Reporting verbs

Function

Groups

Reporting verbs

Function

We use reporting verbs to communicate ideas, actions and intentions.They are INDIRECT VERBS like say, tell, ask. But they not only communicate a message, they can also convey an intention, a feeling, an idea, etc.

example

We can classify reporting verbs in 5 groups

Verb + (obj) + (that) clause

Verb + to infinitive

Verb + (obj) + (prep) + Gerund

Verb + object + to infinitive

Verb +(that)+ past/subjunctive or (that) should

Verb + (obj) + (prep) + Gerund

• accuse sb of
• appologise (to sb) for
• consider
• congratulate on
• justify
• regret
• admit (to)
• confess to
• criticise sb for

• forbid sb from
• propose
• suggest
• advise sb against
• blame sb for
• deny
• insist on
• recommend
• warn sb about/of

• agree
• ask
• decide
• demand
• forget
• offer
• promise
• refuse
• threaten

Verb + to infinitive

Verb + obj + to infinitive

• advise sb
• forbid sb
• order sb
• remind sb
• urge sb
• ask sb
• instruct sb
• persuade sb

• request sb
• warn sb
• encourage sb
• invite sb
• prefer sb
• tell sb

Verb + (sb) (that) + clause

• add
• announce
• claim
• confess
• deny
• expect sb
• hope
• mean
• persuade
• reassure
• repeat
• regret
• suppose
• theaten

• admit
• argue
• complain
• confirm
• doubt (that/wether)
• explain
• imply
• mention
• predict
• reckon
• reply
• say
• tell sb

• warn sb
• agree
• believe
• consider
• decide
• estimate
• feel
• insist
• object
• promise (sb)
• remark
• report
• state
• think

• advise
• insist
• recommend
• urge
• agree
• prefer
• request
• demand
• propose
• suggest

Verb + (that) + past / subjunctiveor (that) should

Let's work with reporting verbs!