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Direct and Indirect Speeches (Cont'd): Using the Verb "Say"

When we want to change direct to indirect speech, we are faced with the word "say". Most of those times, we keep repeating the word "say" as in "He said...", "She said..."
At those times, using the right word will go a long way in conveying the appropriate message.  Thus, in this lesson, we are going to look at the verbs we can use in place of "say".

When you want to express 

1. Agreement, use:  admit, confirm, continue, declare, maintain, reply, state, suggest.

2. Command, use: command, direct, insist, instruct, order.

3. Distress, use: alert, complain, cry, groan, lament, mutter, regret, shout.

4. Refusal, use: contradict, criticize, counter, deny, forbid, oppose, refute.

5. Request, use: advise, ask, beg, caution, entreat, plead, request, urge, wish.

Using the words above in appropriate places will eliminate monotony and save one from the embarrassment arising from frequent use of the verb "say". 
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Best regards.

From the Grammarstar team.

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