of say

Ways of saying you are not sure: perhaps, maybe, presumably, reportedly, rumour/word/legend has it that, it/that depends, not that I’m aware of, I dare say, I would think/imagine/hope etc, think...

you can say that again SPOKEN

used for expressing strong agreement with what someone has said

Synonyms or related words for this sense of say

Ways of agreeing with someone: OK, of course, no, yes, right, oh, done, okey-dokey, ditto, righto...

you don't say SPOKEN

1.used for saying that you are surprised by what someone has told you

Synonyms or related words for this sense of say

Ways of saying that you are surprised or shocked: funnily enough, you don’t say, heavens above, Well, I never (did), is that a fact?, you would not believe, of all things/people/places, now I’ve seen everything/it all, who would have thought...?, even... 

2.used for saying that you are not surprised by what someone has told you

Synonyms or related words for this sense of say

Ways of saying that you are not surprised: of course, sure enough, as you might expect/imagine, I thought as much, it/that figures, anyway, that’s not saying much, what do/can you expect?, typical... 

you said it SPOKEN

1.used for agreeing with what someone has said although you would not have said it yourself, especially when they admit they have done something bad or wrong

Synonyms or related words for this sense of say

Ways of agreeing with someone: OK, of course, no, yes, right, oh, done, okey-dokey, ditto, righto...

2.AMERICAN used for agreeing with a suggestion that someone has made

Synonyms or related words for this sense of say

Ways of agreeing with someone: OK, of course, no, yes, right, oh, done, okey-dokey, ditto, righto... 

Have had Explained+ collocations with have---> ''Teacher- I have had grey hairs trying to understand these two verbs.''

Dear Readers- students and teachers alike---> I trust that my blog posts serve you well- wishing that with my whole heart attuned to your needs.

Today's lesson revolves around the dicey and spicy topic of the ''have had'' confusion. I shall avoid morphing this particular article into a prolix of orotund gunk and start with a few forms highlighting the use of have:

"Have had" is using the verb ''have'' in the present perfect tense.

Perfect Tense Form:

I   have had

you  have had

Third person: he/she/it   has had

we   have had

you  have had

they have had

have had / has had:

Typically we use ''have'',  as a main verb with an object to talk about common actions.

We use have in collocations too- as before mentioned- you would do yourself a service by learning vocabulary in groups/chunks as opposed to singular words which are easily forgotten! 

Here are some handy common collocations :

have a great day/ have a bad time/have a good time/have fun

have a shower/a bath/a wash and shave

have a rest/a snooze/a siesta/a good sleep/a bad dream

have breakfast/lunch/dinner/supper/a bite to eat/a light meal

have a hot or cold drink/a glass of wine/a cup of coffee/some mineral water

have a walk/a swim/a good time/a yoga session/a nice evening/a day off/a holiday/a good journey/a good trip

have a word with someone/a chat/a conversation/a quarrel/an argument

have a headache/a sore throat/hay fever/a bad back/a bad cold

have a (good) job/some work to do/money/an opportunity/a chance

I have had it! = I am cross/angry/ over it!/Tired.

We use the present perfect tense when we want to connect the present with the (recent) past in some way and this will appear as has had or have had in full forms or as 's had or 've had in contracted forms:

Examples:

Have Adriana and Marius had a holiday yet? ~ They've had a holiday, in Thailand.

He was tired after work, but now that he's had a shower and had a rest, he's very relaxed now.

Have you had a nice day, Bernadette? ~ I've had a rotten day. I had an argument with a colleague and I've had enough for one day- time out!

Have you always had headaches? ~ I've had them every month, I think I need glasses.

I've had a headache since early morning.

That's that!  I hope you have had enough explanation about this topic- for more- be sure to book a lesson with me on the web- site!  Namaste, Teacher Bee

Intonation+ Reading- How much time have you assigned to reading and practicing intonation ( the rising and falling of the voice) ? Try this lovely Poem: Tanglaw -- Light By Binibining

Good day world, How do you do? I have been indulging in some poetry and thought it a good idea to share the golden treasures which I have discovered. I trust you will take time to digest the text, take it in and feel inspired- Reading aloud is essential and of huge importance-refer back to my post on,  ''Why should I read?''.

Every bit of reading done in English, exposes you to acquisition(the process of getting something...) of some kind. 

Grammar in context, new vocabulary, perhaps a new phrase- a new thought, something to enlighten or brighten your day. Sub-conscious learning is inevitable with conscious decisions taken to assign time to reading even a short text aloud.

               Happy Reading--------------->Give it a try, I dare you to read the text aloud- try differ your tone of voice as you read! Practice intoning by variation- try sounding sad, confused and then happy-----------> It is a great method :) Every language has it's own melody- we call this ''intonation.'' In English we have a rising and falling intonation. Book a lesson with me on the web-site for more information on how to intone correctly! :)

Tanglaw - Light:

Sometimes, I cannot help but sigh
and wonder--
wonder deep inside of me 
whether I could ever be like you.

I riffle through the pages of my soul
and find a lot of them empty
Unlike yours, which seem to be bursting, blinding,
bursting, and still continuing to burst with brilliance...

So much so, 
that your soul's light
has spread far and wide,
very much like sunlight's fingers
opening the morning sky curtains,
touching and warming
those who need it.

Tanglaw 
Each step that you take,
each breath that you exhale,
each prayer that you whisper,
each beat of your heart
Tanglaw

I receive a smile,
and chat
with that man
who you've helped change...
Because of you,
the silent man now speaks, smiles.

You sit down to rest,
I see you talking to someone,
and I am almost fooled,
since you seem like old friends.
Because of you,
the lonely strangers become kindred.

It mystifies me sometimes,
of how you never seem to get tired.
It seems like I am the one who gets tired for you,
who gets worried for your own strength...
Then I see that glow from all around, 
and I am reminded how you glean from this glow.

I see you as this beautiful ball of energy--
Never static,
bouncing from soul to soul,
illuminating parts of themselves
that even they never knew existed.

It is so amazing seeing this at work,
since the next thing I know,
the place is lit up,
Alive. 
...and it is all because of you.

It makes me feel unworthy at times,
but oh how it also makes me feel so proud,
that I am a part of you,
and you are a part of me.

I have a lot of catching up to do,
since it seems I am light years from where you are

But I will try.
I will catch the tail end of your light,
clutch to it with my life, winding it around me,
let it embrace me--tight, so tight.
And I will never let it go. Never.
Until I also begin to glow.
Until I too, become that ball of light.

Hopefully when someone
riffles through the pages of my soul,
they will not find it blank,
but filled with gilt pages of light.

Just like yours.
Bursting and brilliant just like yours.




Tanglaw is pronounced "tang-lao"

Where I live, mothers are said to be the "light of the home"...