Handout. reported speech
Overview
A handout to accompany the navigation support document on reported speech
Grammar
Handout
Choosing reporting verbs
When reporting someone’s speech, you should choose the right reporting verb as this can strengthen the reported speech by giving the reader an idea of the context.
Reporting verbs communicate to the reader the intent, feeling or purpose of the speaker. When writing an academic paper while quoting or paraphrasing sources, reporting verbs can express the writer's position.
Choose them carefully. Some verbs are neutral, some reflect the speaker’s viewpoint, while some others give information about the nature of the writer’s work.
Neutral
| Speaker’s viewpoint | Nature of work
|
Smith describes Jones states Green defines Clerk noted McAllister recognised
| Rahim concludes Gehena pointed out Suran reported Sim showed Sivan indicates Simmins commented Mariam observes Brown believes
| Mayer criticised Silvia demonstrates Netra illustrates Smith predicted Hayes analysed Stevens compares Raymen discussed Holmes investigated Chiner evaluated McColl estimated Harris argues O'Neill disputed Jackson conceded Ted suggested Bloke validates Reethi verified
|
Here is a table to help you select the most suitable reporting verbs
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