Overview
Reporting verbs introduce what someone said. The most basic are 'say' (without a person object) and 'tell' (with a person object). Other common verbs include: ask, explain, suggest, advise, warn, promise, agree, deny, offer, refuse, and claim. Each has its own grammatical pattern.
Core Reporting Verbs
- sayHe said that he was tired. (no person after)
- tellShe told me that she was leaving. (person required)
- askHe asked if I needed help.
- explainShe explained how the system worked.
Pattern Types
- verb + thatHe said / admitted / claimed that…
- verb + obj + thatShe told / reminded me that…
- verb + to-infHe agreed / refused / offered to help.
- verb + obj + toShe asked / told / warned me to leave.
Verb Choice Matters
- Choosing the right reporting verb adds precision and avoids repetition of 'said'.
- NeutralHe said there was a problem.
- PreciseHe admitted there was a problem.
- PreciseHe insisted there was a problem.
When to use
Essays
The researcher argued that the data was inconclusive.
News
The minister denied that any mistakes had been made.
Conversation
She admitted she had forgotten the meeting.
Business
He confirmed that the invoice had been received.