Showing emotion in writing
Hi Marcos! How are you? I hope everything’s OK.
Today I’m going to write briefly about showing HOW something is (or was, or might be) said, when you want to report how the original speaker is (was or might) feel. This is probably not something you will need to do if you are writing the minutes of a meeting or an academic essay! Minutes and essays are usually written in a neutral style that focus on WHAT was said and not HOW it was said. But if you are writing in your diary, or writing a story, you might want to describe the emotions of the people whose speech you are representing.
So, here is a list* of some reporting verbs you can use to dramatise your writing:
bark
bellow
call (out)
coax
groan
growl
grumble
moan
mumble
murmur
mutter
retort
roar
rumble
shoot back
shout
shriek
sigh
snap
stammer
stutter
whisper
yell
I searched the BBC for three of the reporting verbs on this list: mumble, mutter, murmur (because they’re quite close in meaning, I think). The search method I used was the one I described in a previous post (using the search box on the top right hand corner of this page). Here are the three examples of these verbs I found:
…there was a suspicion that he might … mumble something incoherent and then disappear again.
Michael Jackson: Still King of Pop?
And maybe not even then, I mutter under my breath…
Phoney War
"It might suit you, you know," he tentatively murmured.
60 felt too young to go into a home
Right then, I’m off to work now to meet some students for tutorials about a group presentation they are preparing on different language teaching methodology topics. I’m looking forward to seeing what they are planning to do.
Hope your week is going well!
Rachel
* I copied this list from Carter, R. and McCarthy, M. (2006). Cambridge Grammar of English, a Comprehensive Guide: Spoken and Written English, Grammar and Usage. It’s a very useful grammar book that I am using a lot at the moment.
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Comments on the comments:
Marianna (from Slovakia) – it’s good to hear that you are a fellow coffee drinker (especially after a night of insufficient sleep!).
Hyoshil (from the UK) - Wow!!! You really are a master blogger. I will definitely support your claim to a BBC LE t-shirt!
Adek (from Poland) – Erm……what I didn’t tell you was that I bribed Clara to go to the shops (and take the video camera) with extra pocket money for a magazine she likes to read…..
Mahjabeen (from Pakistan) – Thanks for your comments!
Comments
Reading books I was focused only on what was said and done. That's why almost all the words from the list above are new for me. Of cause I new that dogs bark and cows bellow, but I didn't know that people can do the same while speaking. So I need to look at such words more closely. Thank you Rachel!
Hello Rachel, the list you have provided us is very helpful. I often find myself looking for the right reporting verb both in speaking and writing. The practice of those verbs will surely make a difference. Have a great day, Naheed
Hi Rachel! Thank you for the great support, and I hope Carrie is listening to you. Just in case Carrie might want to know the sizes.My husbnad, son, and myself's sizes are....(just pulling poor Carries's leg). The vocabularies, which are listed on your blog, are already in my vocab book. I'll scrutinise them from time to time and try to make up my own sentences by using them.It's the last day of April in 2009, but the weather is chilly and windy.I've learnt why people say 'Ne'er cast a clout till May is out'. Are you gonna be the teacher in May,too? Have a splendid day!
Hi Rachel! Thanks for listing these words. Is it possible to buy that grammar book on-line? Do you think it is also available overseas as well? If you happen to have any other suggestion for a good grammar book, let us know! As May Day falls on the first Monday of May in the UK, enjoy the long week-end!!
Hello Rachel, Thank you for telling us about different reporting verbs. I'm sure if I'm going to practice it that makes a lot of difference in my writing and conversation. Have a nice weekend -:). Bye
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