Synonyms for "Said"
Other words for reported speech
| SAID | TOLD | ADDED |
|---|---|---|
Use to me or that after said. |
Use me and that after told. |
Use that after added. |
|
" |
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that it is nearby. Also see Indirect Objects Say / Tell
Say / Tell / Add
| SAY – PATTERN | TOLD – PATTERN | ADDED – PATTERN | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
These verbs are similar to said and can optionally be followed by an indirect object (to me, to him, to her, to us, to them, to you, or a proper noun) and a quote. |
These verbs are similar to told and are followed by a direct object (me, him, her, us, them, you, or a proper noun) and a quote. |
These verbs are similar to added and are followed by a quote. Some verbs require a subjunctive verb. |
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acknowledged (to me) |
mumbled (to me) |
advised (me) |
added |
laughed |
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admitted (to me) |
murmured (to me) |
assured (me) |
agreed |
nagged |
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announced (to me) |
pleaded (to me) |
asked (me) |
answered (to me) |
noted |
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babbled (to me) |
pointed out (to me) |
informed (me) |
approved |
objected |
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blurted (to me) |
prayed (to God) |
instructed |
argued |
observed |
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boasted (to me) |
ranted (to me) |
lectured (me) |
assumed |
ordered (subjunctive) |
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bragged (to me) |
related (to me) |
notified (me) |
barked |
protested |
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chuckled (to me) |
remarked (to me) |
reassured (me) |
bellowed |
predicted |
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claimed (to me) |
repeated (to me) |
told (me) |
bargained |
pronounced |
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clarified (to me) |
reported (to me) |
warned (me) |
began |
questioned |
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commented (to me) |
replied (to me) |
begged |
quoted |
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complained (to me) |
responded (to me) |
cajoled |
reasoned |
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cried (to me) |
restated (to me) |
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commanded (subjunctive) |
requested (subjunctive) |
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declared (to me) |
revealed (to me) |
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confirmed |
ruled |
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denied (to me) |
roared (to me) |
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cited |
snapped |
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described (to me) |
screamed (to me) |
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decided |
sneered |
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dictated (to me) |
screeched (to me) |
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drawled |
snorted |
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echoed (to me) |
shouted (to me) |
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demanded (subjunctive) |
snickered |
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emphasized (to me) |
shrieked (to me) |
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estimated |
spoke |
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exclaimed (to me) |
sobbed (to me) |
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enunciated |
stammered |
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explained (to me) |
sputtered (to me) |
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exploded |
stormed |
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expressed (to me) |
stated (to me) |
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feared |
suggested (subjunctive) |
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giggled (to me) |
sighed (to me) |
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grinned |
taunted |
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growled (to me) |
squawked (to me) |
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hollered |
thought |
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hissed (to me) |
squeaked (to me) |
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insisted (subjunctive) |
urged (subjunctive) |
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howled (to me) |
uttered (to me) |
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interrupted |
whimpered |
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indicated (to me) |
vowed (to me) |
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lied (to me) |
wailed (to me) |
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mentioned (to me) |
whispered (to me) |
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muttered (to me) |
whined (to me) |
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moaned (to me) |
yelled (to me) |
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Tense Agreement
Formal vs. Informal Agreement
Formal vs. Informal Agreement
| FORMAL AGREEMENT | INFORMAL AGREEMENT |
|---|---|
When using formal agreement, the verb tense in the dependent clause adjusts to the time frame of the verb in the main (independent) clause. |
In informal speech and writing, the verb in the dependent clause can remain in the present tense if the clause is a statement of 'general truth' (a situation that still exists.) |
She said that she was / had been a nurse (dependent clause) |
She said that she is / was / had been a nurse (dependent clause) |
She said, "I am a nurse." |
She said, "I am a nurse." |
She said, "I am tired." |
|
She said, "I was a nurse." |
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Related pages: Tense Adjustment | Same Time vs. Earlier
Practice
How often do you tell a lie?
- Change the direct quote to statements. Note that in this discussion the tense will remain in present tense (general truth).
- Compare your response to the answer by clicking the "check" button to the right.