Reporting Verbs Worksheets: Exercises, Patterns & Answer Key (PDF)

These reporting verbs worksheets are designed to guide learners through the different patterns and uses of reporting verbs, including verbs followed by objects, infinitives, gerunds, or clauses. With clear examples and carefully structured exercises, students can build confidence in using reported speech accurately and naturally.

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Mastering reporting verbs is essential for effective communication in English, especially when explaining what someone else has said. Verbs such as say, tell, ask, suggest, promise, warn, and admit help learners report speech clearly and precisely.

Before you begin, take a quick look at how reporting verbs work and the common patterns they follow in English grammar.

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Download Reporting Verbs Worksheets PDF

Reporting Verbs Exercises

Exercise 1: Choose the Correct Reporting Verb

Direction: Choose the correct reporting verb to complete each sentence.

1. He __________ taking the money.
   a) suggested    b) denied    c) advised
2. She __________ me to study harder.
   a) told    b) said    c) admitted
3. They __________ to help us with the project.
   a) suggested    b) promised    c) warned
4. I __________ her not to go out alone at night.
   a) warned    b) denied    c) said
5. He __________ to being late for the meeting.
   a) told    b) advised    c) admitted
6. She __________ lying to the teacher.
   a) admitted    b) advised    c) asked
7. I __________ him not to touch the wires.
   a) promised    b) warned    c) said
8. He __________ me to go to the dentist.
   a) suggested    b) advised    c) admitted
9. Sarah __________ me to lock the door.
   a) told    b) said    c) suggested
10. They __________ taking the train instead of the bus.
    a) told    b) advised    c) suggested

Answer Key

1. He denied taking the money.
2. She told me to study harder.
3. They promised to help us with the project.
4. I warned her not to go out alone at night.
5. He admitted to being late for the meeting.
6. She admitted lying to the teacher.
7. I warned him not to touch the wires.
8. He advised me to go to the dentist.
9. Sarah told me to lock the door.
10. They suggested taking the train instead of the bus.

Exercise 2: Match the Direct Speech to the Correct Reporting Verb

Direction: Match each sentence with the correct reporting verb.

A. “Okay, it was me who broke the vase.”
B. “I didn’t break the vase.”
C. “Let’s order pizza for dinner.”
D. “I’ll help you with your homework.”
E. “Be careful — the road is slippery!”

1. suggest
2. admit
3. warn
4. promise
5. deny

Answer Key

A → 2. admit
B → 5. deny
C → 1. suggest
D → 4. promise
E → 3. warn

Exercise 3: Rewrite Using the Correct Reporting Verb

Direction: Rewrite the sentences using the correct reporting verb in reported speech.

1. “I didn’t eat the cake,” said Tom.
   → Tom __________ eating the cake.
2. “Let’s go to the park,” said Mia.
   → Mia __________ going to the park.
3. “Don’t touch that wire!” said Dad.
   → Dad __________ me not to touch the wire.
4. “I’ll call you tomorrow,” said Jake.
   → Jake __________ to call me the next day.
5. “You should get more sleep,” said the doctor.
   → The doctor __________ me to get more sleep.

Answer Key

1. Tom denied eating the cake.
2. Mia suggested going to the park.
3. Dad warned me not to touch the wire.
4. Jake promised to call me the next day.
5. The doctor advised me to get more sleep.

Exercise 4: Fill in the Blanks with a Suitable Reporting Verb

Direction: Words: advised, promised, suggested, admitted, warned

1. He __________ stealing the money.
2. She __________ to help me with my project.
3. They __________ going to the museum instead.
4. The teacher __________ us not to cheat in the exam.
5. My friend __________ me to drink more water.

Answer Key

1. He admitted stealing the money.
2. She promised to help me with my project.
3. They suggested going to the museum instead.
4. The teacher warned us not to cheat in the exam.
5. My friend advised me to drink more water.

Exercise 5: Reporting Verbs – Mixed Sentences

Direction: Complete each sentence with a correct reporting verb from the list.

Words: advised, warned, told, denied, suggested

1. The doctor __________ her to exercise more.
2. He __________ breaking the glass.
3. She __________ that we stay indoors due to the storm.
4. Mom __________ me not to talk to strangers.
5. John __________ me to finish my homework before watching TV.

Answer Key

1. The doctor advised her to exercise more.
2. He denied breaking the glass.
3. She suggested that we stay indoors due to the storm.
4. Mom warned me not to talk to strangers.
5. John told me to finish my homework before watching TV.

Exercise 6: Correct the Mistake

Direction: Each sentence has an incorrect use of a reporting verb. Find and correct it.

1. He said me that he was busy.
   → _________________________________________
2. She told that she would help.
   → _________________________________________
3. They suggested us to take the bus.
   → _________________________________________
4. I admitted to break the vase.
   → _________________________________________
5. We promised helping them.
   → _________________________________________

Answer Key

1. He told me that he was busy.
2. She said that she would help./ She told me that she would help.
3. They suggested taking the bus./ They suggested that we should take the bus.
4. I admitted breaking the vase./ I admitted to breaking the vase.
5. We promised to help them.