V. Verbs that indicate how something is said.

We can use a number of verbs (and related adverbs) to indicate the purpose or effect of speakers’ or writers’ words:

He stated categorically that he was innocent.

He maintained throughout that he had done nothing wrong.

He challenged the authenticity of the papers.

He questioned the people’s right to doubt his sincerity.

 

Other verbs that indicate the person’s attitude include:

(utterly) repudiate assert confirm clamour (for)

(openly) confess (to) doubt demand recollect

(proudly) proclaim allege reminisce suspect

VI. Nouns that summarise what has been said.

If we know what was said previously, we can summarise it with a noun:

He has repudiated all the recent allegations.

She continues to deny their accusations.

We cannot possibly meet their demands.

Their claims border on the ludicrous.

Common nouns that act like this include:

Comments remarks statements queries

Criticism praise compliment attack recollections protest

Fill each gap with one of the words listed.

Unconfirmed spies rumour bird apparently

1. … has it that he’s leaving.

2. My … tell me you’re going.

3. A little … told me you’re emigrating.

4. … this is her third marriage.

5. … reports say she’s resigning.

 

Fill each gap with one of the words listed.