This quiz works best with JavaScript enabled.
Home
>
English Grammar
>
Grammar
>
Speech
>
Reporting Verbs – Quiz 1
Reporting Verbs Quiz 1 (30 MCQs)
This multiple-choice question set evaluates the understanding of reporting verbs and their usage in various contexts, including commands, apologies, commitments, and passive constructions. It also assesses the ability to recognize correct verb forms, prepositions, and infinitive structures in reported speech.
Quiz Instructions
Select an option to see the correct answer instantly.
1.
What is the correct form of the verb after 'agree'?
A) 'to + base form of the verb'.
B) 'to + past form of the verb'.
C) 'base form of the verb'.
D) 'to + gerund form of the verb'.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct form of the verb after 'agree' is typically the base form of the verb, without any modification such as adding 'to', past tense, or gerund. For example, "We agreed to go" or "They agreed on a solution."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. The base form of the verb follows after 'agree' when expressing an agreement about doing something.
Option B:
Incorrect. Adding 'to' and using the past form would change the meaning or structure of the sentence.
Option C:
Incorrect. Using just the base form is correct, not just the verb itself.
Option D:
Incorrect. The gerund form (verb + -ing) does not fit after 'agree' in this context.
2.
We're being given far too much work! The students ..... too much work.
A) Complained that they were being given.
B) Complained that they had been given.
C) Denied being given.
D) Urged not to be given.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
A) Complained that they were being given.
This option uses the present continuous tense ("were being given") which indicates an ongoing action, fitting well with the context of students complaining about a current situation. The reporting verb "complained" correctly conveys their dissatisfaction.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Uses present continuous to describe an ongoing complaint.
Option B:
Incorrect. Past perfect doesn't fit the context of a current complaint.
Option C:
Incorrect. "Denied" does not match the students' action of complaining about work.
Option D:
Incorrect. This option is not grammatically correct and does not convey a clear meaning in this context.
3.
My workmate suggested ..... a story about refugees.
A) Me write.
B) Me to write.
C) To write.
D) Writing.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
D) Writing.
In this context, "suggest" is a reporting verb that introduces an infinitive without the 'to' before it. Therefore, the proper form to use with "suggest" here is simply "writing," not "me to write" or "write." This follows the rule that after certain verbs like suggest, propose, recommend, etc., the base form of the verb (without 'to') should be used.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. Uses a pronoun instead of the base form.
Option B:
Incorrect. Adds unnecessary "me to" before the infinitive.
Option C:
Incorrect. Requires "to" before the infinitive, which is not needed here.
Option D:
Correct. Uses the base form of the verb without 'to' as required by reporting verbs like "suggest."
4.
A:Hi, Tom. I'm surprised to see you here. I didn't think you liked opera.B:I don't, but Delia persuaded me ..... toningt.
A) Come.
B) To come.
C) Coming.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "I didn't think you liked opera... but Delia persuaded me..." is an example of using a reporting verb, specifically "persuaded." In this context, the verb "persuaded" requires the use of the infinitive form "to come," indicating that Delia convinced B to attend. Therefore, the correct answer is
B) To come.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Come - This is not in the correct form for reporting verbs and does not fit grammatically here.
Option B:
To come - Correct, as "persuaded" requires the infinitive form to complete the sentence meaningfully.
Option C:
Coming - This is a gerund form which is incorrect for this reporting verb construction.
Option D:
None of the above - Incorrect because Option B is correct.
5.
Why did you insist ..... for the whole meal?
A) Paying.
B) To pay.
C) On paying.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The verb "insist" in this context is used to report a situation where someone strongly demanded that something should be done, and the phrase "for the whole meal" indicates the duration of this insistence. The correct form to use with "insist" when reporting an action that was ongoing during the insistence is "on doing." Therefore, "On paying" (Option C) is the appropriate choice.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Paying" is a gerund but not the correct form to use with "insist" for reporting an ongoing action.
Option B:
"To pay" is an infinitive and does not fit grammatically in this context.
Option C:
"On paying" correctly uses the preposition "on" with "insist" to report that someone insisted on paying for the whole meal.
Option D:
"None of the above" is incorrect since Option C is correct.
6.
McIntosh (2012) and Johnson (2014) ..... the key features of the period in question. (the final point or summary)
A) Note.
B) Conclude.
C) Suggest.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Conclude" is the most appropriate verb to use in this context because it indicates that McIntosh (2012) and Johnson (2014) are summarizing their findings or key features of the period they have discussed. This aligns with the purpose of a concluding statement, which provides a final summary or overview.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Note - This verb is typically used to record information without necessarily drawing conclusions.
