Reporting Verbs – Exercises (B2)
Explanation & Examples
Reporting verbs are used to report what someone else said without repeating their exact words.
Different reporting verbs require different grammatical structures.
1) Verb + that-clause (admit, claim, deny, explain, suggest, promise)
Example: She admitted that she was wrong.
2) Verb + object + infinitive (advise, remind, tell, warn, encourage)
Example: He advised me to take the bus.
3) Verb + -ing form (admit, deny, recommend, suggest)
Example: She denied cheating on the test.
4) Verb + object + of + -ing (accuse, blame, congratulate, thank)
Example: They accused him of stealing the money.
Exercise 1 – Matching
Match the reporting verb with the correct structure:
1. deny
2. warn
3. suggest
4. remind
5. accuse
a) verb + object + to-infinitive
b) verb + -ing form
c) verb + that-clause
d) verb + object + of + -ing
e) verb + (that-clause or -ing form)
Exercise 2 – Transform Sentences
Rewrite the sentences using the reporting verbs in brackets:
1. “Don’t forget to call me,” my mother said. (remind)
2. “I didn’t break the vase,” Tom said. (deny)
3. “Why don’t we order pizza?” she said. (suggest)
4. “You stole my idea!” Mark said to John. (accuse)
5. “Yes, I took the money,” she said. (admit)
Exercise 3 – Speaking Questions
Answer the following questions using the correct reporting verbs:
1. Have you ever denied doing something even though you actually did it?
2. What is the most serious thing your parents have ever warned you not to do?
3. What would you suggest doing if a friend feels sad?
4. Who usually reminds you to do your homework or chores?
5. Have you ever been accused of something you didn’t do?
6. What is something embarrassing you admitted doing?
Exercise 4 – Gap Fill
Complete the sentences with the correct reporting verb: deny, warn, suggest, remind, accuse,
admit.
1. He __________ taking the money, but nobody believed him.
2. The teacher __________ the students not to use their phones in class.
3. She __________ ordering pizza instead of cooking dinner.
4. My mother __________ me to lock the door before leaving the house.
5. They __________ him of cheating during the exam.
6. Sarah finally __________ that she had broken the vase.
Exercise 5 – Mini Test
Part A – Gap Fill (1 point each)
1. The boy __________ eating the last piece of cake, but we all knew it was him.
2. The doctor __________ me to drink more water.
3. Anna __________ me to call her before the meeting.
4. Peter __________ John of lying about the project.
5. The teacher __________ giving extra homework for practice.
Part B – Multiple Choice (1 point each)
6. She finally __________ that she had copied the answer.
a) denied b) admitted c) accused d) reminded
7. My parents __________ me not to stay out too late.
a) suggested b) warned c) denied d) admitted
8. He __________ us to take an umbrella because it might rain.
a) reminded b) accused c) denied d) admitted
Part C – Sentence Transformation (2 points each)
9. “Why don’t we go to the cinema?” she said. (suggest)
10. “I didn’t cheat on the test,” Mark said. (deny)
