The editor warned the novelist that overusing said-bookism made the dialogue feel precious rather than natural.

We should trust his advice, as the fella said, because he's been through it all.

When I asked her to lead the project, she said yes without hesitation.

Port Said was bustling with fishermen unloading their day's catch at the harbor.

He dare-said he would resign, and then he did.

They assured us the museum would be open on Mondays, so they said, but when we arrived it was closed.

We should follow the plan, as the man said, even if it seems risky.

Although city living can be noisy and crowded, there is something to be said for the convenience of having shops and public transport nearby.

As the old proverb goes, nothing is said that has not been said before, so instead of trying to be original we should learn from what came before.

I'll keep it short and stick to what someone said: we need to start saving now.