Option B:
Conclude - Correct. It signifies summarizing key features.
Option C:
Suggest - This implies proposing ideas or possibilities rather than finalizing a summary.
Option D:
None of the above - Not applicable since "Conclude" fits well here.
7.
To recommend an idea, plan or action.
A) Suggest.
B) Moan.
C) Complain.
D) Joke.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The verb "suggest" is a reporting verb used to recommend an idea, plan, or action. It accurately reflects the requirement of the question without using terms like moan (complain) or joke, which are not appropriate for recommending ideas.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Suggest is a reporting verb used to recommend an idea, plan, or action.
Option B:
Incorrect. Moan means to complain in a continuous and whining manner, which does not fit the context of recommending ideas.
Option C:
Incorrect. Complain is to express dissatisfaction with something, which is not suitable for suggesting an idea or plan.
Option D:
Incorrect. Joke means to tell a humorous story or make a witty remark, which does not align with the task of recommending ideas or plans.
8.
Rewrite the sentences using the verb in brackets as a reporting verb:'Please, please don't lose your phone again' John's mother said to him.(beg)
A) John's mother begged him losing his phone agian.
B) John's mother begged not to lose his phone agian.
C) John's mother begged him lost his phone agian.
D) John's mother begged him not to lose his phone agian.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
D) John's mother begged him not to lose his phone again.
This option accurately uses the reporting verb "begged" and correctly forms the negative imperative by adding "not" before the infinitive "to lose." The phrase "his phone again" is placed appropriately at the end.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. It incorrectly changes the meaning by using a gerund form of the verb.
Option B:
Incorrect. It omits the necessary "not" before the infinitive, changing the meaning and grammatical structure.
Option C:
Incorrect. It uses the past participle incorrectly, which does not fit the context of a reported speech imperative.
Option D:
Correct as explained above.
9.
Many believe ..... video games can improve problem-solving skills.
A) That.
B) With.
C) Of.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Many believe that video games can improve problem-solving skills." uses the reporting verb "believe," which requires a clause beginning with "that" to introduce the reported speech. This is grammatically correct and necessary for maintaining proper sentence structure in English.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. The word "that" introduces the reported speech, making it grammatically sound.
Option B:
Incorrect. "With" does not introduce a clause for reporting verbs like "believe." It would be used differently in other contexts.
Option C:
Incorrect. "Of" is not appropriate here as it does not serve to introduce the reported speech properly.
Option D:
Incorrect. All options except A are grammatically incorrect or inappropriate for this sentence structure.
10.
They were surprised when we ..... that we'd quit our jobs to start our own company.
A) Told.
B) Announced.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Announced" is the correct choice because it conveys a sense of making an official and public statement, which fits well with the context of quitting jobs to start one's own company—a significant life change that would likely be made known in such a manner.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Told" is less formal than "announced" and doesn't necessarily imply an official or public declaration.
Option B:
"Announced" correctly implies making a formal and public statement, fitting the context of such a significant life change.
Option C:
"All the above" is incorrect because not all options are correct. "Told" does not fit as well in this context.
Option D:
"None of the above" is incorrect since "announced" fits the context appropriately.
11.
Complete the sentence:The coach's instruction was, 'Run one more lap.' He ..... us to run one more lap.
A) Ordered.
B) Said.
C) Explained.
D) Asked.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The coach's instruction "Run one more lap" is a direct command, which aligns with the verb "ordered." This indicates that the coach gave a firm and authoritative direction to the group.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "Ordered" accurately reflects the authoritative nature of the instruction.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Said" is too neutral; it does not convey the directive tone of the coach's statement.
Option C:
Incorrect. "Explained" implies a more detailed and informative context, which is not present in the given sentence.
Option D:
Incorrect. "Asked" suggests a request rather than a command or instruction.
12.
To make someone do or believe something by giving them a good reason to do it or by talking to them and making them believe it
A) Admit.
B) Agree.
C) Argue.
D) Persuade.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The verb "persuade" is the correct answer because it means to convince someone to do or believe something through reasoning and argumentation, which aligns with the given definition.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Admit - This means to acknowledge a fact or mistake. It does not involve convincing someone of an action or belief.
Option B:
Agree - This implies coming to a shared opinion, but it doesn't necessarily involve the process of reasoning and argumentation described in the definition.
