REPORTING VERBS/ UNIT 7

 

What Are Reporting Verbs?

Reporting verbs are used when we report what someone else said — but instead of just using say or tell, we get fancy with it!

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Basic Reporting with 'say' and 'tell':

She said (that) she was tired.

He told me (that) he was hungry.

(Note: 'tell' needs a person after it — you tell someone)

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Common Reporting Verbs & Patterns

1. Verb + that clause

She explained that she couldn’t come.

They admitted that they were wrong.

2. Verb + to + infinitive

He promised to help me.

I offered to cook dinner.

3. Verb + object + to + infinitive

She advised me to study.

They invited us to come.

4. Verb + gerund

He denied cheating.

She suggested going out.

5. Verb + object + preposition + gerund

They accused him of lying.

I thanked her for helping me.

Some Popular Reporting Verbs and How They Work

Exercises: Complete with the correct form

1. She promised __________ (help) me.

2. He suggested __________ (watch) a movie.

3. They told me __________ (stay) at home.

4. I admitted __________ (be) late.

5. He asked me __________ (bring) snacks.

6. She denied __________ (take) the phone.

7. They invited us __________ (join) them.

8. My teacher advised me __________ (study) more.

9. I warned him __________ (not go) there.

10. She said __________ (be) tired.

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Answers

1. to help

2. watching

3. to stay

4. being

5. to bring

6. taking

7. to join

8. to study

9. not to go

10. (that) she was