Reporting Verbs

Beyond Say and Tell

English has many reporting verbs that add meaning and nuance.

Pattern 1: Verb + that clause

Positive Statements

• claim - He claimed that he was innocent.
• explain - She explained that she was late.
• mention - He mentioned that he had seen her.
• state - She stated that the facts were correct.
• admit - He admitted that he had made a mistake.
• agree - They agreed that it was a good idea.
• deny - She denied that she had taken it.
• insist - He insisted that he was right.
• complain - She complained that it was too cold.
• promise - He promised that he would help.

Pattern 2: Verb + person + that clause

• tell - He told me that he was leaving.
• inform - She informed us that the meeting was cancelled.
• convince - He convinced her that it was safe.
• remind - She reminded me that I had a meeting.
• warn - He warned them that it was dangerous.
• assure - She assured me that everything was fine.

Pattern 3: Verb + to + infinitive

• agree - She agreed to help.
• offer - He offered to pay.
• promise - She promised to come.
• refuse - He refused to answer.
• threaten - She threatened to leave.
• decide - They decided to wait.

Pattern 4: Verb + person + to + infinitive

• ask - She asked me to wait.
• tell - He told her to sit down.
• advise - She advised me to rest.
• encourage - He encouraged her to apply.
• invite - They invited us to stay.
• order - She ordered them to leave.
• remind - He reminded me to call.
• warn - She warned him not to go.

Pattern 5: Verb + -ing

• admit - He admitted stealing the money.
• deny - She denied taking it.
• suggest - He suggested going out.
• recommend - She recommended visiting the castle.

Pattern 6: Verb + preposition + -ing

• apologize for - He apologized for being late.
• insist on - She insisted on paying.
• accuse someone of - They accused him of lying.
• blame someone for - She blamed him for breaking it.
• thank someone for - He thanked her for helping.

Common Verb Meanings

Quiz