Reporting what people say 16/17 ep.14
Reporting what people say 16/17 ep.14
In this week's Premier Skills English podcast, Rich and Jack talk about the latest from the Premier League - there were big wins for Liverpool and Chelsea! We analyse some of the things that Liverpool manager, Jurgen Klopp said after the match. The language focus is on reporting verbs. We also have news about our Premier Skills Fantasy Football team, a new football phrase for you to guess and news about our fantastic new competition. Enjoy!
How much did you understand?
Vocabulary
In the podcast, Rich and Jack used some words and phrases that might be new for you. You can see two examples here:
Two goals from Sadio Mane helped put the Reds one point clear of Chelsea at the top of the table.
You can imagine Jurgen Klop shouting on the touchline.
There were a few more tricky words in the podcast. Can you remember all of them? Try the activity below, then, listen to the podcast again to hear how we used the words in context. This can really help with understanding.
Language - Reporting Verbs
Reporting verbs are verbs which are used to tell people what another person said. The most common reporting verbs are 'say' and 'tell'. You may have heard them being used in the podcast. Here are a couple of examples:
Jurgen Klopp said that he was really happy.
Jurgen Klopp told his players to stay cool.
When we use 'say' and 'tell' to report what someone said, we use a different structure. 'Say' usually has a verb + (that) + clause pattern while 'tell' uses a verb + direct object + (that) + clause pattern. 'Say' and 'tell' are neutral in meaning so if we want to tell people how the person was feeling or what he or she was doing we need to use different reporting verbs. Some reporting verbs often follow the same pattern as 'say' and others follow the same pattern as 'tell'.
Say | Tell |
admit | convince |
agree | inform |
claim | persuade |
complain | promise |
confirm | remind |
explain | advise |
promise | urge |
suggest | notify |
Note: Some reporting verbs can follow both patterns. Let's look at the word 'promise'. Both of these examples would be correct:
He promised to work harder in the furure.
He promised his teacher to work harder in the future.
In this activity, try to use the correct reporting verb. Try to think of the meaning and the correct pattern.
Reporting Verbs - Meaning
When we want to report something that has someone has said we often concentrate too much on form instead of meaning. We think about changing the verb forms more than thinking about which reporting verb to use. We often use 'said' and 'told' too much. Take a look at this example from the podcast. Which phrase is the best?
Jurgen Klopp said that his players will work harder.
Jurgen Klopp has told his players to work harder.
Jurgen Klopp has urged his players to work harder.
The third sentence is the best. The first two are grammatically correct but only the third sentence tells the listener what is really happening. 'To urge' means to encourage or persuade strongly so this phrase can tell the audience what Klopp is doing and how he's feeling. The other two sentences don't tell us this. In the podcast, we asked you to complete three sentences with appropriate reporting verbs. Here are the sentences:
- Arsene Wenger ___________ his team looked flat in the North London Derby.
- Antonio Conte ____________ Eden Hazard and Chelsea's performance.
- The manager _____________ about the referee after his penalty decision.
Write your sentences in the comments section at the bottom of the page. Then, write some more sentences for other learners to guess. You can either think of sentences yourself or find some reporting verbs on a sports website. The BBC's football section is a good place to look.
In this activity, try to remember the sentences from the previous activity and type in the correct reporting verb.
Another example:
Zlatan Ibrahimovic joked that he had scored 25,000 Premier League goals!
Transcript
Welcome
Rich: Hello my name’s Rich
Jack: and I’m Jack
Latest news headlines
Jack: Let’s start with the Premier League headlines this week.
Competition
Rich: The big news on Premier Skills English for you this week is that we have a new competition for you! It’s called the Big Football Quiz!
Player of the Week
Language
Jack: I missed the football yesterday.
Rich: I think Liverpool can win the Premier League you know
Sting
Football Phrase
Prediction
Rich: Last week’s prediction was the North London Derby between Arsenal and Tottenham and after Jack scored the first perfect score of the season, last week, this week I’m happy to say that I got the score spot on! The North London Derby finished 1-1, exactly as I had predicted.
Jack: Don’t forget to write your answers to our questions and make a guess at our football phrase in the comments below. And remember to take a look at our Fantasy Football page and join in the discussions!
Quiz
Please login to take this quiz.
What do you think?
In this week’s podcast, Jack and Rich spoke a lot about Liverpool.
-
Do you think Liverpool can win the Premier League? Or will Chelsea, City or Arsenal beat them to it? Is Jurgen Klopp the best manager in the Premier League?
-
We also asked you about reporting verbs. Can you complete the three sentences we gave you in the podcast?
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Can you think of any more sentences that use reporting verbs? Can you find any in today's football news from the BBC?
