FluencyLab
GrammarHub
Use reporting verbs with their required complement patterns, including that-clauses, to-infinitives, object + infinitive and -ing forms.
Overview
Use reporting verbs with their required complement patterns, including that-clauses, to-infinitives, object + infinitive and -ing forms.
Form and rules
Say/claim/explain can introduce that-clauses; tell normally needs a person object before the clause.
Promise/refuse/offer/agree often take to + infinitive.
Admit/deny/suggest commonly take -ing or a that-clause depending on the verb.
Advise/remind/warn often take object + to-infinitive; warn can also use against + -ing.
Do not assume all reporting verbs share one pattern; the complement is part of the verb's grammar.
A closer look
Advise/remind/warn often take object + to-infinitive; warn can also use against + -ing.
Do not assume all reporting verbs share one pattern; the complement is part of the verb's grammar.
Examples
She admitted taking the money.
He refused to answer.
They suggested meeting earlier.
The doctor advised me to rest.
She reminded us to bring ID.
Common mistakes
Deny is commonly followed by -ing.
Promise is followed by to-infinitive.
Ready to practise?
The test combines multiple choice, gap completion, error correction, and sentence building so students have to recognise and produce the grammar, not simply reread the rule.