"Said" is the past tense of the verb "say," which means to express something in words. It is commonly used in both spoken and written language to convey information, thoughts, or feelings. For example, one might say, "She said she would come to the party," indicating that the person expressed this intention in the past. In literature, "said" is often used in dialogue to attribute speech to characters. It is a straightforward way to indicate who is speaking without adding unnecessary embellishments. Writers frequently use it to maintain clarity and keep the focus on the conversation, allowing readers to engage with the characters and their interactions more easily.