The five main patterns
1. Verb + that clause
The most flexible pattern — used to report statements and thoughts.
He admitted that he had made a mistake. · She explained that she was late.
admitagreeclaimdecidedenyexplaininsistpromisesaysuggest
2. Verb + object + that clause
The verb requires a specific object (the person being told).
She told me that dinner was ready. · He reminded her that the meeting was at three.
tellinformremindwarnconvinceassure
3. Verb + to infinitive
Reports the speaker's intention or decision, without an object.
She offered to help. · He refused to sign the contract. · They agreed to wait.
agreedecideofferpromiserefusethreaten
4. Verb + object + to infinitive
Reports an instruction, request or advice directed at someone.
She told me to leave. · He advised us to wait. · They warned him not to go.
adviseaskencourageinviteorderpersuaderemindtellwarn
5. Verb + -ing
Reports something the speaker did or suggested doing.
He admitted stealing the money. · She denied knowing anything. · He suggested going to the cinema.
admitdenyrecommendsuggest
Suggest: common mistake
✗ "She suggested me to go." ✓ "She suggested going." or "She suggested that I go / that I should go." Suggest CANNOT take verb + object + to-inf.
Quick reference table
| Verb | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| admit | + that / + -ing | He admitted (that) he was wrong. / He admitted lying. |
| advise | + obj + to-inf / + -ing | She advised me to rest. / She advised resting. |
| agree | + that / + to-inf | They agreed it was difficult. / They agreed to help. |
| deny | + that / + -ing | She denied (that) she had taken it. / She denied taking it. |
| offer | + to-inf | He offered to carry her bags. |
| promise | + that / + to-inf | She promised she'd call. / She promised to call. |
| refuse | + to-inf | He refused to answer. |
| suggest | + that / + -ing | She suggested (that) we leave. / She suggested leaving. |
| threaten | + to-inf | He threatened to resign. |
| warn | + obj + that / + obj + not to-inf | She warned us (that) it was dangerous. / She warned us not to touch it. |
Exercises
Choose the correct reporting verb pattern.
1. "I didn't take the money!" → She denied ___.
2. "Shall I carry your bags?" → He offered ___.
3. "Why don't we go for a walk?" → She suggested ___.
4. "Don't touch the electric fence!" → He warned us ___.
5. "I will definitely finish it by Friday." → She promised ___.