Reporting verbs are verbs you use to share what someone else said, thought, or felt. Instead of repeating the exact words, you use these verbs to report the message in your own sentence. Common examples include say, tell, explain, suggest, and admit. For example, you might say, “She explained that the meeting had been postponed,” rather than repeating her exact words.
You will often use reporting verbs in reported speech, academic writing, and everyday communication. They help you make your sentences more precise and clear by showing how something was said or understood.
What Are Reporting Verbs?
Reporting verbs are verbs you use to describe what someone else said, thought, asked, or felt. Instead of quoting the exact words, you use these verbs to report the message in a new sentence. They help you show not just the content, but also the intention behind it.
For example, compare these sentences:
- She said that she was leaving early.
- She admitted that she was leaving early.
Both sentences report the same action, but the second one adds extra meaning. It suggests that she may not have shared this information easily.
Reporting verbs are not limited to say and tell. You can use many verbs depending on the situation, such as explain, suggest, claim, promise, or ask. Each verb gives a slightly different sense to the sentence.
Here are a few clear examples:
- The manager explained that the policy had changed.
- Rahul suggested trying a different route to avoid traffic.
- The witness claimed that he had seen the incident clearly.
Using the right reporting verb helps you express ideas more accurately and makes your writing more specific and natural.
Common Reporting Verbs in English
You will see some reporting verbs used more often than others in everyday communication and writing. Here are some common reporting verbs with simple meanings and examples:
say
Meaning: to express something in words
Example: She said that the project would take more time.
tell
Meaning: to give information to someone directly
Example: He told me that the documents were ready.
ask
Meaning: to request information or clarification
Example: She asked if the meeting had been confirmed.
explain
Meaning: to make something clear or easy to understand
Example: The trainer explained that the system would be updated overnight.
suggest
Meaning: to propose an idea or plan
Example: Riya suggested taking an earlier flight.
claim
Meaning: to state something as true, often without proof
Example: The company claimed that the product was completely safe.
admit
Meaning: to accept something as true, often reluctantly
Example: He admitted that he had made a mistake in the report.
promise
Meaning: to say that you will definitely do something
Example: She promised to send the revised draft by evening.
Types of Reporting Verbs (By Meaning)
Reporting verbs can be grouped based on what they express. This helps you choose the right verb depending on the situation and the meaning you want to convey.
Verbs of Saying
These verbs are used to report information or statements without adding much opinion.
Examples:
- The spokesperson stated that the policy would remain unchanged.
- Meera mentioned that the client had called earlier.
- He said that he would review the proposal later.
Verbs of Thinking and Belief
These verbs show what someone thinks, believes, or expects.
Examples:
- The analyst believed that the market would recover soon.
- She assumed that the email had already been sent.
- He expected that the results would improve this quarter.
Verbs of Asking
These verbs are used when someone is requesting information or clarification.
Examples:
- The interviewer asked whether I had prior experience with the software.
- She inquired if the report was ready for submission.
- He questioned why the deadline had been extended.
Verbs of Agreement and Disagreement
These verbs show whether someone agrees or disagrees with an idea or statement.
Examples:
- The team agreed that the strategy needed adjustment.
- He denied that he had approved the budget.
- The expert argued that the data was not reliable.
Verbs of Advice and Suggestion
These verbs are used to give recommendations, advice, or ideas.
Examples:
- The consultant advised the company to reduce unnecessary costs.
- She recommended checking the figures again before submission.
- He suggested using a different approach for better results.
Reporting Verbs in Reported Speech
Reporting verbs are commonly used in reported speech to share what someone said. Instead of using quotation marks, you adjust the sentence and use a reporting verb to introduce the idea.
Here is a simple example:
- Direct Speech: She said, “I am working late today.”
- Indirect Speech: She said that she was working late that day.
In reported speech, verbs like say and tell are common, but you can also use more specific reporting verbs to make your meaning clearer.
Examples:
- He explained that the system had stopped working.
- She admitted that she had forgotten the deadline.
- They claimed that the results were accurate.
Some reporting verbs change the structure of the sentence.
Patterns Used with Reporting Verbs
Reporting verbs follow specific patterns in sentences. Understanding these patterns helps you use them correctly and avoid common mistakes.
Verb + that clause
Many reporting verbs are followed by a that clause. You can often omit “that” in informal use, but it is helpful for clarity.
Examples:
- The director explained that the timeline had changed.
- She mentioned that the files were missing.
- The report stated that customer demand had increased.
Verb + to + infinitive
Some reporting verbs are followed by to + verb. This pattern is often used for promises, plans, or decisions.
Examples:
- He promised to complete the work by Friday.
- She agreed to join the meeting later.
- They decided to postpone the launch.
Verb + object + to + infinitive
In this pattern, you include a person (object) before the infinitive. It is commonly used for advice, instructions, or requests.
Examples:
- The teacher advised the students to revise the chapter.
- She reminded me to submit the form on time.
- The manager asked the team to prepare a summary.
Verb + -ing form
Some reporting verbs are followed by a verb ending in -ing. This is common with suggestions and recommendations.
Examples:
- He suggested reviewing the contract carefully.
- She recommended using a simpler design.
- They admitted making an error in the calculation.
Reporting Verbs vs Say and Tell
Say and tell are the most common reporting verbs, but they are not always the best choice. Using more specific verbs can make your sentences clearer and more precise.
Basic Difference
- Say is used when you focus on the information.
- Tell is used when you include the person receiving the information.
Examples:
- He said that the results were delayed.
- He told me that the results were delayed.
You cannot use tell without mentioning a person.
Incorrect: He told that the results were delayed.
Correct: He said that the results were delayed.
When to Replace Say and Tell
Instead of using say or tell in every sentence, you can choose a reporting verb that better reflects the meaning.
Examples:
- She said that she was sorry.
- She apologized for the mistake.
- He said that the plan would work.
- He claimed that the plan would work.
- They told us to wait.
- They instructed us to wait.
Why This Matters
Using a variety of reporting verbs helps you:
- Avoid repetition
- Add clarity to your sentences
- Show tone and intention more clearly
This is especially useful in writing, where the choice of verb can change how the message is understood.
Reporting Verbs in Academic Writing
In academic writing, reporting verbs help you present ideas from sources clearly and accurately. They also show how you interpret those ideas. The verb you choose can indicate whether you agree, question, or simply present information.
Here are some commonly used reporting verbs in academic writing:
- argue
- claim
- suggest
- state
- conclude
- explain
- report
Examples:
- The researcher argues that social factors influence language development.
- The study suggests that regular practice improves writing skills.
- The report concludes that the new policy has reduced costs.
- The author explains that the results were based on a small sample.
Each verb adds a slightly different meaning. For example, argues shows a strong position, while suggests presents an idea more carefully.
Using appropriate reporting verbs helps your writing sound clear and well-structured. It also allows you to present information in a way that reflects your understanding of the source.
Summary
Reporting verbs are verbs you use to report what someone said, thought, or felt without repeating their exact words. Instead of relying only on say and tell, you can use verbs like explain, suggest, admit, or claim to express ideas more clearly.
You can group reporting verbs based on their meaning, such as verbs of saying, thinking, asking, or advising. Each group helps you choose the right verb depending on the situation and what you want to express.
These verbs are commonly used in reported speech, writing, and everyday communication. They also follow specific patterns, such as using a that clause, an infinitive, or an -ing form.
Using a variety of reporting verbs improves clarity and makes your sentences more precise. It also helps you show tone, intention, and meaning more effectively.
