Words for saying

Hello, and welcome to Myriora English! Said is a useful word, but it doesn't tell us how something was said. Here are some words that paint a better picture.

First, some quiet ones. To whisper is to speak very quietly, so only one person can hear. To murmur is to speak in a soft, low voice. To mutter is to speak quietly and unclearly, often when you're grumbling. And to stammer is to speak with pauses, repeating sounds, often when you're nervous.

Now some stronger ones. To exclaim is to say something suddenly, with surprise or strong feeling. To shriek is to give a high, piercing cry. To bellow is to shout in a deep, loud voice. And to groan is to make a low sound of pain or unhappiness.

Let's try one together. The angry giant shouted at the knight in a deep, loud voice. Which word fits best? Say it out loud!

Bellowed! The giant bellowed at the knight: a deep, loud shout. Well done if you said bellowed!

Here's a common mistake. Choosing a word that doesn't match the feeling. I'm so happy, she groaned. Groan is for pain or unhappiness, so it doesn't fit. I'm so happy, she exclaimed.

Your turn! Which word fits best? He blank the secret, so nobody else could hear. Pick the right card. You've got eight seconds, or pause the video. Go!

Time's up! Whispered! He spoke very quietly, so nobody else could hear.

Quick review. Instead of said, choose a word that shows how it was said. Whisper, murmur, mutter and stammer are quiet. Exclaim, shriek, bellow and groan are stronger. And match the word to the feeling. See you next time!