Besides “say” and “tell”, English has many reporting verbs that show what the speaker was doing: suggesting, promising, admitting, warning. Each verb has its own pattern, so it is best to learn them in groups according to what follows the verb.
Form
| Structure | Example |
|---|---|
| verb + -ing: suggest, admit, deny, recommend | He suggested going. |
| verb + to: promise, refuse, offer, agree, threaten | She promised to help. |
| verb + person + to: advise, warn, remind, invite | He advised me to wait. |
| verb + that + clause: explain, claim, complain, announce | She explained that she was ill. |
When to use it
- + -ing: suggest, recommend, admit, deny, mention, regret.
- + to + verb: promise, offer, refuse, agree, threaten, decide.
- + person + to + verb: advise, warn, remind, invite, encourage, ask, order.
- + that-clause: explain, claim, announce, complain, insist, say.
Examples
- He suggested going to the beach.
- She admitted making a mistake.
- They promised to help us.
- He refused to answer.
- She reminded me to lock the door.
- He denied stealing the money.
Common mistakes
- He suggested me to go → He suggested going / that I go.
- She admitted to make a mistake → She admitted making a mistake.
- He explained me the rule → He explained the rule to me.