There are different kinds of verb patterns when it comes to reporting verbs. In this section and then in parts 2 & 3, we shall be summarising them:
- verb + infinitive (with to): agree, decide, offer, promise, refuse, threaten e.g. He agreed to go with her to the party.
- verb + object + infinitive (with to): advise, beg, encourage, invite, order, persuade, remind, tell, warn e.g. The judge ordered them to tell the truth.
- verb + (that) + clause: accept, admit, claim, expalin, promise, recommend, say, suggest e.g. The thief admitted that she had stolen the money.
[Source: Newbrook, Wilson & Acklam 2008)