Option C:
Argue - While this involves discussion, it is more about presenting opposing views rather than convincing someone to do or believe something specifically.
Option D:
Persuade - This verb accurately describes the process of convincing someone through good reasons and argumentation as stated in the definition.
13.
I refused ..... to her demands
A) Give in.
B) To give in.
C) Giving in.
D) In giving in.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The verb "refuse" is followed by an infinitive without "to," which means the correct form to use here is "give in." Therefore, the correct answer is
B) To give in.
This construction indicates that the speaker is refusing to comply with or accept her demands.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. "Give in" should not have "to" after "refuse."
Option B:
Correct. This is the proper infinitive form following "refuse."
Option C:
Incorrect. "Giving in" is a gerund, which does not fit here.
Option D:
Incorrect. "In giving in" is not used after "refuse."
14.
"Yes, I'll take you to the cinema, " said Elizabeth.
A) Mary agreed that she take me to the cinema.
B) Mary agreed to taking me to the cinema.
C) Mary agreed on taking me to the cinema.
D) Mary agreed to take me to the cinema.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option D is correct because "agree to" followed by an infinitive verb (take) is the proper construction for reporting verbs in this context. It accurately reflects Elizabeth's agreement to take someone to the cinema, maintaining the original meaning and grammatical structure.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect; "agreed that she take" uses a past tense verb with 'that' which is not standard for this construction.
Option B:
Incorrect; "agreed to taking" uses the gerund form, which does not fit the reporting verb structure correctly.
Option C:
Incorrect; "agreed on taking" uses 'on' instead of 'to', which is grammatically incorrect for this construction.
Option D:
Correct; "agreed to take" uses the infinitive form, properly reporting Elizabeth's agreement.
15.
"The room is too small. I can barely move!", Ian said.
A) Ian claimed that the room was too small.
B) Ian complained that the room is too small.
C) Ian complained that the room was too small.
D) Ian claimed that the room isn't too small.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option C is correct because it accurately reflects the reported speech of Ian's complaint using the past tense "complained" and the past simple "was". The phrase "The room was too small" uses the past simple to report a statement that was true at the time of speaking.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. "Claimed" implies a more formal assertion, not a complaint.
Option B:
Incorrect. Uses present tense which doesn't match the reported speech context.
Option C:
Correct. Accurately reports Ian's complaint in past simple tense.
Option D:
Incorrect. "Isn't" implies a negation that wasn't used by Ian.
16.
Which verb pattern is used with the verb 'promise'?
A) Verb + preposition +-ing.
B) Verb +-ing.
C) Verb + object + infinitive.
D) Verb + infinitive.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The verb "promise" is typically followed by an infinitive without the particle "to". For example, we say "She promised to help me" rather than "She promised helping me".
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. "Promise" does not require a preposition before an -ing form.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Promise" is followed by an infinitive, not just -ing.
Option C:
Incorrect. While this pattern can be used with some verbs, it is not the correct pattern for "promise".
Option D:
Correct. "Promise" is correctly followed by an infinitive without "to", as in "She promised to help me".
17.
We congratulated ..... the tournament
A) She on win.
B) Her in winning.
C) Her on winning.
D) Her on win.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
C) Her on winning.
The preposition "on" is used with the verb "congratulate," and "winning" functions as a gerund (a verb form that acts as a noun). This phrase means to celebrate or praise someone for their achievement.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. "Win" is not in the correct form to be used with "congratulate."
Option B:
Incorrect. The preposition "in" is typically used with gerunds, but it's more common and natural to use "on" with "congratulate."
Option C:
Correct. Uses the appropriate preposition "on" with a gerund "winning."
Option D:
Incorrect. "Win" is not in the correct form to be used with "congratulate."
18.
We convinced ..... his mind.
A) To change.
B) Him changing.
C) Him to change.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
C) Him to change.
This option uses the reporting verb "convinced" correctly with its appropriate infinitive form "to change." The structure "verb + object + to-infinitive" is commonly used in English when reporting direct speech or convincing someone of something.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. "To change" alone does not include the necessary object.
Option B:
Incorrect. This option uses a gerund form which is not appropriate here.
Option C:
Correct. Uses the proper infinitive form with the reporting verb "convinced."
Option D:
Incorrect. Option C is valid.
19.
Complete the sentence. "He is considered ..... a good president. Everybody likes him"
A) To be.
B) To have been.
