Learn to use patterns with reporting verbs (With examples)

Do you know how to use reporting verbs in a sentence? Enhance your knowledge with the lesson given below and the grammar explanation to guide you better.

Look at these examples to see how reporting verbs are used:

• Davis emphasizes the need for sustainable solutions.

• Lopez recommends starting with a detailed analysis.

• Miller advises companies to consider their environmental impact.

Grammar explanation - Patterns with reporting verbs

When we report what someone else said, we often use common reporting verbs like say, tell, and ask. However, we can use a wide variety of reporting verbs to more precisely convey the speaker's message.

Each reporting verb follows a specific structure, and some allow for multiple patterns.

1. Verb + infinitive

When certain verbs are followed by another verb, the second verb is in the infinitive form.

• They agreed to collaborate on the project.

• She offered to help with the presentation.

Verbs in this group include agree, claim, demand, offer, promise, refuse, and threaten.

2. Verb + object + infinitive

Some verbs that are followed by the infinitive require an object between the reporting verb and the infinitive.

• The manager encouraged the team to submit their reports early.

• Parker reminded the staff to complete their training.

Verbs in this group include advise, ask, encourage, invite, order, remind, tell, urge, and warn.

3. Verb + -ing

Certain verbs, when followed by another verb, require the second verb to be in the -ing form.

• He suggested postponing the meeting.

• The company denied leaking sensitive information.

Verbs in this group include admit, deny, mention, recommend, and suggest.

4. Verb + preposition + -ing

When verbs with dependent prepositions are followed by another verb, the second verb takes the -ing form.

• The employees insisted on working overtime to meet the deadline.

• The mayor apologised for not attending the event.

Verbs in this group include apologise for, complain about, confess to, insist on, and object to.

This structure is also used with warn (when followed by against) and admit (when followed by to).

• She warned against making hasty decisions.

• They admitted to not following the guidelines.

5. Verb + object + preposition + -ing

Some verbs followed by the -ing form require an object between the reporting verb and the preposition.

• The lawyer accused the defendant of lying during the trial.

• The team blamed the delay on poor planning.

Verbs in this group include accuse (someone of), blame (someone for), and congratulate (someone on).

6. Verb + that + subjunctive

Some reporting verbs are followed by that + base form of the verb in the subjunctive, which has no tense.

• We propose that the meeting start at 10 a.m.

• Jordan insisted that the committee review the policy.

Verbs that can be followed by the subjunctive include advise, ask, command, demand, insist, order, propose, recommend, request, suggest, and urge.

7. Verb + that + indicative

When reporting verbs do not express a desire, they can be followed by a that clause with a variety of tenses.

• The participants agreed that the discussion had been productive.

• Experts acknowledged that more research is needed.

Verbs in this group include admit, advise, agree, claim, complain, decide, deny, explain, insist, promise, recommend, and say.

8. Verb + object + that clause

With verbs like assure, persuade, remind, tell, and warn, we place the object between the reporting verb and the that clause.

• He assured us that the problem would be resolved soon.

• The doctor warned her that the medication might cause side effects.

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