Reporting verbs and their patterns
accuse sb of doing, suggest doing / that, persuade sb to, deny doing, blame sb for.
| Pattern | Verbs | Example |
|---|---|---|
| verb + to + base | agree, offer, promise, refuse, threaten | He refused to help. |
| verb + person + to + base | advise, ask, encourage, persuade, remind, tell, warn | She persuaded me to stay. |
| verb + -ing | admit, deny, suggest, recommend | He denied stealing the money. |
| verb + person + preposition + -ing | accuse sb of, blame sb for, congratulate sb on, thank sb for | They accused him of lying. |
| verb + that | explain, insist, suggest, admit, complain | She explained that she was ill. |
Test yourself
-
Report: «I didn't take it», he said. (deny)
Show answer
He denied taking it. -
Report: «You should see a doctor», she said to me. (advise)
Show answer
She advised me to see a doctor. -
Correct: Can you explain me the problem?
Show answer
Can you explain the problem to me? -
Report: «You stole my bike!» (accuse)
Show answer
He accused me of stealing his bike.