Leave a comment
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Comments
09/08/2021
points
What do you think?
1- Jurgen Klopp is one of the good manager in the Premier League.
2-
a-Arsene Wenger ADMITTED his team looked flat in the North London Derby.
b-Antonio Conte PRAISED/ CRITICISED Eden Hazard and Chelsea's performance.
c-The manager COMPLAINED about the referee after his penalty decision.
3- The client refused throw-in free things but requested a little bit discount.
Player of the week—I agree with your choice. S.Mane is a high-performance forward of the Premier League.
09/08/2021 14:01
Tottenham Hotspur
5557
What do you think?
1- Jurgen Klopp is one of the good manager in the Premier League.
2-
a-Arsene Wenger ADMITTED his team looked flat in the North London Derby.
b-Antonio Conte PRAISED/ CRITICISED Eden Hazard and Chelsea's performance.
c-The manager COMPLAINED about the referee after his penalty decision.
3- The client refused throw-in free things but requested a little bit discount.
Player of the week—I agree with your choice. S.Mane is a high-performance forward of the Premier League.
15/05/2020
points
I think the football phrase for this week is ( Title challenger )
15/05/2020 14:32
Manchester United
6536
I think the football phrase for this week is ( Title challenger )
15/05/2020
points
Arsene Wenger ___admitted___ his team looked flat in the North London Derby.
Antonio Conte __praised___ Eden Hazard and Chelsea's performance.
The manager ___complained___ about the referee after his penalty decision.
15/05/2020 14:31
Manchester United
6536
Arsene Wenger ___admitted___ his team looked flat in the North London Derby.
Antonio Conte __praised___ Eden Hazard and Chelsea's performance.
The manager ___complained___ about the referee after his penalty decision.
15/05/2020
points
Jurgen Klopp is definitely the best manager in the Premier League.
The normal one has been superb tactically , technically and psychologically with his players
15/05/2020 14:28
Manchester United
6536
Jurgen Klopp is definitely the best manager in the Premier League.
The normal one has been superb tactically , technically and psychologically with his players
15/05/2020
points
Sooner or later Liverpool will win the title which doesn't make me happy as a United fan :)
15/05/2020 14:26
Manchester United
6536
Sooner or later Liverpool will win the title which doesn't make me happy as a United fan :)
19/07/2017
points
Arsene Wenger admitted his team had looked flat in the Nort London Derby.
The Menager complained about referree after his penalty decision.
This week’s phrase is Premier League championship
19/07/2017 08:27
Manchester United
2663
Arsene Wenger admitted his team had looked flat in the Nort London Derby.
The Menager complained about referree after his penalty decision.
This week’s phrase is Premier League championship
17/11/2016
points
nice
17/11/2016 10:52
Manchester United
18
nice
15/11/2016
points
correct me
15/11/2016 16:21
Manchester United
13
correct me
15/11/2016
points
Nice
15/11/2016 10:57
Chelsea
32
Nice
13/11/2016
points
1.Liverpool will do better than last year as I have said before. There are five or six challengers for the 2016/2017 title. Klopp is confirming his talent.
2. Arsene Wenger admitted Arsenal looked flat in its North London Derby.
Antonio Conte claimed Eden Hazard and Chelsea's performance.
The manager complained about the referee after his penalty decision.
Southgate feels he has shown the passion and desire to become permament England manager but warns his players to show ‘bravery not stupidity’ . Extract from the Guardian today
football phrase : Title challengers.
13/11/2016 18:09
Manchester City
3988
1.Liverpool will do better than last year as I have said before. There are five or six challengers for the 2016/2017 title. Klopp is confirming his talent.
2. Arsene Wenger admitted Arsenal looked flat in its North London Derby.
Antonio Conte claimed Eden Hazard and Chelsea's performance.
The manager complained about the referee after his penalty decision.
Southgate feels he has shown the passion and desire to become permament England manager but warns his players to show ‘bravery not stupidity’ . Extract from the Guardian today
football phrase : Title challengers.
12/11/2016
points
the phrase is title challenge.
12/11/2016 08:12
Liverpool
3705
the phrase is title challenge.
12/11/2016
points
Actually i do not know any other reporting verbs.
12/11/2016 08:10
Liverpool
3705
Actually i do not know any other reporting verbs.
12/11/2016
points
The first one is explained,the third is complained and the second is admit
12/11/2016 08:09
Liverpool
3705
The first one is explained,the third is complained and the second is admit
12/11/2016
points
I think Liverpool is nominated to win the title this year,they have a great organization,the battle will be difficult this year for Liverpool if they want to win it.I think Klopp and Conte are the best managers until now.
