Table of Contents
Introduction
Reported speech is a way of conveying what someone else has said, thought, or felt without quoting their exact words. It’s an essential skill for effective communication in English, as it allows you to summarize or paraphrase statements while maintaining accuracy and nuance.
A key component of reported speech is the use of reporting verbs, which help indicate not only what was said but also the speaker’s tone, intention, or attitude.
This post offers two interactive exercises to help you practice using reporting verbs in context.
Reporting Verbs Exercises with Answers
Do the following reporting verbs exercises and check your answers.
Instructions
- Multiple Choice: Choose the correct reporting verb to complete each sentence.
- Drag and Drop: Drag the right reporting verb into the box to complete the sentences.
Exercise 1:
Choose the correct reporting verb from the list:
Exercise 2:
Quick Recap of Reporting Verbs
Reporting verbs are verbs used to introduce reported speech. They fall into several categories based on their function:
- Verbs of Speech: Say, tell, explain, state, mention
- Verbs of Command/Request: Ask, order, command, urge, advise
- Verbs of Belief/Thought: Believe, assume, doubt, guess, imagine
- Verbs of Agreement/Disagreement: Agree, refuse, admit, deny, object
- Verbs of Promise/Threat: Promise, swear, threaten, guarantee
- Verbs of Emotion/Feeling: Complain, apologize, confess, insist, regret
Each category serves a specific purpose, and understanding these verbs will help you express yourself more precisely in English.
More on Reporting Verbs