Why is と before a verb in some sentences/phrases?
In this sentence, 上司が「一杯、飲もう。」と言った。, Why is there a　と before 言った?

I also see と before 思います.

Thanks in advance.

Question

Why is と before a verb in some sentences/phrases?
In this sentence, 上司が「一杯、飲もう。」と言った。, Why is there a　と before 言った?

I also see と before 思います.

Thanks in advance.

Answer

〜と言った。
is a predicate. と is used like a quotation particle.
So it's like:
as for this person, they said this. 
スーさんは猫が好きですと言った。
Sue said she likes cats.
As for sue, she said she likes cats.

Same goes for と思います。
スーさんは猫が好きですと思います。
As for sue, I think she likes the cat.

I'm not good at explaining because I just learnt this myself but search up what a "predicate" is and it will help you understand a little more. I hope it helped a little. You can find this in chapter 8 of the Genki textbook if you have it. Send me a message and I will send you the information I have on this subject. :)

Answer

と is used for many things. It is a grammar topic. 
私は友達と公園に行きました。 Me and my friend went to the park.
寿司を食べないと。 I have to eat sushi.
山本さんは「寒い」と言いました。 Yamamoto said: "It's cold".
明日は雨が降ると思います。I think it will rain tomorrow.
彼は先生だと思います。 I think he's a teacher.

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