Reporting verbs
In Grammar definitions, you will find a summary of basic reported speech. This most commonly involves using the verbs say, tell and ask, as well as changes of verb tenses, times, places and pronouns.
A native speaker of English, however, will often use reporting verbs other than just say, tell and ask.

Find the most appropriate word for the gap. Don't use say, tell, ask - find a better one!

1. Mary finally
   _____
   explained
   why she had been late.
   
   
2. He
   _____
   admitted
   that he had stolen the car.
   
   
3. They
   _____
   promised
   to come on time.
   
   
4. She
   _____
   recalled
   that I had already told her the answer.
   
   
5. The teacher simply
   _____
   ordered
   the class to do it.
   
   
6. He
   _____
   responded
   to most of my questions.
   
   
7. Monica
   _____
   offered
   to give us a lift to the station.
   
   
8. The teacher
   _____
   explained
   that wine came from grapes.
   
   
9. Cecilia
   _____
   protested
   that she couldn't help with the shopping because she had already arranged to meet Caroline.
   
   
10. Our scoutmaster
    _____
    added
    at the end of his speech that we mustn't forget to bring torches on the camping trip.
    
    
11. "It was your fault."
    The cyclist
    _____
    blamed
    the bus driver for causing the accident.
    
    
12. "You caused it."
    The cyclist
    _____
    accused
    the bus driver of causing the accident.
    
    
13. "Why don't we go to Italy?"
    I
    _____
    suggested
    going to Italy for our holidays, but everyone else wanted to go to Portugal.
    
    
14. "We're getting engaged."
    Christine and Harry
    _____
    announced
    at the party that they were getting engaged.
    
    
15. "You should see a solicitor."
    The landlord of my neighbour's flat wanted to double the rent, so I
    _____
    advised
    her to see a solicitor.
    
    
16. "OK."
    The union
    _____
    agreed
    to call off the strike if safety measures were introduced.

Some reporting verbs:
advise - encourage - invite - remind - warn - agree - decide - offer - promise - refuse - threaten - admit - agree - decide - deny - explain - insist -promise - recommend - suggest - deny - recommend - suggest - accuse - blame - congratulate apologize -insist