GV

Reporting Verbs

Different ways to report: say, tell, ask, suggest, admit, promise, warn

intermediate

When to Use Reporting Verbs

  • •Say: report words. She said (that) she was tired.
  • •Tell: report to someone. She told me (that) she was tired.
  • •Ask: questions/requests. He asked if I was coming. She asked me to help.
  • •Suggest: recommendations. He suggested going out. She suggested that we leave.
  • •Promise/Warn/Admit: specific meanings. He promised to call. She warned me not to go.

How to Form Reporting Verbs

Affirmative (+)

Verb + (that) clause; Verb + object + to-infinitive; Verb + -ing

Negative (-)

Verb + not + to-infinitive; Verb + that + negative clause

Question (?)

Verb + if/whether clause (for reported questions)

💡 Different verbs take different patterns. Check verb patterns carefully.

Examples of Reporting Verbs

✓She told me to wait.

✗She said me to wait.

Tell + object + to; say doesn't take object before 'to'.

✓He suggested going home.

✗He suggested to go home.

Suggest + -ing (not to + verb).

✓She admitted stealing it.

✗She admitted to steal it.

Admit + -ing.

Common Mistakes with Reporting Verbs

💡 Practice Tips for Reporting Verbs

  • • Say + (that) clause: She said she was tired.
  • • Tell + person + (that) clause: She told me she was tired.
  • • Suggest/recommend + -ing: He suggested going out.
  • • Promise/offer/refuse + to: She promised to help.
Quick Quiz
  1. 1.She   me that she would be late.
  2. 2.He suggested   to the cinema.
  3. 3.She admitted   the money from the cash register.
  4. Question 4: He promised blank (call) me as soon as he arrived.
    4.He promised (call) me as soon as he arrived.
  5. Question 5: She warned me blank (not + touch) the wet paint.
    5.She warned me (not + touch) the wet paint.
  6. Question 6: He blank (say/tell) that he was very busy at work.
    6.He (say/tell) that he was very busy at work.
  7. Question 7: She offered blank (help) us move the furniture.
    7.She offered (help) us move the furniture.
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