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, 或 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.
例如 She admitted making a mistake. - Suggested: Use when someone offers an idea or plan.
例如 He suggested going to the cinema.
Verb + Infinitive (to + verb)
- Offered: Use when someone says they will do something for another person.
例如 He offered to help me with my homework. - Promised: Use when someone says they will definitely do something.
例如 They promised to arrive on time. - Refused: Use when someone says they will not do something.
例如 She refused to answer my question.
Verb + Object + Infinitive (to + verb)
- Advised: Use when someone tells another person what they should do.
例如 The doctor advised me to rest. - Reminded: Use when someone tells another person to remember something.
例如 My mother reminded me to call her. - Warned: Use when someone tells another person about a possible danger or problem.
例如 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.
| Reporting Verb | Common Pattern | 示例 |
|---|---|---|
| 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. |
示例
- 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.
练习
西班牙语母语者常犯的错误
Many learners, especially Spanish speakers, make common mistakes with reporting verbs:
- 使用 to 之后 suggest: Incorrect: He suggested to go. 正确： He suggested going.
- Forgetting the object with verbs like advise, remind, warn: Incorrect: She advised to study. 正确： She advised me to study.
- 令人困惑 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, 使用 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 这是错误的；正确写法应为 He offered to help.
常见问题
What is a reporting verb?
A reporting verb is a verb like admit, advise, 或 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.' 变成 He said that he was busy.
Can I use 'say' or 'tell' instead of other reporting verbs?
是的，通常你可以使用 say 或 tell, but specific reporting verbs like admitted 或 warned give more precise information about the original message. Using a variety of reporting verbs makes your English sound more natural and sophisticated.
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