Reported Verbs
GRAMMAR-(B1-B2)
10/23/2025
🎯 Lesson Goal:
Learn to use reporting verbs (like say, tell, explain, insist, suggest, demand, etc.) to report what people say more precisely and naturally.
1. Warm-Up (3 min)
🗣️ Discuss:
What’s something your teacher or boss has told you recently?
How do you usually share what someone said — do you use “said” for everything or other words?
Why do you think using different reporting verbs can make speech more interesting or clear?
💬 Sample answers:
My boss told me to finish the report by Friday.
My friend suggested watching a movie.
🎯 Focus:
Different reporting verbs express the tone, purpose, and meaning of what was said — not just the words.
2. Presentation (8 min)
A. What Are Reporting Verbs?
Reporting verbs are used to show how or why someone said something.
They replace general verbs like say or tell to give more detail.
💬 Example:
“Let’s go to the beach,” she said.
✅ She suggested going to the beach.
“I didn’t do it!” he said.
✅ He insisted that he hadn’t done it.
B. Common Reporting Verbs & Patterns
Here are key verbs and how they’re used in reported speech:
1️⃣ say / tell / explain
say (that) + clause → He said (that) he was busy.
tell + object + (that) → She told me (that) she was late.
explain (that) + clause → He explained that he had forgotten his wallet.
🧠 Note: We use tell when there’s an object (me, you, them).
2️⃣ suggest / recommend / advise
suggest + -ing / that + clause
He suggested going to the cinema.
She suggested that we go to the cinema.recommend + -ing
The teacher recommended studying more.
advise + object + to + infinitive
She advised me to rest.
3️⃣ insist / demand / promise / refuse / agree / offer
insist (that) + clause → He insisted that he was right.
demand + to-infinitive / that + clause → They demanded to speak to the manager.
promise + to + infinitive → She promised to call me.
refuse + to + infinitive → He refused to help.
agree + to + infinitive → They agreed to meet later.
offer + to + infinitive → She offered to help.
4️⃣ announce / explain / warn / remind / persuade
announce (that) + clause → They announced that the flight was delayed.
warn + object + (not) to + infinitive → She warned me not to touch it.
remind + object + to + infinitive → He reminded me to lock the door.
persuade + object + to + infinitive → She persuaded me to join the team.
3. Controlled Practice (5 min)
Choose the correct reporting verb to complete each sentence.
The teacher ______ the students not to be late.
He ______ to call me back, but he didn’t.
She ______ me to study harder for the exam.
The manager ______ that the shop would close early.
They ______ to help with the project.
He ______ that we should start without him.
She ______ that she didn’t take the money.
My friend ______ meeting at 6 instead of 7.
The customer ______ to speak to the manager.
He ______ me to take an umbrella because it might rain.
✅ Answers + Explanations
warned – uses “warn + object + (not) to-infinitive.”
promised – followed by “to + infinitive.”
told – requires an object (“me”) and “to + infinitive.”
announced – followed by “that + clause.”
offered – takes “to + infinitive.”
suggested – followed by “that + clause” or “-ing form.”
insisted – shows strong denial or emphasis.
suggested – “suggest + -ing.”
demanded – expresses strong request; “to + infinitive.”
reminded – “remind + object + to + infinitive.”
4. Transformation Practice (4 min)
Rewrite the sentences using the reporting verbs in brackets correctly.
“Let’s have lunch together.” (suggest)
→ ______________________“You must listen carefully.” (insist)
→ ______________________“Don’t forget to send the email.” (remind)
→ ______________________“We’ll arrive at six.” (announce)
→ ______________________“Please help me with this report.” (demand)
→ ______________________
✅ Sample Answers
She suggested having lunch together.
He insisted that we listen carefully.
She reminded me to send the email.
They announced that they would arrive at six.
He demanded to be helped with the report.
💡 Tip: Choose the structure that naturally fits each verb (to + infinitive, that-clause, or -ing form).
5. Engaging Discussion (5 min)
🗣️ Answer using reporting verbs:
What’s something a teacher or boss has ever advised you to do?
Have you ever promised someone something important?
What’s a plan a friend once suggested that turned out great (or terrible)?
Have your parents ever insisted on something you didn’t agree with?
Can you remember a time when someone announced surprising news?
💬 Encourage natural responses:
My teacher advised me to take more notes.
My parents insisted that I study law.
6. Extra Discussion (3–4 min)
💬 Deeper prompts:
Which reporting verb do you think is most useful in your daily life? Why?
How does using verbs like insist, suggest, or explain change the tone of what you say?
Do you think people use “said” and “told” too much instead of more specific verbs?
🎯 Goal: Build awareness of how different reporting verbs show emotion, politeness, or formality.
7. Wrap-Up & Review (2 min)
🧾 Quick Recap
Reporting verbs describe how something was said — not just that it was said.
Common patterns:
say (that) + clause → He said he was tired.
tell + object + (that) → She told me that she was late.
verb + to + infinitive → He promised to help.
verb + -ing → She suggested going out.
verb + that + clause → They announced that the flight was delayed.
Use each verb to show intention:
insist → strong opinion
suggest → idea or recommendation
demand → strong request
announce → public statement
explain → make something clear
💬 Mini Challenge:
Say three sentences using different reporting verbs.
My teacher advised me to practise more.
They announced that the meeting was cancelled.
He insisted that he was right.
