Verbs of Saying, Thinking, Knowing — dico, puto, scio, credo

By the end of this lesson, you will command the most important verbs that introduce indirect statement in classical Latin prose, distinguish their nuances, and translate complex compound examples from Caesar and Cicero.

Why These Verbs Matter

The accusative + infinitive construction only activates after specific verbs. Misidentifying the main verb leads to mistranslation of entire clauses. Every Roman author uses these verbs constantly — knowing their meanings, constructions, and quirks is essential for fluent reading.

Core Verbs: Full Reference

Saying and Reporting

Verb	Principal parts	Core meaning	Notes
dico	dico, dicere, dixi, dictum	to say, to tell	Most common verb of saying
narro	narro, narrare, narravi, narratum	to narrate, recount	Used for storytelling
nuntio	nuntio, nuntiare	to announce, report	Often used for military reports
scribo	scribo, scribere, scripsi, scriptum	to write	Cicero's letters use this constantly
respondeo	respondeo, respondere	to reply, answer	Often in legal/oratorical contexts
nego	nego, negare	to say that…not	More idiomatic than dico non

Caesar nuntiat hostes fugere. "Caesar announces that the enemies are fleeing."

Nego me venturum esse. "I say that I will not come." (= Dico me non venturum esse — but nego is preferred)

Thinking and Believing

Verb	Principal parts	Core meaning	Notes
credo	credo, credere, credidi, creditum