C) That he is.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "He is considered
to be
a good president. Everybody likes him" uses the reporting verb "considered." In this context, "to be" is used as part of the passive voice construction to report someone's opinion or status. This fits grammatically and semantically with the sentence structure.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "To be" is necessary for the passive voice in this context.
Option B:
Incorrect. "To have been" implies a completed action, which doesn't fit here.
Option C:
Incorrect. "That he is" is not used to form the passive voice in this way.
Option D:
Incorrect. There is a correct answer among the options provided.
20.
To report commnands or instructions we use
A) Order or tell.
B) Ask or beg.
C) Suggest + ing.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Reporting verbs are used to report commands or instructions given by someone else. The correct option is A) Order or tell, as these verbs directly convey the act of giving a command or instruction.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Verbs like order and tell are commonly used to report commands or instructions.
Option B:
Incorrect. Ask or beg do not typically represent commands or instructions being reported.
Option C:
Incorrect. Suggest + ing (e.g., suggesting playing) does not convey a command or instruction but rather a recommendation.
Option D:
Incorrect. At least one of the options A, B, or C is correct in this context.
21.
Complete the sentence using the correct verb form for this structure:My dad insisted that I ..... my room before I could play video games.
A) Clean.
B) Cleaning.
C) Cleaned.
D) To clean.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The verb form "Clean" is correct because the sentence uses a reporting verb ("insisted") followed by that-clause where the base form of the verb (infinitive without 'to') is required.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. The base form of the verb "clean" is used after verbs like "insist, " "order, " and "demand."
Option B:
Incorrect. Present participle (gerund) form does not fit here.
Option C:
Incorrect. Past tense does not fit the context of a present obligation or demand.
Option D:
Incorrect. "To clean" is unnecessary and incorrect in this structure.
22.
"Come on. I know you can do it."
A) A promise.
B) Encouragement.
C) A claim.
D) Advice.
Show Answer
Explanations:
This statement is an example of encouragement, which is a form of reporting verb used to convey support and motivation towards someone's ability or effort. It reflects the speaker’s belief in the listener's capability to achieve something.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
A promise - This is incorrect as there is no commitment being made regarding a future action.
Option B:
Encouragement - This is correct, as it aligns with the supportive and motivating nature of the statement.
Option C:
A claim - While this could be seen as making a claim about one's ability, the primary function here is to encourage rather than assert a fact.
Option D:
Advice - This is incorrect because there is no specific guidance or recommendation being given; it’s more of an expression of belief in capability.
23.
Yes, we take your offer.They ..... their offer.
A) Agreed take.
B) Agreed taking.
C) Admitted to take.
D) Agreed to take.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
D) Agreed to take.
This option uses the infinitive form "to take" after the reporting verb "agreed," which is grammatically correct in this context. When reporting an agreement or decision, the infinitive form without 'to' (e.g., "take") would be incorrect.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect; uses a verb form that does not match standard English grammar rules for reporting verbs.
Option B:
Incorrect; uses a gerund form which is not appropriate after "agreed."
Option C:
Incorrect; uses the wrong infinitive form without 'to.'
Option D:
Correct; uses the proper infinitive form "to take" following "agreed."
24.
She apologised ..... my secret.
A) To reveal.
B) For revealing.
C) That she revealed.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option B is correct because "apologise for" is a common reporting verb used to express regret over an action that has already occurred. In this context, she apologises for having revealed the secret, indicating a past action that caused her to feel remorse.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"To reveal" does not fit grammatically or logically in this sentence structure.
Option B:
"For revealing" is correct as it properly uses the reporting verb for apologising over a past action.
Option C:
"That she revealed" is unnecessary and awkward phrasing, not typically used with apologise in this context.
Option D:
Not all options are incorrect; B is the correct choice.
25.
He ..... me that he had studied for the test.
A) Suggested.
B) Assured.
C) Confirmed.
D) Admitted.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Assured" is the correct answer because it indicates a statement of certainty, which fits well with the context of someone confirming they have studied for a test. Reporting verbs like "assure" are used to convey a sense of confidence or guarantee.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Suggested - implies a recommendation rather than a confirmation.
Option B:
Assured - indicates certainty, fitting the context perfectly.
Option C:
Confirmed - also suggests certainty but is less formal than "assured" in this context.
Option D:
Admitted - implies acknowledging a fact or mistake, not just confirming an action.
26.
'I will never let you down again', Tom said to his friend.
A) Beg.
B) Confirm.
C) Confess.