12/11/2016 08:05
Liverpool
3705
I think Liverpool is nominated to win the title this year,they have a great organization,the battle will be difficult this year for Liverpool if they want to win it.I think Klopp and Conte are the best managers until now.
11/11/2016
points
I think Reds can go all the way this season. Both Klopp and Pep.
11/11/2016 21:03
Arsenal
3557
I think Reds can go all the way this season. Both Klopp and Pep.
10/11/2016
points
Jack, Rich, is it possible to buy tickets for the Arsenal's match if I haven't got a membership? I'm afraid that they will be sold out before being available for those who haven't bought membership. I will be in London from 21st till 28th of November and would like to visit the match against Bournemouth.
10/11/2016 18:57
Manchester City
989
Jack, Rich, is it possible to buy tickets for the Arsenal's match if I haven't got a membership? I'm afraid that they will be sold out before being available for those who haven't bought membership. I will be in London from 21st till 28th of November and would like to visit the match against Bournemouth.
10/11/2016
points
Hi Shobonenok
It can be really difficult to get tickets for Arsenal games. The matches against Bournemouth (28th) and PSG (23rd) are already sold out (http://www.arsenal.com/tickets). If you become a red member you have a chance of buying a ticket on the ticket exchange system that Arsenal use on their website but this is not guaranteed. It's a pity you are not in London on the 30th as there are tickets on general sale for the cup match against Southampton. I wouldn't recommend buying tickets through unofficial channels.
If you want to see Premier League football during your trip the best match to go to would be Watford v Stoke City. It's not as glamorous as Arsenal but you've got a good chance of getting a ticket!
Sorry I couldn't be more help but I hope you enjoy your trip!
Rich - The Premier Skills English Team
10/11/2016 21:31
Liverpool
594
Hi Shobonenok
It can be really difficult to get tickets for Arsenal games. The matches against Bournemouth (28th) and PSG (23rd) are already sold out (http://www.arsenal.com/tickets). If you become a red member you have a chance of buying a ticket on the ticket exchange system that Arsenal use on their website but this is not guaranteed. It's a pity you are not in London on the 30th as there are tickets on general sale for the cup match against Southampton. I wouldn't recommend buying tickets through unofficial channels.
If you want to see Premier League football during your trip the best match to go to would be Watford v Stoke City. It's not as glamorous as Arsenal but you've got a good chance of getting a ticket!
Sorry I couldn't be more help but I hope you enjoy your trip!
Rich - The Premier Skills English Team
11/11/2016
points
Hi Rich!
Thank you for your answer.
Ohh, unfortunately all tickets for the mentioned match in Watford are already sold out :(
I've never bought tickets through unofficial channels even in Russia, so, there is no opportunity to see Premier League football.
I haven't known that it's too difficult to buy tickets in the UK. It's much easier to do it in Russia.
11/11/2016 10:07
Manchester City
989
Hi Rich!
Thank you for your answer.
Ohh, unfortunately all tickets for the mentioned match in Watford are already sold out :(
I've never bought tickets through unofficial channels even in Russia, so, there is no opportunity to see Premier League football.
I haven't known that it's too difficult to buy tickets in the UK. It's much easier to do it in Russia.
11/11/2016
points
Wow! I'm surprised that the Watford v Stoke match has sold out. If you really want to see a match, you could watch a Championship game in London. Brentford play Birmingham City on the 26th of November (https://tickets.brentfordfc.co.uk/PagesPublic/Home/home.aspx). There are definitely tickets left but I can't guarantee the quality of the football; the prices are cheaper, however!
11/11/2016 11:03
Liverpool
594
Wow! I'm surprised that the Watford v Stoke match has sold out. If you really want to see a match, you could watch a Championship game in London. Brentford play Birmingham City on the 26th of November (https://tickets.brentfordfc.co.uk/PagesPublic/Home/home.aspx). There are definitely tickets left but I can't guarantee the quality of the football; the prices are cheaper, however!
09/11/2016
points
I believe Jose can turn United's fortune in the 2nd round and possibly finish in yhe top 4
09/11/2016 19:58
Manchester United
4779
I believe Jose can turn United's fortune in the 2nd round and possibly finish in yhe top 4
09/11/2016
points
1. First of all, we can't choose anyone as the best manager in the Premier League yet. Consistency is still a key word and there are not even a half of total quantity of matches played. I am really admired by Konte's and Klopp's efforts, but still waiting for the effective Pep talk or other means of this coach to begin taking 3 points meantime it's neck and neck at the top of the table and City is slightly behind the leaders.
2. Arsene Wenger complained his team looked flat in the North London Derby.
Antonio Conte admired Eden Hazard and Chelsea's performance.
