Introduction to Reporting Verbs
Reporting verbs (also called communication verbs or verbs of speaking) are essential for conveying what someone has said or written. These verbs go beyond simple “say” and “tell” to provide nuanced information about the speaker’s attitude, the speech act’s purpose, or the reported information’s reliability.
Categories of Reporting Verbs
1. Neutral Reporting Verbs
These simply report speech without indicating attitude:
- say
- tell
- state
- mention
- report
- announce
Examples:
- “The witness stated that he saw the suspect.”
- “She mentioned her plans for the weekend.”
2. Reporting Verbs with Attitude
These convey the speaker’s feelings about what’s being reported:
Positive Attitude:
- praise
- compliment
- admire
- celebrate
Negative Attitude:
- criticize
- complain
- blame
- reject
Examples:
- “The teacher praised the student’s improvement.”
- “Customers complained about the poor service.”
3. Cognitive Reporting Verbs
These report thoughts, beliefs, or mental processes:
- think
- believe
- assume
- suspect
- doubt
- imagine
Examples:
- “Scientists believe climate change is accelerating.”
- “I doubt we’ll finish on time.”
4. Directive Reporting Verbs
These report commands, requests, or advice:
- order
- command
- instruct
- advise
- recommend
- warn
Examples:
- “The officer ordered the troops to advance.”
- “Doctors recommend eight hours of sleep.”
Grammatical Patterns with Reporting Verbs
Pattern 1: Verb + That-Clause
Many reporting verbs can be followed by a that-clause (though “that” is often omitted in informal speech):
- “She claimed (that) she had a doctorate.”
- “He admitted (that) he was wrong.”
Common verbs for this pattern:
- acknowledge
- admit
- agree
- announce
- argue
- claim
- explain
- insist
Pattern 2: Verb + Object + That-Clause
Some verbs require an object before the that-clause:
- “She told me (that) she would be late.”
- “They informed us (that) the flight was canceled.”
Key verbs:
- assure
- convince
- inform
- notify
- persuade
- remind
- tell
- warn
Pattern 3: Verb + To-Infinitive
Some reporting verbs are followed by an infinitive:
- “He agreed to help.”
- “They refused to cooperate.”
Common verbs:
- agree
- demand
- offer
- promise
- refuse
- threaten
- volunteer
Pattern 4: Verb + Object + To-Infinitive
These verbs require both an object and an infinitive:
- “She asked me to leave.”
- “The doctor advised him to rest.”
Important verbs:
- advise
- allow
- ask
- beg
- command
- encourage
- forbid
- instruct
- invite
- order
- permit
- persuade
- remind
- teach
- tell
- urge
- warn
Pattern 5: Verb + Gerund (-ing form)
Some reporting verbs take a gerund:
- “He admitted stealing the money.”
- “She denied breaking the vase.”
Common verbs:
- admit
- deny
- mention
- recommend
- report
- suggest
Pattern 6: Verb + Preposition + Gerund
Some verbs require a preposition before the gerund:
- “They apologized for being late.”
- “She insisted on paying the bill.”
Key combinations:
- accuse someone of
- apologize for
- blame someone for
- complain about
- confess to
- insist on
- object to
Special Cases and Nuances
1. Say vs. Tell
- “Say” doesn’t take a personal object: “She said she was tired.”
- “Tell” requires a personal object: “She told me she was tired.”
2. Suggest and Recommend
These can follow multiple patterns:
- “I suggest (that) you see a doctor.”
- “I suggest seeing a doctor.”
- “I suggest you see a doctor.” (subjunctive, without “that”)
But NOT: “I suggest you to see a doctor.”
3. Reporting Questions
Different structures for yes/no vs. wh-questions:
- Yes/No: “She asked if/whether I was ready.”
- Wh-: “He wondered what time it was.”
4. Reporting Imperatives
- Direct: “He said, ‘Close the door.'”
- Reported: “He told me to close the door.”
Advanced Usage: Implicit Meaning
Reporting verbs can subtly change meaning:
- “He said he was innocent.” (neutral)
- “He claimed he was innocent.” (suggests doubt)
- “He admitted he was innocent.” (illogical – shows why verb choice matters)
- “He maintained he was innocent.” (implies persistence against opposition)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Incorrect preposition use:
- Wrong: “She accused him for stealing.”
- Right: “She accused him of stealing.”
- Wrong verb pattern:
- Wrong: “She suggested me to go.”
- Right: “She suggested (that) I go.” or “She suggested going.”
- Missing object:
- Wrong: “She told that she was leaving.”
- Right: “She told me that she was leaving.”
- Infinitive/gerund confusion:
- Wrong: “He denied to take the money.”
- Right: “He denied taking the money.”
Practical Applications
In Academic Writing
Reporting verbs are crucial for:
- Citing sources (“Smith argues that…”)
- Showing agreement (“Several studies confirm…”)
- Demonstrating debate (“While X maintains…, Y counters…”)
In News Reporting
Journalists use reporting verbs to:
- Attribute information (“Officials announced…”)
- Convey reliability (“Sources alleged…” vs. “Documents prove…”)
In Business Communication
Different reporting verbs create different tones:
- “We recommend…” (professional suggestion)
- “We insist…” (stronger position)
- “We’re pleased to announce…” (positive framing)
Expanded List of Reporting Verbs
Neutral:
- add
- announce
- answer
- declare
- disclose
- mention
- note
- observe
- point out
- state
Expressing Argument:
- argue
- assert
- contend
- counter
- debate
- emphasize
- maintain
- object
- protest
- reason
- refute
- reject
Expressing Belief:
- assume
- believe
- consider
- estimate
- feel
- hold
- presume
- suppose
- suspect
- think
- understand
Expressing Knowledge:
- acknowledge
- confirm
- demonstrate
- discover
- establish
- find
- know
- learn
- prove
- realize
- recognize
- reveal
- show
Expressing Advice/Suggestion:
- advise
- advocate
- caution
- counsel
- propose
- recommend
- suggest
- urge
- warn
Conclusion
Mastering reporting verbs enables precise, nuanced communication about others’ speech and thoughts. These verbs are indispensable for academic writing, journalism, business communication, and everyday conversation. Remember that verb choice affects meaning, and proper grammatical patterns are essential for clarity.