Reporting verbs and patterns
Use reporting verbs such as admit, deny, promise, warn and advise with their correct complement patterns.
Learning goal: Reporting verbs and patterns
Select an -ing form, to-infinitive or object plus infinitive after common reporting verbs.
In a nutshell
Use reporting verbs such as admit, deny, promise, warn and advise with their correct complement patterns.
When do we use it?
Select an -ing form, to-infinitive or object plus infinitive after common reporting verbs.
Pattern
Form
Patterns vary: admit/deny + -ing, promise + to, warn/advise + object + to.
- She admitted taking it.
- He promised to help.
- They warned us not to wait.
Examples
Key contrast
At B2, choose the form from the complete context: sequence, viewpoint, degree of certainty and clause structure all matter.
Watch out
Common mistakes
She denied to take it.→ She denied taking it.He advised to leave.→ He advised us to leave.
Key takeaway
Remember
Use reporting verbs such as admit, deny, promise, warn and advise with their correct complement patterns.
Self-check
Quick check
- Identify the time relationship or intended meaning.
- Check the auxiliary, participle and clause pattern.
- Eliminate answers that fit the words but not the context.
Put it into practice
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