Reporting Verbs: 53 Common Reporting Verbs with Examples and Patterns

Reporting verbs are an essential aspect of writing in various fields such as academic writing, journalism, and literature. They are used to report or refer to another writer’s work and are necessary to link your in-text citation to the information that you are citing. These verbs help you show your attitude toward the information (neutral, cautious, or strong) and support credibility in your writing.

Reporting Verbs

There are many reporting verbs that we can use in writing. Some of the most common include say, tell, ask, warn, suggest, advise, promise, and offer. The best choice depends on context and the meaning you want to convey.

Important note: The key difference is not simply “has/doesn’t have an object.” In practice, verbs like tell, warn, and remind commonly take a person as an object (e.g., tell someone, warn someone), while say does not take a person object in the same way (we usually use say to someone, not say someone).

Types of Reporting Verbs

Reporting Verbs for Statements

The most common type of information cited in academic writing is statements. Here are some reporting verbs that can be used to report statements:

• Say: the most basic and common reporting verb for general statements.
• State: often used for formal statements in official reports.
• Claim: used when something may be disputed or unverified.
• Argue: used when the writer presents reasons to support a point.
• Point out: used when highlighting an important detail (often shows the writer finds it valid or useful).

Reporting Verbs for Questions

When reporting a question, choose a verb that matches the tone.

• Ask: for a direct question.
• Inquire: for a more formal question.
• Wonder: for a more informal or speculative question.

Reporting Verbs for Orders and Requests

When reporting orders or requests, choose verbs that match the level of force.

• Order: for a direct command.
• Command: for a strong, authoritative order.
• Request: for a polite or formal request.
• Beg: for a very emotional request.
• Urge: for strong encouragement.

Reporting Verbs for Suggestions

Suggest is not an order. It is a suggestion and is usually less forceful than a command.

• Suggest: She suggested taking a break.
• Recommend: The guide recommended visiting early.
• Propose: They proposed changing the schedule.

Strength and Stance in Reporting Verbs

Reporting verbs can show how confident or cautious a writer is. The continuum below helps you compare common levels of certainty.

More Cautious	Continuum	More Certain / Strong
Tentative claim, allege, suppose, speculate	Tentative  →  Neutral  →  Strong	Strong argue, insist, demand, emphasize

Neutral verbs (e.g., say, state, report) usually present information without showing strong judgment.

List of Reporting Verbs

Neutral

• Said
• Told
• Asked
• Replied
• Answered
• Added
• Commented
• Explained
• Mentioned
• Observed
• Remarked
• Reported
• Announced
• Confirmed
• Revealed
• Stated

Tentative

• Claimed
• Alleged
• Supposed
• Guessed
• Estimated
• Wondered
• Doubted
• Assumed

Strong

• Argued
• Insisted
• Demanded
• Urged
• Threatened
• Accused
• Criticized
• Blamed

Requests / advice / offers

• Requested
• Advised
• Recommended
• Begged
• Pleaded
• Offered
• Invited
• Reminded
• Warned

Agreement / disagreement

• Agreed
• Conceded
• Acknowledged
• Disagreed
• Opposed

Emotions / reactions

• Thanked
• Apologized
• Complained
• Exclaimed
• Admired
• Praised
• Boasted

These verbs (thank, exclaim, boast) are generally more common in creative writing and narrative contexts than in formal academic papers.

Reporting Verb Patterns

Reporting verbs can be tricky because different verbs require different structures. Use the table below to avoid common mistakes.

Grammar Pattern	Common Reporting Verbs	Example Sentence
Verb + (that) + clause	say, state, claim, agree, insist	She said (that) she was tired.
Verb + someone + (that) + clause	tell, inform, remind	He told me (that) the meeting was canceled.
Verb + someone + to + V	advise, warn, urge, instruct	The doctor advised her to rest.
Verb + V-ing	suggest, recommend, admit, deny	She suggested taking a taxi.
Verb + preposition + V-ing	apologize for, insist on, complain about	He apologized for being late.

Reporting Verb Examples

• He said he wanted to go to town.
• I asked him where he lived.
• Mark promised he would buy me lunch.
• She complained that I was always late.
• Stuart commented that this was very true.
• They promised that all books would be returned by Friday.
• “What do you want?” he demanded aggressively.
• She exclaimed that she was innocent.
• They announced that a cold wave would come soon.
• The police acknowledged that three police vehicles were damaged.
• It is expected that the report will suggest some major reforms.
• It is often stated that we use only 10 percent of our brain.
• “I’m not sure,” she responded.
• The prime minister admitted that the crisis had been mishandled.
• He repeated that he had been misquoted.
• It has been confirmed that Lewis’s next fight will be against Bruno.

Using Reporting Verbs

Tense Agreement

When using reporting verbs, we often change the tense in reported speech when the reporting verb is in the past (this is called backshift).

Direct Speech	Reported Speech
“I am tired.”	She said (that) she was tired.
“I will call you.”	He said (that) he would call me.
“We have finished.”	They said (that) they had finished.

If the reporting verb is in the present (says, tells), the tense in the reported clause usually stays the same as the original meaning. It can be present, past, or future—depending on what the speaker actually meant.

• He says (that) he was late. (Past event.)
• She says (that) she is ready. (Current situation.)
• They say (that) they will arrive soon. (Future.)

Pronouns and Reference (Who is doing what?)

In reported speech, the subject does not have to match the subject of the reporting verb. Pronouns change based on the real situation and who the speaker is referring to.

• Tom said, “I am late.” → Tom said (that) he was late.
• Tom said, “You are late.” (to me) → Tom said (that) I was late.
• Tom said, “Lisa is late.” → Tom said (that) Lisa was late.

Reporting in Different Contexts

Academic Writing

In academic writing, reporting verbs link citations to ideas and show your stance. Some verbs sound neutral, while others suggest evaluation.

• Neutral: state, report, describe, indicate, show
• Evaluative (often stronger): argue, insist, contend, emphasize
• Cautious: suggest, speculate, assume, claim

Journalism

In journalism, reporting verbs can show whether information is verified or not.

• Unverified / cautious: allege, claim
• Verified / confirmed: confirm, verify

Business Communication

In business communication, reporting verbs help present findings and recommendations clearly.

• Neutral: indicate, show, report
• Action / recommendation: recommend, propose, advise

Last Updated on January 22, 2026