Especially in creative writing, it is useful to have a wide variety of words to choose from. Have students try to brainstorm this list. Then give it to them to use on their next short stories.

1. SEVENTY WAYS TO SAY SAID
affirmed babbled complained hypothesized murmured related stated
agreed bellowed croaked implied muttered remarked stressed
alleged boasted declared informed noted replied stuttered
announced bragged demanded insisted observed responded suggested
answered bubbled disagreed joked ordered revealed supposed
apologized cheered exclaimed lied pointed out scolded swore
argued claimed gossiped maintained predicted screamed testified
asked clarified groaned mentioned prophesized screeched uttered
asserted commanded growled mimicked protested shouted whined
assumed commented hollered mumbled rambled squealed yelled