Advanced Reporting Verbs & Patterns (C1/C2)
📌 Lesson contents
🎯 Lesson goal (C1/C2)
At Proficiency level, it is not enough to say “he said that”. You need to choose the exact reporting verb (*reporting verb*) that shows intention, degree of certainty or tone, and know exactly what each one needs after it (infinitive, gerund or clause). 🚀
🌟 Main Reporting Verb patterns
Reporting verbs fall into groups, depending on the structure that follows them:
| Pattern | Key verbs | Example |
|---|---|---|
| V + to-infinitive | agree, claim, decide, offer, promise, threaten | He promised to help. |
| V + Object + to-infinitive | advise, encourage, invite, remind, warn, urge | She urged me to leave. |
| V + Preposition + -ing | accuse (of), apologize (for), insist (on), thank (for) | He accused me of lying. |
| V + that-clause | admit, claim, complain, deny, suggest, insist | He denied that he was there. |
⏱️ Shades of meaning
Choosing the right verb is essential for precision:
- Urge vs Advise: *Urge* is much stronger and more pressing, *Advise* is a professional suggestion.
- Claim vs Admit: *Claim* means saying something is true, often without proof. *Admit* means agreeing that you did something wrong or that something is true.
- Insist on vs Insist that: Careful: *Insist on* + -ing (e.g. *He insisted on paying*), *Insist that* + clause with the subjunctive (e.g. *He insisted that we be there*).
🛠️ How to form them
To turn direct speech into reported speech accurately, follow these logical steps:
| Check | Action | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Intention | Identify the tone (promise, order, suggestion). | “You should see a doctor.” ➔ Advise |
| Pattern | Check whether the verb needs an object or a preposition. | Advise + person + to-inf |
| Tense | Change the verb tenses if necessary (backshift). | She advised me to see a doctor. |
🚫 Common mistakes to avoid
| C1/C2 mistake ❌ | Correct ✅ |
|---|---|
| He suggested me to go. | He suggested that I go (or suggested going). (‘Suggest’ is not followed by the infinitive!) |
| She accused me to lie. | She accused me of lying. (Accuse needs the preposition ‘of’ + gerund) |
| He denied to have done it. | He denied having done it. (‘Deny’ is followed by the gerund, not the infinitive!) |
1. Gap Fill & Translation (C1/C2)
Complete using the correct reporting verb and the right pattern.
2. Extra: Sentence Builder 🧩
Put the reported sentences in the correct order!