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What Are Reporting Verbs?

Reporting verbs are special verbs we use to talk about what someone else said. They help us summarize or describe the original message.

• They are a key part of reported speech (also called indirect speech).
• Instead of quoting someone directly, you use a reporting verb to introduce their message.
• Each reporting verb carries a specific meaning, like promising, warning, ou suggesting.

How Do Reporting Verbs Work?

When you use a reporting verb, you usually follow a specific grammatical pattern. The pattern depends on the verb you choose.

• Many reporting verbs are followed by an infinitive (to + verb).
• Some are followed by a -ing form (a gerund).
• Others use a that-clause (that + subject + verb).
• Sometimes, you need to include an object (the person) after the reporting verb.

Common B1 Reporting Verbs and Their Patterns

Let's look at some common reporting verbs and how to use them correctly.

Verb + -ing

• Admitted: Use when someone says they did something wrong or true.
  Exemple : She admitted making a mistake.
• Suggested: Use when someone offers an idea or plan.
  Exemple : He suggested going to the cinema.

Verb + Infinitive (to + verb)

• Offered: Use when someone says they will do something for another person.
  Exemple : He offered to help me with my homework.
• Promised: Use when someone says they will definitely do something.
  Exemple : They promised to arrive on time.
• Refused: Use when someone says they will not do something.
  Exemple : She refused to answer my question.

Verb + Object + Infinitive (to + verb)

• Advised: Use when someone tells another person what they should do.
  Exemple : The doctor advised me to rest.
• Reminded: Use when someone tells another person to remember something.
  Exemple : My mother reminded me to call her.
• Warned: Use when someone tells another person about a possible danger or problem.
  Exemple : He warned us not to touch the wire.

Why Are Reporting Verbs Important?

Using a variety of reporting verbs makes your English more advanced and precise.

• Clarity: They show the original speaker's intention (e.g., a warning, an offer, a suggestion).
• Conciseness: They can often make sentences shorter and more direct than using said that.
• Naturalness: Native speakers use a wide range of these verbs, so using them makes your English sound more natural.

Common B1 Reporting Verbs and Their Patterns

Reporting Verb	Common Pattern	Exemple
admitted	verb + -ing	She admitted breaking the rule.
advised	verb + object + infinitive	He advised me to study harder.
offered	verb + infinitive	They offered to help us move.
promised	verb + infinitive	I promised to be there.
refused	verb + infinitive	She refused to sign the document.
reminded	verb + object + infinitive	He reminded her to call.
suggested	verb + -ing	They suggested eating out.
warned	verb + object + infinitive	She warned him not to be late.

Exemples

• She admitted breaking the vase.
• They advised us to take the early train.
• My friend offered to lend me some money.
• He promised to finish the report by Friday.
• The child refused to eat his vegetables.
• I reminded him to lock the door.
• She suggested visiting the museum.
• The teacher warned us about the difficult exam.

Entraînement

Erreurs courantes chez les hispanophones

Many learners, especially Spanish speakers, make common mistakes with reporting verbs:

• Using to after suggest: Incorrect: He suggested to go. Correct : He suggested going.
• Forgetting the object with verbs like advise, remind, warn: Incorrect: She advised to study. Correct : She advised me to study.
• Confusing tell and other reporting verbs: While tell is common, specific reporting verbs add more detail. For example, instead of He told me he would help, utilisez He promised to help me.
• Incorrect verb form after the reporting verb: Always remember the correct pattern (infinitive, -ing, or that-clause). For example, He offered helping is incorrect; it should be He offered to help.

Questions fréquemment posées

What is a reporting verb?

A reporting verb is a verb like admit, advise, ou promise that we use to tell someone what another person said or thought, without using their exact words.

When do I use reporting verbs?

You use reporting verbs when you want to summarize or describe a conversation, a statement, or an idea that someone else expressed. They help you convey the original speaker's intention or purpose.

Do reporting verbs change the original tense?

The reporting verb itself does not change the original tense. However, the verb in the reported clause (the part after the reporting verb) often changes its tense to reflect the past, a process called 'backshift.' For example, He said, 'I am busy.' becomes He said that he was busy.

Can I use 'say' or 'tell' instead of other reporting verbs?

Yes, you can often use say ou tell, but specific reporting verbs like admitted ou warned give more precise information about the original message. Using a variety of reporting verbs makes your English sound more natural and sophisticated.

Leçons associées

• Reported speech
• Reported speech