D) Promise.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "I will never let you down again," Tom said to his friend, is an example of a reporting verb used in the context of expressing a commitment or assurance. The verb "promise" accurately captures this intent as it indicates that Tom is making a solemn declaration to his friend.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Beg - This implies asking for something, not making a firm statement.
Option B:
Confirm - This means to verify or agree with something already stated, not make a new promise.
Option C:
Confess - This involves admitting to wrongdoing, which is not the context here.
Option D:
Promise - Correct. It indicates making a firm declaration of intent.
27.
Complete the sentence:Direct speech:'Yes, I ate the last cookie, ' my brother said. Reported speech:My brother finally ..... eating the last cookie.
A) Explained.
B) Admitted.
C) Refused.
D) Promised.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
B) Admitted.
In reported speech, the verb "said" often corresponds to a reporting verb that indicates acknowledging or accepting something. Here, "admitted" means to acknowledge doing something wrong or admitting to having done something, which fits well with the context of eating the last cookie.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Explained - This implies giving a reason or description, not necessarily acknowledging an action.
Option B:
Admitted - Correct. It means to acknowledge doing something wrong or admitting to having done something.
Option C:
Refused - This implies saying no to something, which does not fit the context of eating the cookie.
Option D:
Promised - This implies making a commitment to do something in the future, not acknowledging an action that has already happened.
28.
The police officer ..... that the driver get out of the car.
A) Whispered.
B) Demanded.
C) Recalled.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The verb "demanded" is the most appropriate choice here because it conveys a sense of authority and urgency that is typical in police interactions, especially when instructing a driver to exit their vehicle. It indicates a firm and direct command, which fits the context.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Whispered" suggests a very quiet and secretive action, which does not fit the formal and authoritative nature of police instructions.
Option B:
"Demanded" is correct as it conveys authority and urgency suitable for a police officer's command.
Option C:
"Recalled" means to call back or remember, which does not fit the context of giving an instruction.
Option D:
"None of the above" is incorrect since "demanded" fits the context perfectly.
29.
"I'll definitely pay you back at the end of the week. ''
A) A claim.
B) A promise.
C) A warning.
D) A refusal.
Show Answer
Explanations:
This sentence is an example of a promise, indicating a commitment to perform an action in the future ("I'll definitely pay you back at the end of the week"). Reporting verbs are used to report what someone has said or promised. In this case, "promise" fits perfectly as it reports the speaker's intention.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Claim - This is not a claim but a promise about future action.
Option B:
Promise - Correct. The sentence expresses an intention to repay at a specific time in the future.
Option C:
Warning - There's no indication of warning or caution; it’s a straightforward statement of intent.
Option D:
Refusal - This is not a refusal but an agreement to do something later.
30.
"What are you doing here?" Louise wondered .....
A) What was I doing there.
B) If I was doing here.
C) What I am doing here.
D) What I was doing there.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
D) What I was doing there.
This option uses the reporting verb "wondered" correctly to report Louise's thought about a past action. The use of "was" indicates that the action being reported happened in the past.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. Uses "What was I doing there," which is not reporting Louise's thought but rather a question form.
Option B:
Incorrect. Uses "If I was doing here," which does not make sense in the context of reporting Louise's thought and uses incorrect grammar.
Option C:
Incorrect. Uses "What I am doing here," which is about a present action, not a past one as reported by Louise.
Option D:
Correct. Uses "What I was doing there," accurately reporting Louise's thought about a past action.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are reporting verbs?
Reporting verbs are words used to report what someone has said, thought, or felt. They introduce indirect speech and can include verbs like 'said', 'told', 'asked', and others that convey the manner in which a statement was made.
How do reporting verbs differ from direct speech?
Reporting verbs are used to report what someone said without using their exact words, whereas direct speech uses the actual words spoken. For example, 'He said "I will come"' is direct speech, while 'He said he would come' uses a reporting verb.
Can you use reporting verbs in different tenses?
Yes, reporting verbs can be used to report actions that happened in the past, present, or future. For instance, 'He said he would come' (future), 'She said she came' (past), and 'They say they are coming' (present).
What is the role of infinitives with reporting verbs?
Infinitives can follow certain reporting verbs to indicate what someone decided or agreed to do. For example, 'He suggested we go for a walk' uses an infinitive ('to go') after the verb 'suggested'.
Are there specific contexts where reporting verbs are commonly used?
Reporting verbs are frequently used in various contexts, such as apologies ('I apologize that I was late'), commitments ('We promise to help you'), and police interactions ('The suspect stated he was at home').