Learn 20 reporting verbs in English. Sound like a native speaker – replace these overused verbs in your English!
Learn important reporting verbs in academic writing and speaking. Learn to express yourself in English and boost your IELTS, TOEFL, or other English proficiency exam scores.
This lesson is perfect for students learning English as a second language, who want to improve their spoken English, written English, and enhance their overall communication skills.
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list of useful verbs
20 reporting verbs in English
Harry
This is an advanced English lesson. And in this particular lesson, it’s really quite a long one, we’ve got 20 items to cover. We’re looking at verbs, and we’re looking at verbs we use in reported speech. They’re really, really important. They’re usually powerful verbs. So I will go through them slowly, one at a time. And I will give you a couple of examples when I give you an explanation as to what they mean.
Expand your English vocabulary, and take your English skills to the next level. Whether you are preparing for academic writing tasks or want to excel in everyday conversations, this video is your go-to guide for learning better alternatives to commonly used English verbs.
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admit
Meaning: to confess or acknowledge the truth of something
Examples:
He admitted that he had broken the window.
She admitted that she was the one who had made the mistake.
The robber admitted to the crime.
The robber admitted doing the crime.
boast
Meaning: to speak too proudly about your accomplishments, possessions, or abilities
Examples:
He boasted about his job and children.
He boasted that they were going to move to a much bigger house with five bedrooms and a huge garden.
Little Amy couldn’t stop boasting about her dad and dog.
claim
Meaning: to say or declare that sth is true, or to say that sth belongs to you
Examples:
He claimed that he was the owner of the stolen property.
John claimed against the insurance company following the car accident to cover the damages to his vehicle.
complain
Meaning: to moan about what has/hasn’t happened
Examples:
They expressed their dissatisfaction with a dirty bedroom and complained about it.
They complained that the swimming pool wasn’t open at 6 o’clock in the morning.
concede
Meaning: to admit or acknowledge as true or valid
Examples:
After a long and hard-fought game, the football team had to concede defeat to their opponents.
The candidate conceded victory to their opponent in the elections and congratulated them on their win.
He conceded that their proposal for the launch of the new product was better.
20 reporting verbs in English
confirm
Meaning: to make sure that sth is accurate or true
Examples:
I confirm that I will be at the meeting on Friday at 3 p.m.
I confirm that I received your email, and I will reply to it later.
deny
Meaning: to say that something is not true
Examples:
I denied that I was there at the scene of the accident. They must have mistaken me for somebody else.
I denied that I took the last biscuit.
dismiss
Meaning: to not count or to rule out sth
Examples:
The government dismissed an appeal by the opposition to have a vote on this part of the budget.
The judge dismissed the case against her because there was not enough evidence.
doubt
Meaning: to question whether sth is right or wrong
Examples:
I doubt that he will be there on Friday because he’s got a very very bad flu.
We doubt that the government will be able to meet its financial targets because a recession is looming.
inquire
Meaning: (formal) to ask, to raise questions about sth
Examples:
I sent a quick note to inquire about the job vacancy I saw in the newspaper.
I came across a good second-hand car on the internet, and I wanted to inquire about its availability and condition.
insist (on)
Meaning: to demand or require something firmly
Examples:
The CEO insisted on a meeting starting at 9 o’clock sharp and ending at 10:30.
He insisted on paying for the meal for all of us.
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object (to)
Meaning: (formal) to express disapproval or opposition towards sth
Examples:
I object to the words that you’re using. The language is inappropriate and may send a negative message.
The government objected to the planning permission due to environmental and community impact concerns.
observe
Meaning: to watch or notice sth carefully
Examples:
The mother observed the children playing on the playground to make sure they are safe.
She was sitting on the beach observing something on the distant horizon.
propose
Meaning: to suggest something
Examples:
Would anyone like to propose an item to be added to the agenda?
He proposed to Sue during a romantic dinner at their favourite restaurant.
recommend
Meaning: to suggest or advise someone to do something
Examples:
This is a great movie that I think you would enjoy. I highly recommend watching it.
I wouldn’t want to spoil it for you, but I highly recommend reading this book.
regret
Meaning: to feel sad or sorry about sth that did or didn’t happen
Examples:
I regret that I am unable to come to your party because I’m going to be away.
I regret not calling you to wish you good luck in your exam.
20 reporting verbs in English
resent
Meaning: to object sth strongly, to feel anger or annoyance towards sb or sth
Examples:
I resent the words that you used. I resent the accusations that you made.
I resent the tone in your voice. You’ve no right to talk to me like that.
reveal
Meaning: to uncover or discover sth that was previously hidden or unknown
Examples:
The remains of what could be the largest dinosaur ever found in Europe have been revealed in a back garden in Portugal.
While digging his garden for an extension, he revealed some hidden treasures.
The reasons why the property development didn’t go ahead were revealed to the public.
threaten
Meaning: to express an intention to harm or cause damage to sb or sth
Examples:
The thief threatened me and demanded that I give him my wallet.
Mum threatened that if I didn’t do my homework, she would take my mobile phone away.
warn
Meaning: to give sb an advanced notice that sth is going to happen
Examples:
The weather forecasters usually warn us about bad weather that’s coming.
The teacher warned me that if I didn’t improve my marks, I wouldn’t pass the exam.
So that’s a long, long video, there are 20 particular words as I said, these are advanced words, they’re all about reporting reported speech, the type of verbs that we need to use really, really useful not only in your spoken English but very particularly in your written English when you’re writing essays.
Try and practice them. See, do you understand them if you need any help, and there are lots of them on the list. Send me a note. And I’ll be very happy to give you some additional examples. As always, I really really appreciate it when you watch and you listen, if you want to contact me well, then you can do so. www.englishlessonviaskype.com
This is Harry saying goodbye for now, and join me for the next lesson.
speak better English with Harry podcast- episode 428
more information
For more information on English grammar rules, English collocations and English idioms, check out the links below:
9 English Collocations with BEYOND
You can always study English advanced level at Learning English with the BBC and British Council Learn English.
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