Discover the use of reporting verbs to talk about what someone else has said. Explore a scandal involving a lying minister and the importance of accurate reporting. Learn about verbs of denial, apology, and admission. Explore different patterns of reporting verbs and get tips for learning new words more quickly.
Reporting verbs like 'suggested' and 'insisted' convey different tones and levels of certainty in statements.
Diversifying reporting verbs in writing enhances vocabulary, adds depth to language, and promotes precise expression.
Deep dives
Reporting Verbs in News
In this podcast episode, Catherine and Neil discuss reporting verbs commonly used in news reports. They emphasize that reporting verbs like 'insist', 'suggest', and 'admit' add nuance and accuracy to statements. These verbs communicate different meanings and attitudes, providing a more interesting and precise portrayal of the information. For example, 'suggested' implies a less direct or strong statement, while 'insisted' conveys a firm and assertive tone. The podcast encourages writers and speakers to explore a range of reporting verbs beyond the generic 'say' and 'tell' to enhance their language use and express ideas more effectively.
Enhancing Variety with Reporting Verbs
The podcast episode highlights the value of diversifying reporting verbs in writing to add variety and depth to language. By replacing common verbs like 'said', 'asked', or 'told' with more specific reporting verbs, writers can enhance their vocabulary and make their writing more engaging. The hosts suggest keeping a list of reporting verbs and studying their meanings to expand one's repertoire. This practice not only promotes learning new words but also allows for more precise and nuanced expression in English writing. The episode concludes with a reminder to visit the BBC Learning English website for further resources on reporting verbs.