Reporting Verbs Exercises with Answers [PDF Available]

Do you know what is a reporting verb? Not many of us know about this or might have not even heard about it. It is a very interesting verb which is a part of the speech. One can converse with another person using reporting verbs. If you wish to know more about this verb, then continue reading this blog. In this blog, we will talk about reporting verbs exercises, and mention a few examples. To test your knowledge we have also listed out some exercises. 

MUST READ! Reported Speech: Definition, Rules, Usage with Examples, Tips, Exercises for Students

What is a Reporting Verb?

A reporting verb is a word which is used to talk about something or report on other people’s work. Reporting verbs include – say, tell, reply, believe ask and respond. They are simply used in situations when someone is not quoting someone directly. 

Reporting verbs are usually used in the present tense for facts and current evidence that has not been changed. 

Interesting Fact: Reporting Verbs are also used as communication verbs which are used in reported speech.

Must Read: Subject-Verb Agreement: Definition, 12 Rules & Examples

Examples of Reporting Verb

Here are some examples of reporting verbs which will give you an idea about how this is used in sentences:

• He told me that she was his wife.
• He said that Sarah was working.
• She asked (me) where I lived.
• She asked (me) to babysit for her on Friday. 
• My mom told me to clean my room.
• My grandfather told me not to play with the fire.
• She asked us how to get to the train station.

Also Read: Tenses Rules: Charts, Examples, Types [PDF Available]

Reporting Verbs Exercise 1

In these Reporting Verbs exercises, you have to make a few sentences using the reported verbs in brackets without changing the meaning.

1. You shouldn’t go into the water,” said the coast guard. (advise against)
2. I’ll go to Paris on holiday,” said John (decide, using infinitive)
3. “You should apply for the job, said Jack to Stell. (encourage)
4. “Don’t cross the road there,” he said to the children (warn, using infinitive)
5. “I’ll make the coffee!” said James. (Insist+on)
6. “I’ll be early,” I said to my grandmother. (promise + clause)

Reporting Verbs Exercises 2

Fill in the blanks with the correct option in the following Reporting Verbs exercises:

1. They were surprised when we ______ (announced/told) that we’d quit our jobs to start our own company.
2. I advised James ______ (that he should/should that she) to speak to his parents before deciding.
3. My doctor has recommended that I _______ (should/do) more exercise.
4. Will you remind me _______ (to pay/paying) the gas bill before the end of the month?
5. Peter was one of the people to congratulate ______ (on me getting/ me on getting) the job.
6. You always promise _______ (you arrive/to arrive) on time, but you never do.

Also Read: Direct and Indirect Speech: Comprehensive Guide with Exercises

Reporting Verbs Exercises 3

Fill in the blanks with the correct option in these Reporting Verbs exercises:

1. He _______ that the lucky draw winner was Maggie.

1. Advised
2. Announced
3. Informed

2. He ________ us not to drink the tap water.

1. Warned
2. Insisted
3. Informed

3. He ______ taking the train as the traffic was terrible.

1. Suggested
2. Claimed
3. Invited

4. He ______ stealing a hundred dollars from her bag.

1. Said no
2. Assured
3. Denied

5. The CEO _______ taking bribes of over a billion dollars.

1. Agreed
2. Admitted
3. Refused

6. During the meeting, the chairman ________ setting up a special committee to investigate waste.

1. Proposed
2. Invited
3. Declared

Reporting Verbs Exercise 4

Fill in the blanks with the correct reporting verb in the following questions:

1. Don’t open the window, it’s raining!

He _____ me not to open the window because it was raining.

2. “Can I use your phone?”

He _______ if he could use my phone.

3. “I’ll be home at 6 pm,” said Sarah.

Sarah ______ she will be home at 6 pm.

4. My boss ______ me to stay late to finish the report.

Also Read: Reported Speech Rules with Tips and Exercises for Students

MCQs on Reporting Verbs

1. Which of the following is NOT a reporting verb?
a) Said
b) Told
c) Go
d) Explained

Answer: c) Go

2. Which reporting verb is used when someone expresses disagreement or opposition?
a) Argue
b) Mention
c) Suggest
d) Announce

Answer: a) Argue

3. Identify the correct sentence using a reporting verb:
a) He told that he was busy.
b) He said me that he was busy.
c) He told me that he was busy.
d) He said to me that he was busy.

Answer: c) He told me that he was busy.

4. Which reporting verb is commonly used when giving orders or instructions?
a) Advise
b) Command
c) Request
d) Apologize

Answer: b) Command

5. Which of the following sentences correctly uses “suggest” as a reporting verb?
a) She suggested to go to the park.
b) She suggested us to go to the park.
c) She suggested that we go to the park.
d) She suggested that we went to the park.

Answer: c) She suggested that we go to the park.

6. Which reporting verb is most suitable when sharing news formally?
a) Declare
b) Whisper
c) Complain
d) Insist

Answer: a) Declare

7. Which of the following sentences is incorrect?
a) He promised to call me later.
b) She denied stealing the money.
c) They explained me the process.
d) He reminded me to submit the form.

Answer: c) They explained me the process.

8. Which reporting verb is appropriate when someone expresses regret?
a) Apologize
b) Recommend
c) Agree
d) Advise

Answer: a) Apologize

9. Which of the following verbs can be followed by an object + infinitive?
a) Advise
b) Suggest
c) Insist
d) Explain

Answer: a) Advise

10. Choose the sentence with the correct reporting verb usage:
a) He told that he was not feeling well.
b) She requested him to help her.
c) They explained me the rules of the game.
d) He insisted me to leave immediately.

Answer: b) She requested him to help her.

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Direct And Indirect Speech Questions	Direct and Indirect Speech Exercises with Answers for Class 12

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