What is the difference between He said yesterday was sunny in Tokyo. and He says yesterday was sunny in Tokyo. ?Feel free to just provide example sentences.

Answers

soomin

20 Apr 2014

English (US)

"Said" is past tense (言った) and "says" is present tense (言っている). Sometimes, when telling a story, a writer may use "says" (even when referring to a past event) as a matter of style.

fuxi

20 Apr 2014

Japanese

Is it just a matter of style? If there are any small nuances, could you teach me those?
Thank you very much.

soomin

20 Apr 2014

English (US)

Sure. Usually the only time you might use "said" or "says" when speaking is if you're relaying information to someone. For example, if a girl is on the phone with her father, she might say to her sister (who is with her):
"Dad says we have to go home" or "Dad said we have to go home."
Both are okay.

When telling a story, a writer can use "says" to create a sense of "immediacy," or to make it feel like the story is happening now. This makes the reader feel closer to the story emotionally.

Does that help? Let me know if there's anything you don't understand.

fuxi

20 Apr 2014

Japanese

Thanks for your really helpful and kind explanations. Which one do English speakers use more in general? Especially when they are speaking with someone. The weather forecast says/said ...
Mike says/said ....

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What is the difference between He said yesterday was sunny in Tokyo. and He says yesterday was sunny in Tokyo. ?