• Reporting verbs
86.11.1 Da Read the theory and report
the sentences. Use the special
introductory verbs in brackets.
Apart from say/tell, we can use a variety of reporting
verbs to report what someone said:
agree, demand, offer, order, promise,
refuse, etc + to-infinitive.
We agreed to meet at nine o'clock.
advise, allow, ask, invite, remind, warn,
etc + somebody + to-infinitive. Anara
reminded me to phone the job agency.
admit (to), apologise for, complain (to sb)
of/about, suggest, etc + -ing form.
He suggested organising a campaign.
explain, inform sb, complain, etc + that
clause. She explained that the interview had been
delayed.​

When I was going (go) to the shops, I saw (see) my friend. When I saw (see) my friend, I said (say) ‘Hello!’ While we were talking (talk), a car ran into (run into) a man on a bike. When we saw (see) the accident, I phoned (phone) for an ambulance. While I was waiting(wait) for the ambulance, a policeman arrived (arrive). When the policeman arrived (arrive), he asked (ask) us some questions. The ambulance came (come), while I was talking (talk) to the policeman. The ambulance took (take) the man to hospital and we went (go) for a cup of coffee. While we were drinking (drink) our coffee, we were talking (talk) about the accident.

When I was going (go) to the shops, I saw (see) my friend. When I saw (see) my friend, I said (say) ‘Hello!’ While we were talking (talk), a car ran into (run into) a man on a bike. When we saw (see) the accident, I phoned (phone) for an ambulance. While I was waiting(wait) for the ambulance, a policeman arrived (arrive). When the policeman arrived (arrive), he asked (ask) us some questions. The ambulance came (come), while I was talking (talk) to the policeman. The ambulance took (take) the man to hospital and we went (go) for a cup of coffee. While we were drinking (drink) our coffee, we were talking (talk) about the accident.