Table of Contents
Introduction
Reporting verbs allow us to convey what someone else has said, thought, or felt. While some often rely on basic verbs like “say” and “tell,” the English language offers a wide variety of reporting verbs that can add depth and clarity to your speech and writing.
This guide will help you master reporting verbs. We’ll explore their types, usage, and sentence patterns.
Direct Speech Vs. Reported Speech
Before defining reporting verbs, let’s first understand the difference between direct and reported speech.
- Direct Speech quotes the exact words spoken by someone, enclosed in quotation marks. It reflects the speaker’s original tone and wording.
- Reported Speech paraphrases what someone said without quoting their exact words. It often involves changes in pronouns, tenses, and time expressions.
Examples
- Direct Speech:
- She said, “I am going to the store.”
- Reported Speech:
- She said (that) she was going to the store.
The verb “said” is a reporting verb.
What Are Reporting Verbs?
Reporting verbs, also known as verbs of reported speech, are used to report or relay what someone else has said, thought, or felt. Reporting verbs convey the message’s content and provide insight into the speaker’s tone, intention, or attitude.
For example:
- She promised to call me. (The verb “promised” shows the speaker’s commitment.)
- He admitted making a mistake. (The verb “admitted” reveals the speaker’s acknowledgment of an error.)
Reporting verbs like say, tell, admit, explain, promise, etc., are used in both direct and reported speech. The key difference lies in how the information is presented and the grammatical changes that occur when moving from direct to reported speech.
Common Reporting Verbs and Their Usage
To make reporting verbs easier to learn and teach, let’s categorize them based on their functions and meanings. Each category serves a specific purpose, helping learners choose the right verb for the context.
1. Verbs of Speech (Neutral)
These verbs simply report what someone said without adding much emotional or contextual nuance. They are commonly used in everyday conversations.
- Say, tell, explain, state, mention, add, reply, answer, declare, announce
- Example: She declared that the event was a success.
- Example: He added that the project was on track.
- Example: They announced the winner of the competition.
2. Verbs of Command or Request
These verbs indicate that someone is giving an order, making a request, or offering advice.
- Ask, order, command, urge, beg, advise, instruct, demand, warn, remind
- Example: The teacher instructed the students to complete the assignment.
- Example: She warned him not to be late.
- Example: He begged her to forgive him.
3. Verbs of Belief or Thought
These verbs reveal what someone thinks, believes, or assumes.
- Believe, assume, doubt, guess, imagine, suspect, think, suppose, consider, feel
- Example: He suspected that something was wrong.
- Example: They considered moving to a new city.
- Example: I doubt he’ll arrive on time.
4. Verbs of Agreement or Disagreement
These verbs show whether someone agrees, disagrees, or responds to a statement.
- Agree, refuse, admit, deny, object, concede, accept, reject, argue, insist
- Example: She refused to accept the offer.
- Example: He argued that the plan was flawed.
- Example: They conceded that the decision was fair.
5. Verbs of Promise or Threat
These verbs convey promises, guarantees, or threats.
- Promise, swear, threaten, guarantee, vow, pledge, assure, commit
- Example: He vowed to support the cause.
- Example: She assured him that everything would be fine.
- Example: They threatened to take legal action.
6. Verbs of Emotion or Feeling
These verbs express emotions or reactions tied to what someone says.
- Complain, apologize, confess, insist, regret, lament, protest, boast, sigh, exclaim
- Example: He apologized for the misunderstanding.
- Example: She boasted about her achievements.
- Example: They lamented the loss of a great leader.
7. Verbs of Suggestion or Advice
These verbs indicate that someone is offering a suggestion or advice.
- Suggest, recommend, propose, advise, urge, encourage, persuade
- Example: They recommended trying the new restaurant.
- Example: He urged her to reconsider her decision.
- Example: She persuaded him to join the team.
8. Verbs of Reporting Facts or Information
These verbs are used to report facts, information, or discoveries.
- Report, note, observe, point out, reveal, disclose, confirm, claim, assert
- Example: The scientist revealed the results of the experiment.
- Example: She confirmed that the meeting was scheduled.
- Example: He claimed that he had seen the suspect.
9. Verbs of Inquiry or Questioning
These verbs are used to report questions or inquiries.
- Ask, inquire, wonder, question, query, interrogate
- Example: He wondered why she was late.
- Example: They inquired about the availability of the product.
- Example: The detective interrogated the suspect.
Here is a table that summarizes the above types of reporting verbs:
| Category | Reporting Verbs | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Verbs of Speech | Say, tell, explain, state, mention, add, reply, answer, declare, announce | – She declared that the event was a success. – He added that the project was on track. |
| 2. Verbs of Command/Request | Ask, order, command, urge, beg, advise, instruct, demand, warn, remind | – The teacher instructed the students to complete the assignment. – She warned him not to be late. |
| 3. Verbs of Belief/Thought | Believe, assume, doubt, guess, imagine, suspect, think, suppose, consider, feel | – He suspected that something was wrong. – They considered moving to a new city. |
| 4. Verbs of Agreement/Disagreement | Agree, refuse, admit, deny, object, concede, accept, reject, argue, insist | – She refused to accept the offer. – He argued that the plan was flawed. |
| 5. Verbs of Promise/Threat | Promise, swear, threaten, guarantee, vow, pledge, assure, commit | – He vowed to support the cause. – She assured him that everything would be fine. |
| 6. Verbs of Emotion/Feeling | Complain, apologize, confess, insist, regret, lament, protest, boast, sigh, exclaim | – He apologized for the misunderstanding. – She boasted about her achievements. |
| 7. Verbs of Suggestion/Advice | Suggest, recommend, propose, advise, urge, encourage, persuade | – They recommended trying the new restaurant. – He urged her to reconsider her decision. |
| 8. Verbs of Reporting Facts/Information | Report, note, observe, point out, reveal, disclose, confirm, claim, assert | – The scientist revealed the results of the experiment. – She confirmed that the meeting was scheduled. |
| 9. Verbs of Inquiry/Questioning | Ask, inquire, wonder, question, query, interrogate | – He wondered why she was late. – They inquired about the availability of the product. |
How to Use Reporting Verbs in Sentences
Reporting verbs follow specific grammatical patterns. Understanding these structures is key to using them correctly. Here are the most common patterns:
- Verb + (that) + clause
- Used to report statements or thoughts.
- Example: She said (that) she was tired.
- Example: He admitted (that) he had made a mistake.
- Verb + object + infinitive
- Used to report commands, requests, or advice.
- Examples:
- He told her to wait outside.
- They urged us to act quickly.
- Verb + gerund
- Used to report actions or events.
- Examples:
- They admitted taking the documents.
- She regretted missing the meeting.
- Verb + preposition + gerund
- Used with verbs that require a preposition.
- Examples:
- He apologized for being late.
- She insisted on paying the bill.
Conclusion
Reporting verbs are essential for accurately reporting speech and conveying subtle nuances of meaning, tone, and intention. Each type of reporting verb serves a specific purpose, allowing you to express ideas precisely and clearly.
The comprehensive list above provides an excellent starting point for understanding how to use these verbs effectively in various contexts.