Reporting Verbs

Exercises

Explanation

1. What are reporting verbs?

Reporting verbs tell us how or why someone spoke. Each verb carries its own meaning—agreement, advice, warning, suggestion, etc.

Some commonly used reporting verbs include:

• say, tell

• explain, mention, add

• promise, offer, advise

• warn, remind, encourage

• ask, wonder, inquire

• deny, admit, confess

• complain, insist, argue

• suggest, recommend, propose

Examples:

• She mentioned that she would be travelling next week.

• He insisted that the plan was safe.

• They admitted that they had made a mistake.

• The manager promised that the problem would be resolved.

Each verb gives additional information about the speaker’s tone or intention.

2. Reporting verbs + to-infinitive

Many reporting verbs are followed by to + infinitive, especially verbs connected to decisions, offers, or intentions.

Common verbs: agree, refuse, decide, offer, promise, threaten, manage, plan

Examples:

• Lucas decided to change his major.

• She promised to send the documents today.

• He refused to participate in the experiment.

• They offered to drive us to the station.

These verbs often express a choice, intention, or willingness.

3. Reporting verbs + object + to-infinitive

Some reporting verbs must include a person (object) before the infinitive.

Common verbs: ask, tell, advise, warn, remind, encourage, persuade, invite

Examples:

• The teacher encouraged the students to speak more confidently.

• She told me to wait outside.

• They warned us not to touch the equipment.

• I reminded him to take his passport.

This structure is useful when one person gives instructions, advice, or information to another.

4. Reporting verbs + -ing form

Certain reporting verbs are followed by a gerund (-ing). These often describe past actions or general behaviour.

Common verbs: deny, admit, suggest, recommend, consider, imagine, avoid

Examples:

• He denied breaking the rule.

• She admitted forgetting her wallet.

• They suggested meeting earlier next time.

• We considered moving to another city.

These verbs usually refer to ideas, feelings, or actions already completed.

5. Reporting verbs with prepositions + -ing

Many reporting verbs must be followed by a preposition before the -ing form.

Common patterns:

• apologise for

• accuse someone of

• blame someone for

• insist on

• complain about

• confess to

• prevent someone from

Examples:

• She apologised for interrupting the speaker.

• They accused him of breaking the contract.

• He complained about working late.

• The delay prevented us from finishing on time.

• She insisted on taking a different route.

These structures show relationships such as responsibility, regret, or objection.

6. Reporting questions

When reporting questions, we usually use verbs such as: ask, wonder, want to know, inquire

Remember:
no question word order
no auxiliary verbs (do/does/did)

Examples:

• She asked where the nearest ATM was.

• I wondered if the museum was still open.

• They wanted to know when the event would start.

• He inquired whether the documents were ready.

7. Reporting suggestions

When reporting suggestions, we typically use: suggest, recommend, propose

These are usually followed by -ing, not a to-infinitive.

Examples:

• She suggested trying a different strategy.

• The guide recommended visiting the old castle.

• He proposed holding the meeting online.

8. Summary Table