
For example, Ernie says to say goodbye while wiping windshield wipers in the car-themed episode. The first statement is usually "Ernie says, say goodbye." The special circumstance in which the characters say goodbye ties into the theme. End Segment: A short and final game of Ernie Says is played.Other times, he sings basic songs such as "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star" or "A Very Simple Dance".

Grover often interrupts to point out some things and to tell the child more.

Another example is Ernie pretending to fall asleep and wake up. For example, one time he asked Bert to help him hold an enormous piece of cheese, which he said was an "important part of the game." To Bert's anger, he says that "you can stop playing Ernie Says." He later points out that he just wants to have a snack, as he gets hungry after playing Ernie Says. Ernie always manages to annoy Bert in this segment.
