Using indirect speech to report words and ideas (Common reporting verbs) (p. 3)

Using indirect speech to report words and ideas

Common reporting verbs

page 3 of 7

Using tell

	When we mention the hearer in reports, we usually use tell rather than say: We had told* her how nice mine was.* (Bank of English) Someone once told me that hitchhiking was rather like begging. (Bank of English)
	Unlike say, tell is not followed directly by that. Students sometimes confuse the two verbs and produce incorrect sentences like: A stranger told that you should eat it. (TeleNex Students) The newspaper told that the day before was a special mothers' day. (TeleNex Students)
	We use tell to report statements, commands, and requests (but not questions and exclamations). When reporting a statement, we use tell somebody that: I told the boys that* I'll have to resign. (Bank of English)* They've just told me that* I'm on the vacancy list.* (Bank of English)
	When reporting a command or request, we use tell somebody to: He told them to* ignore political pressures. (Bank of English)* She told her parents to go in the beginning of September to Italy. (Bank of English) Introduction Using say Using tell Using speak Using talk Using other reporting verbs Reporting verbs and negation