Element FORM: MODIFICATION, REPORTING VERB + ADVERB
SuperCat REPORTED SPEECH
SubCat reported speech
Lexical Range N/A
Level B2
Cando Can modify the reporting verb with an adverb.
Corrected Learner Example "So this is a real cow, mom?" she asked doubtfully. (Poland; B2 VANTAGE; 1993; Polish; Pass)

"A hundred dollars for one day. Is that a deal?" her husband said forcefully. (Malaysia; B2 VANTAGE; 1999; Chinese; Pass)

"Come on, what's wrong?" Bella asked curiously. (Greece; B2 VANTAGE; 2009; Greek; Pass)

"Put that light out!" I shouted calmly. (St. Helena; B2 VANTAGE; 1993; Japanese; Fail)
Uncorrected Learner Example
Comments Note that when the reporting verb is modified by an adverb, it typically comes after the direct speech. This is also the case in expert speaker data in the CEC, where the reporting verb + adverb most commonly occurs in the middle or after the reported clause. It is far less common before the clause.

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