Understanding and Using Reported Speech: B2 Grammar Exercise on Reporting Verbs
In this activity, you will see around 10 sentences with a blank space. Your task is to choose the correct option from 3 possible answers. Only one is correct. At the end, you will see a summary with the correct answers and explanations, so you can learn and improve. Good luck!
🗣️ Reported Verbs: How to Use Them in Questions (B2)
When you report what someone said, you often use reported verbs like:
👉 admit
👉 deny
👉 promise
👉 refuse
👉 agree
👉 suggest
At B2 level, it’s important not only to understand them, but also to use them correctly in questions and structures.
💡 What are reported verbs?
Reported verbs help you describe what someone said, did, or decided.
They are often followed by specific structures:
- verb + -ing
- verb + to + infinitive
- verb + that clause
🔹 Step 1: Common structures
👉 Verb + -ing
Used with verbs like:
- admit
- deny
- suggest
Examples:
- He admitted stealing the money.
- She denied breaking the window.
- They suggested going earlier.
👉 Verb + to + infinitive
Used with verbs like:
- promise
- refuse
- agree
- decide
Examples:
- She promised to help me.
- He refused to answer the question.
- They agreed to meet later.
👉 Verb + that clause
- He said that he was tired.
- She explained that she couldn’t come.
🔍 Step 2: Using reported verbs in questions
At B2 level, you should be able to understand and answer questions using these verbs.
Example questions:
👉 What did he admit doing?
👉 Why did she refuse to help?
👉 What did they promise to do?
👉 What did he deny doing?
Example answers:
- He admitted stealing the money.
- She refused to help because she was busy.
- They promised to call later.
- He denied breaking the window.
⚠️ Common mistakes
❌ Wrong structure after the verb
❌ He admitted to steal
✔️ He admitted stealing
❌ Mixing structures
❌ She refused helping
✔️ She refused to help
🧠 Simple tip
Think like this:
👉 -ing → admit / deny / suggest
👉 to + verb → promise / refuse / agree
✍️ Practice (B2 questions)
Answer these:
- What did she admit doing?
- Why did he refuse to speak?
- What did they promise to do?
- What did he deny doing?
- What did she suggest doing?
🚀 Final thought
Reported verbs are very useful for:
- telling stories
- reporting conversations
- explaining actions
If you learn the structures well, your English will sound much more natural and advanced 👍
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Preguntas frecuentes
What are reporting verbs?
Reporting verbs are verbs used to convey what someone has said, promised, denied, or admitted.
How do I use 'admit' correctly?
‘Admit’ is followed by a gerund, for example, ‘He admitted stealing the money.’
What is the structure for 'refuse'?
‘Refuse’ is used with ‘to’ + base verb, for example, ‘She refused to give any details.’
Can I use reporting verbs in any tense?
Yes, reporting verbs can be used in various tenses depending on the context of the conversation.
What is a common mistake when using reporting verbs?
A common mistake is using the wrong structure, like saying ‘He admitted to steal’ instead of ‘He admitted stealing’.
How can I practice using reporting verbs?
You can practice by writing sentences using different reporting verbs in various contexts.
Are there any synonyms for reporting verbs?
Yes, synonyms include ‘declare’, ‘state’, ‘claim’, and ‘promise’.
Where can I learn more about reporting verbs?
You can learn more about reporting verbs at dimeloeningles.com, a platform for learning English with interactive exercises, clear explanations, guided practice, conversation clubs, and close support.
