SMM Reporting Verbs

Reporters report, and in almost everything they write they report what someone says. Therefore, it is vitally important, if you are not to mislead readers, to be accurate in your choice of reporting verb or verb phrase. 

Incorrect: The governor disclosed that the allegations were totally false and motivated by political intrigue.

The word 'disclosed' means to make something publicly known, usually after it has been kept secret. The strong inference above then, is that the governor's statement is true. You are saying this, as a reporter, with your choice of words.

Use specific reporting words for specific tasks, as indicated below, always remembering that a simple, healthy 'said' is perfect in most cases, as it is always accurate:

said: simple, accurate and never overused.

claimed: for a statement that may or may not be true because it is unproven; He claimed that there was a campaign of intimidation ...

alleged: as above but more official.

stated: to give information or an opinion in a formal way, eg in a report, a statement, at a press conference, in an interview.

The president stated that he was not at the meeting in Lagos.

He stated his belief that they had altered the figures.

announced: to formally give information, eg a plan or decision.

He announced his intention to step down.

told: to communicate information, always told someone something.

 Incorrect: He told that there had been ...; 

Correct: He told the meeting that there had been ...

narrated: means to tell a story, usually in the the context of a novel or film, not merely to say something; should not be used. Use 'told/told how' instead.

informed: to officially give information to someone.

Incorrect: Buhari informed that the PDP was not interested in the real issues. (it is not information). Always use in a 'inform + someone + of/that + something' structure.

Correct: Buhari informed the meeting that he would not stand again for election.

 assured: again, assure + someone + of/that + something, and only in cases where the audience may have doubts. He assured the people of the northeast that they would not be forgotten. 

Incorrect: Jonathan assured that the elections would go ahead. 

Correct Jonathan assured Nigerians that ... When using without an object, rather use 'pledge', 'affirm', 'guarantee' or 'confirm' as suitable.

expressed: only for feelings or opinions. He expressed his horror at the recent developments.

revealed/disclosed: to make known something hidden or secret, therefore with the implication that it is true. He revealed that the party did not intend to contest the election.

suggested: (or claimed) is better used than revealed/disclosed when the truth of the statement is in doubt.

 Incorrect: He revealed that the government was involved in a conspiracy to disenfranchise voters. 

Correct: He suggested that ...

reported: for a description of an event, especially if you are referring to other media. The correspondent reported that there were many dead.

confirmed: someone says that previously reported or suspected information is true. The police confirmed that three people had died.

noted: for when someone brings attention to something others may have missed, usually a fact, not an opinion. The governor noted that his opponent had declined to answer questions about his tax affairs.

mentioned: to talk about something which is not the main subject, quickly and and not in detail. At the end of his speech the president mentioned how grateful he was to the governor for his help.

hinted: to suggest something without saying it directly.

insinuated: to say something which suggests something unpleasant about someone (especially an accusation) without saying it openly.

The two words above have very specific meanings and do not mean 'said'. They have little place in news reporting as they suggest that the writer is interpreting rather than reporting speech (similarly 'implied').

opined: a horror, should only be used to ridicule pomposity.

The phrase 'made it known that' should rarely if ever be used, being long and unnecessary. Stated, confirmed, revealed, disclosed, claimed, reported or especially poor, neglected said, should always be preferred.

'According to him' is clumsy and should be avoided; use 'He said/claimed/reported that ...' instead.

Reporting verbs in the passive form are also best avoided; It was claimed that ..., It is gathered that ... (another horror). Reporters are responsible to readers for reporting who said what; Buhari claimed that ..., [Full domain name of the site] understands that ...