Can I say: Say somebody something?

English as a Second Language English Vocabulary, Grammar and Idioms
1

Dear teachers,

1/Please tell me the meaning of “say” in:

I say my lesson.

2/ With the verb “say”, can I say: Say somebody something?
Ex: Please read:
a.Did you say that news to David?
b. Did you say that news to David?

(a) is surely correct. So, (b) is correct?

Thanks
Quoc

2

Hi,

If you say somebody something, it’s usually a recitation. You wouldn’t use it as in your examples.

Alan

3

Dear teacher,

I only ask: Is there a structure:

Say sb sth?

If yes, please give me an example.

Thanks
Quoc

4

No, there is no such structure. If you check a good grammar book, you will find that say cannot have an indirect object. In that case, you have to use the verb tell.

5

Dear teacher,

Please tell me the meaning of “say” in:

I say my lesson.

My teacher uses always this in class.
Is it right?

Quoc

6

No, this sentence is wrong, and it’s hard to understand what your teacher means by it. I think he or she is trying to say, “I recite my lesson.”