B2 · Lesson 29 · 25 min
Reporting verbs and patterns
In this lesson
- I can match a reporting verb to its grammatical pattern.
- I can preserve the speaker’s intention when reporting advice, offers and suggestions.
Grammar in context
A delivery was late. The driver admitted taking the wrong road and offered to return the following morning. The customer suggested leaving the parcel at reception. The receptionist warned the driver not to block the entrance.
Which verb is followed by an -ing form, which by a to-infinitive, and which needs a person before the infinitive?
Report actions with an -ing form
Reporting verbs express more than the fact that somebody spoke. Admit and deny indicate whether a speaker accepts or rejects responsibility. Suggest can introduce a possible action. These verbs can be followed directly by an -ing form: admitted losing, denied taking, suggested waiting. In this pattern, suggest does not take a person plus a to-infinitive. A that-clause is another option, especially when you need to name the person who should act.
- She denied opening the letter.
- He suggested that we wait outside.
Report offers and promises
Offer, promise and agree can take a to-infinitive. The subject is normally the person who will perform that action: she offered to drive means that she proposed doing the driving. Promise can also introduce a that-clause. Choose a reporting verb that preserves the original intention: an offer is not automatically a promise, and a suggestion is not an order.
- Lena offered to carry the box.
- The supplier promised that the replacement would arrive on Monday.
Name the person addressed
Advise, persuade, remind and warn can take an object naming a person, followed by a to-infinitive. For a negative instruction, put not before to. A that-clause can follow warn when reporting information about a danger. Do not remove the person from a pattern that requires one. Keep pronouns clear so that the reader knows both who spoke and who was expected to act.
- They advised us to book early.
- The guard warned us not to touch the cable.
Common mistakes
Compare the incorrect and corrected forms.
Avoid
He suggested me to take a break.
Use
He suggested taking a break.
Suggest can take an -ing form; it does not use this object + to-infinitive pattern.
Avoid
She warned us not enter.
Use
She warned us not to enter.
Warn + person takes a to-infinitive; put not before to for this ordinary negative warning.
Put it into practice
Try the exercises, write your own examples and check your understanding.