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Language, when you need it
Search concise C2 rules, vocabulary and speaking phrases without leaving the course to hunt through past lessons.
What it is
The verb you choose to introduce someone else's words or ideas — argues, claims, shows, admits — quietly tells the reader what you think of that source. Reporting verbs let you evaluate without adding a separate opinion sentence.
Form
| Form | Pattern | Model sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Neutral report | Subject + states/notes/describes + that-clause | The author notes that inflation fell in the third quarter. |
| Sceptical report | Subject + claims/alleges/asserts + that-clause | The report claims that the policy caused the downturn, without offering direct evidence. |
| Endorsing report | Subject + demonstrates/shows/confirms + that-clause | The study demonstrates that the drug reduces symptoms within a week. |
| Conceding report | Subject + admits/concedes + that-clause | The minister admits that the rollout was slower than promised. |
Use it when
- You're summarising other people's arguments in an essay or literature review
- You want to signal doubt about a source without stating it outright
- You're writing a news piece and need to stay fair while still showing where the weight of evidence lies
- You need to distinguish your own claims from claims you're merely reporting
Examples
- Critics argue that the plan overlooks smaller businesses entirely.
- The paper suggests, rather cautiously, that the link may be indirect.
- Officials insist that the figures are accurate, despite independent checks.
- The review acknowledges the study's limitations but still recommends its findings.
- Analysts maintain that the market will recover by spring.
Watch out
✗ The scientist said that the vaccine is completely safe.
✓ The scientist claims that the vaccine is safe, a view not all researchers share.
'Said' is neutral where 'claims' signals the reader should weigh the statement carefully.
✗ He admits that the plan will succeed.
✓ He predicts that the plan will succeed.
'Admits' implies a reluctant confession, not a confident prediction — the verb must match the tone of the source.
✗ The report shows that maybe the drug works.
✓ The report suggests that the drug may work.
'Shows' is too strong for a tentative finding; pair hedged verbs with hedged claims.
Remember
The verb is the judgement — choose it as carefully as you'd choose an adjective.
Quick check
- 1. What's the difference between 'states' and 'claims' as reporting verbs?
Reveal
'States' is neutral; 'claims' hints the writer doubts or questions the statement.
- 2. Which verb would you use to report a source that reluctantly accepts a weakness in their own argument?
Reveal
'Admits' or 'concedes'.
- 3. Why avoid mismatching a strong verb like 'proves' with a tentative finding?
Reveal
It misrepresents the source's actual level of confidence and can mislead the reader.