Overview
Advanced reporting verbs express the precise nature of speech acts: acknowledge, assert, contend, maintain, insist, concede, refute, imply, emphasise, and speculate. Each carries a specific meaning and follows particular grammatical patterns (+ that-clause, + -ing, + to-infinitive).
Verb Patterns
- + thatargue, insist, deny, suggest, concede, acknowledge
- + to-infagree, refuse, claim, promise, threaten, offer
- + -ingadmit, deny, recommend, suggest, report
- + obj+topersuade, urge, advise, warn, encourage + object + to
Nuance and Register
- said / told → neutral
- argued / maintained / contended / asserted → academic stance
- acknowledged / conceded / admitted → concession
- alleged / claimed → scepticism or unverified status
Common Mistakes
- ❌ She denied to steal → ✅ She denied stealing
- ❌ He suggested me to take the job → ✅ suggested that I take / suggested taking
- ❌ They insisted to leave → ✅ insisted on leaving
When to use
Academic writing
Smith (2019) argues that globalisation has accelerated inequality.
Journalism
The minister denied leaking the document to the press.
Business
The board recommended revising the budget allocation.
Legal reporting
The defendant maintained that he had acted in good faith.