have a say

Meaning

This expression means to have the right to express your opinion, be involved in a decision, or have some level of influence over an outcome. It is a very common casual phrase used in workplaces to discuss employee involvement and decision-making power.

Examples

• Employees want to have a say in how the new office is designed.

  Employees want to have a say in how the new office is designed.

• As a major shareholder, she deserves to have a say in company policy.

  As a major shareholder, she deserves to have a say in company policy.

• I didn't have a say in the matter; the decision was made by management.

  I didn't have a say in the matter; the decision was made by management.

• It is important for every team member to have a say during brainstorming sessions.

  It is important for every team member to have a say during brainstorming sessions.

• Do we have a say in choosing which project management tool we use?

  Do we have a say in choosing which project management tool we use?

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I want to have a say on who we hire.

  ✓ I want to have a say in who we hire.

  While 'say on' is occasionally heard, 'have a say in' is the standard idiomatic preposition used for describing the decision or process you want to influence.

• ✗ She doesn't have any speak in the final decision.

  ✓ She doesn't have any say in the final decision.

  The noun in this idiom is always 'say,' not 'speak,' 'talk,' or 'voice'.

Related Expressions

Practice

• I really want to ___ in the final design of the product.

  💡 have an active role in the decision

  Show answer

  have a say

• Unfortunately, junior developers rarely ___ in budget planning.

  💡 get to express opinions or influence decisions

  Show answer

  have a say