Reference table: constructions used after reporting verbs - R4-09G
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Upper Intermediate English grammar using reporting verbs followed by correct grammatical constructions
When we use a reporting verb, we need to know what grammatical construction follows it. Here are some of the ones you will come across:
|
No. |
Construction |
examples |
Verbs of this type |
|
1 |
Verb + INFINITIVE |
He offered TO SHOW me the way to the station My father refuses TO GIVE me any more money. |
Decide, offer, claim, threaten, propose |
|
2 |
Verb + object + infinitive |
She has invited us to come for dinner on Sunday My mother warned me not to fall behind with my rent. |
tell, invite, order, warn persuade, forbid, beg |
|
3 |
Verb + gerund |
The students denied copying the answers from the internet. The Government has just suggested raising the speed limit on motorways |
deny, recommend, suggest, remember |
|
4 |
Verb (+ that) + clause |
She says (that) she doesn’t work on Fridays Everyone claimed (that) they had seen nothing |
explain, state, mean, argue reply, repeat |
|
5 |
Verb + object (+ that) + clause |
He told us (that) he worked for a big Italian bank Josie reassured me (that) she really did love me |
remind, promise, threaten, convince |
|
6 |
Verb + preposition + gerund |
She apologised for being so rude She insisted on going to see the film. |
apologise (for); insist (on) |
|
7 |
Verb + object + preposition + gerund |
They blame me for losing the jewellery. I’m going to congratulate him on winning the race |
blame (for) discourage (from) congratulate (on) accuse (of) |