Using Reporting Verbs for Claims and Statements
When making formal claims, declarations, or statements, specific reporting verbs help convey authority and certainty. Common verbs include 'claim,' 'declare,' 'state,' 'announce,' and 'assert.' Each carries slightly different implications about the speaker's confidence and authority.
Levels of Certainty
Different reporting verbs convey varying levels of certainty:
– Claim: suggests the statement might be disputed
– Declare: indicates official or formal announcement
– State: neutral, factual reporting
– Assert: emphasizes confidence in the statement
– Announce: public or formal declaration
– Claim: suggests the statement might be disputed
– Declare: indicates official or formal announcement
– State: neutral, factual reporting
– Assert: emphasizes confidence in the statement
– Announce: public or formal declaration
Examples
The company claims that its new product will revolutionize the market.Uses 'claim' to indicate a statement that might need verification
The government declared that the crisis was over.Uses 'declare' for an official, authoritative statement
The research team stated that their findings were conclusive.Uses 'state' for a neutral, factual report
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Incorrect: He claims to the project is finished.
✅ Correct: He claims that the project is finished.
Explanation: The word 'that' is necessary after 'claim' when followed by a clause
❌ Incorrect: They declared they will attend.
✅ Correct: They declared that they would attend.
Explanation: Formal declarations typically maintain tense agreement and include 'that'
Tips for Success
- Choose the reporting verb based on the level of certainty you want to convey
- In formal writing, always include 'that' after the reporting verb
- Consider the authority and credibility of the speaker when selecting a reporting verb
- Be aware that some reporting verbs like 'claim' might suggest skepticism
Learning Path Notes
Key Concepts in This Series:
- Building on basic reporting verb structure
- Expanding formal usage understanding
- Developing nuanced verb choice awareness