How do you properly use the word said vs says in a conversation?

The choice between "said" and "says" depends on the tense of the verb in your sentence.

Here's a breakdown:

Said:

* Past tense: Used when the speaking or writing happened in the past.

* Example: "He said he was going to the store."

Says:

* Present tense: Used when the speaking or writing is happening now, or is a general statement.

* Example: "She says she'll be here soon."

Here are some other things to keep in mind:

* Direct quotes: "Said" is typically used for direct quotes, regardless of the tense.

* Indirect quotes: "Says" can sometimes be used for indirect quotes, especially when the speaker is still present.

Examples:

* Direct quote: "I'm tired," she said.

* Indirect quote: "She says she's tired." (even though she's not currently speaking)

Remember, the key is to match the tense of "said" or "says" to the verb describing the action of speaking.