The manager grumbled about the referee after his penalty decision.
3. Football Union of Russia's website informs our national women's football team will play against Germany, Sweden and Italy at the Euro-2017 Championship. Ibrahimovic called Manchester the best city he has ever lived.
A football phrase is "***** *********".
09/11/2016 16:12
Manchester City
989
1. First of all, we can't choose anyone as the best manager in the Premier League yet. Consistency is still a key word and there are not even a half of total quantity of matches played. I am really admired by Konte's and Klopp's efforts, but still waiting for the effective Pep talk or other means of this coach to begin taking 3 points meantime it's neck and neck at the top of the table and City is slightly behind the leaders.
2. Arsene Wenger complained his team looked flat in the North London Derby.
Antonio Conte admired Eden Hazard and Chelsea's performance.
The manager grumbled about the referee after his penalty decision.
3. Football Union of Russia's website informs our national women's football team will play against Germany, Sweden and Italy at the Euro-2017 Championship. Ibrahimovic called Manchester the best city he has ever lived.
A football phrase is "***** *********".
09/11/2016
points
Let me make second try, I think that maybe the phrase is ‘title *********’
09/11/2016 14:22
Watford
4417
Let me make second try, I think that maybe the phrase is ‘title *********’
09/11/2016
points
I guess that the phrase is ‘title favorite’
09/11/2016 10:05
Watford
4417
I guess that the phrase is ‘title favorite’
09/11/2016
points
Not quite, Liubomyr!
09/11/2016 12:23
Liverpool
594
Not quite, Liubomyr!
09/11/2016
points
Jurgen Klopp as it stands is by far the best manager in the epl
09/11/2016 08:11
Manchester United
4779
Jurgen Klopp as it stands is by far the best manager in the epl
09/11/2016
points
As it stands its only 3 clubs that look ready to win the league. That is Liverpool, Chelsea and Man City.
Am sorry but i can't see Arsenal winning the league. As usual 4th at the end of the league.
09/11/2016 08:06
Manchester United
4779
As it stands its only 3 clubs that look ready to win the league. That is Liverpool, Chelsea and Man City.
Am sorry but i can't see Arsenal winning the league. As usual 4th at the end of the league.
09/11/2016
points
What about Man Utd? Do you think Jose can turn around their fortunes in the second half of the season?
09/11/2016 09:06
Liverpool
594
What about Man Utd? Do you think Jose can turn around their fortunes in the second half of the season?
09/11/2016
points
It's doubtful. Too many title claimants. Too late for MU to get through all of them to the top positions, IMHO.
09/11/2016 13:45
Liverpool
6573
It's doubtful. Too many title claimants. Too late for MU to get through all of them to the top positions, IMHO.
09/11/2016
points
This is where you should be using this week's football phrase!
09/11/2016 14:30
Liverpool
594
This is where you should be using this week's football phrase!
09/11/2016
points
Yes, I thought about it, so I changed the second word for others not to guess it. :-)
09/11/2016 20:15
Liverpool
6573
Yes, I thought about it, so I changed the second word for others not to guess it. :-)
08/11/2016
points
This week's phrase is ***** *********
08/11/2016 20:55
Manchester United
4779
This week's phrase is ***** *********
08/11/2016
points
This week’s phrase is ***** *********
08/11/2016 18:42
Liverpool
6573
This week’s phrase is ***** *********
09/11/2016
points
Well done, Alex! You got it first time this week!
09/11/2016 09:04
Liverpool
594
Well done, Alex! You got it first time this week!
08/11/2016
points
Number two: Antonio Conte praised (confirmed) Eden Hazard and Chelsea’s performance.
08/11/2016 18:35
Liverpool
6573
Number two: Antonio Conte praised (confirmed) Eden Hazard and Chelsea’s performance.
09/11/2016
points
Praised is good but we can't use confirm here. How do we normally use confirm?
09/11/2016 12:22
Liverpool
594
Praised is good but we can't use confirm here. How do we normally use confirm?
09/11/2016
points
Antonio Conte confirmed that Eden Hazard and Chelsea had performed well.
09/11/2016 13:41
Liverpool
6573
Antonio Conte confirmed that Eden Hazard and Chelsea had performed well.
08/11/2016
points
Number three: The manager complained about the referee after his penalty decision.
08/11/2016 18:30
Liverpool
6573
Number three: The manager complained about the referee after his penalty decision.
08/11/2016
points
Number one: Wenger admitted his team had looked flat in the North London Derby.
08/11/2016 18:26
Liverpool
6573
Number one: Wenger admitted his team had looked flat in the North London Derby.