Reporting verbs
Report precisely with verbs like admit, deny, insist, accuse, blame, apologise, recommend and threaten — and their patterns.
In this lesson you will
- Choose reporting verbs that show attitude
- Use the correct verb pattern for each
- Report speech more concisely
Learn
Reporting verbs summarise what someone said and how: “I didn’t take it!” → He denied* taking it.* They’re more precise than say and tell.
verb + to-infinitive: agree, offer, promise, refuse, threaten, claim. verb + object + to: advise, persuade, remind, warn, encourage, urge.
verb + -ing: admit, deny, recommend, suggest. verb + preposition + -ing: apologise for, insist on, accuse someone of, blame someone for, congratulate someone on, object to.
verb + that-clause is possible for many: She admitted that she was wrong. He insisted that I stay.
| Pattern | Verbs | Example |
|---|---|---|
| + to | refuse, threaten, offer | He threatened to leave. |
| + obj + to | warn, persuade, urge | She urged me to apply. |
| + -ing | admit, deny, recommend | They denied cheating. |
| + prep + -ing | apologise for, accuse of | He accused me of lying. |
Examples
- She apologised for keeping us waiting.
- The minister denied knowing about the deal.
- My friend persuaded me to join the choir.
- They accused him of stealing the idea.
Vocabulary
deny
say something is not true
accuse
say someone did something wrong
insist
say firmly
urge
strongly advise
threaten
say you will do something bad
Practice
“I’m sorry I’m late.” → He apologised ___ late.
Speaking
Report a heated discussion or argument (real or imagined) using at least eight different reporting verbs.
Writing
Rewrite a short dialogue as a report (100–120 words), using precise reporting verbs instead of said/told.
Lesson quiz
She refused ___ the question.
Review
Key points
- + to: agree, offer, refuse, threaten.
- + object + to: advise, persuade, warn, urge.
- + -ing: admit, deny, recommend, suggest.
- + preposition: apologise for, insist on, accuse of, blame for.
What you learned
- ✓ I can report precisely.
- ✓ I use correct patterns.
- ✓ I can show attitude through verbs.
Grammar reference: Reported speech, Gerunds and infinitives