Grammar: Word classes: Verbs

Saying verbs

A list of saying verbs

Here are some common saying verbs which can be used in both direct and indirect speech:

The most common saying verb is say - typically used in the past simple tense (said).

Note that some saying verbs also tell us about the way something was said:

For more information about how we use verbs like this to express our personal attitude and opinion, see the menu on the left: Expressing personal attitude.

Note that many of the verbs in this list are also 'doing' verbs which we typically use to refer to physical reactions and facial expressions.