Author:
Kshema Jose
Subject:
Language, Grammar and Vocabulary
Material Type:
Homework/Assignment
Level:
College / Upper Division
Tags:
  • Grammar
  • License:
    Creative Commons Attribution
    Language:
    English
    Media Formats:
    Downloadable docs

    Handout. reported speech

    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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