REPORTING VERBS
Reporting verbs are used to report what someone said more accurately than using say &
tell. They express the force or the purpose of the action.
REPORTING VERBS: GROUPS
1. Verb only
I'm really sorry
She apologised.
agree, apologise, refuse
2. Verb+ (that) + clause
I hacked into the company's accounts system.
He admitted (that) he had hacked into the company's accounts system.
e.g. : accept, acknowledge, add, admit ,advise ,agree, announce, answer*,argue, assert, assume,
believe, boast, claim, comment, complain, concede, conclude, confess, continue*, decide,
declare, deny, doubt, exclaim, expect ,explain, foresee, imagine, imply, insist ,know, mention,
notice, observe, point out, predict, promise, protest, recommend, remark, repeat, reply*, report,
respond, reveal, say, shout*,state, suggest ,vow, whisper.
(*=that is obligatory)
(Bolded letter verbs= unit verbs)
3. Verb+ object+ that clause
Dont worry. Youll arrive on time
She reassured me that I would arrive on time.
e.g: advise, assure, inform, reassure, remind, tell, warn
4. Verb+ (not) to-infinitive
Well pick up the children if you like
They offered to pick up the children.
e.g. : agree, demand, guarantee, offer, propose, refuse, swear, threaten, volunteer, vow.
5. Verb+ object+(not)+to- infinitive
You shouldnt say anything
I advised him not to say anything.
e.g: advise, allow, challenge, command, encourage, expect, forbid, force, implore,
instruct, invite, order, permit, persuade, remind, request, tell, urge, warn.
6. Reporting Verb + -ing
I didnt do it
He denied doing it.
e.g. : admit, apologize for, decide on, deny, mention, recommend, regret, report,
suggest.
7. Verb+ object+ preposition+-ing
You forged the cheques
They accused me of forging the cheques.
e.g: accuse sb. of, blame sb. for, congratulate sb. on , confess to, criticize sb. for, thank
sb. for ,warn sb. against.
8. Verb+ thatobject+should+infinitive without to
Lets go for a drink
He suggested me that we should go for a drink.
e.g: suggest, recommend, insist, demand.
9. Verb+ question word/if+ sentence in reported speech
Would you like a drink?
He wondered whether/ if I would like a drink.
e.g.: ask, wonder, want to know.