Reporting verbs

1- Say pattern: Same as “say” 2- Tell pattern: Same as “tell”

Subject + reporting verb + (that) + clause Subject + reporting verb + direct object + (that)
+ clause.
He said that he would come to the party.
He complained that there wasn’t enough food. He told me that he would come to the party.
He demanded that we give him the money. He warned me that the teacher was watching.
He assured me that everything would be ok.
Common verbs of this type:
admit explain Common verbs of this type:
advise* insist* advise promise
agree mention assure remind
announce promise* convince tell
claim propose* inform warn
complain say notify
confess* suggest*
confirm warn*
declare demand
* also used with other patterns - see below
3. Reporting actions: Promises requests 4. Reporting verbs with gerund.
etc. Subject + reporting verb + gerund
Subject + reporting verb + infinitive with to He admitted killing the man.
Common verbs of this type: He denied stealing the money.
He promised to help with the cleaning. She reported seeing a bright light in the sky.
He refused to stop the car.
He threatened to tell my parents. admit
agree promise deny
ask propose mention
claim refuse propose
demand threaten report
offer tell (imperative) suggest
Subject + reporting verb + object + infinitive
with to Verbs with prepositions and gerund:
He encouraged me to take maths instead of Subject + reporting verb + preposition + gerund
history. He insisted on carrying my bag.
She persuaded me to help her. She objected to having to wash the dishes.
Common verbs of this type
advise order Accuse sb of doing st
ask persuade Confess to doing something
beg remind Apologise to sb about/for doing st
convince tell Blame sb for st
encourage urge Complain to sb about st
forbid warn (not to) Insist on doing st
instruct Object to st/doing st
invite
Practice
Report the sentence using the verb in brackets

1. I want to see the manager! (demanded)

_________________________________________
2. Don’t leave the path, there are dangerous snakes. (warned)
_________________________________________
3. I will help you clean up after the party (promised)
_________________________________________
4. Don’t forget to feed the fish. (Reminded)
_________________________________________
5. No no no! I’m paying for dinner. (Insisted)
_________________________________________
6. Listen everyone! I’m moving to New York next week. (announced)
_________________________________________
7. You should try the fish. (suggested)
_________________________________________
8. I will punch you if you call me that again. (threatened)
_________________________________________
9. I’m really sorry that I broke your favourite cup. (apologised)
_________________________________________
10.Stand up and put your hands on your head. (ordered)
_________________________________________
Key
1. He demanded to see the manager. He demanded that he saw the manager.
2. She warned us not to leave the path. She warned (us) that there were dangerous snakes.
3. She promised to help clean up after the party. She promised (me) that she would help clean
up.
4. He reminded me to feed the fish.
5. She insisted on paying for dinner. She insisted that she paid for dinner.
6. He announced that he was moving to New York the following week.
7. She suggested trying the fish. She suggested that I tried the fish.
8. He threatened to punch me in the face if I called him that again.
9. She apologised for breaking my favourite cup.
10. He ordered me to stand up and put my hands on my head.