Reporting verbs and patterns

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.

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.

Key contrast

At B2, choose the form from the complete context: sequence, viewpoint, degree of certainty and clause structure all matter.

Common mistakes

• She denied to take it. → She denied taking it.
• He advised to leave. → He advised us to leave.

Remember

Use reporting verbs such as admit, deny, promise, warn and advise with their correct complement patterns.

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.