Reporting verbs
reporting verbs followed by that-clauses; verb + person + that-clause; verb + to-infinitive and person + to-infinitive; preposition + -ing patterns; verbs that allow more than one structure.
1. Choose the correct report of 'I'm sorry I arrived late.'
Multiple Choice20sAShe apologised for arriving late.✓BShe apologised to arrive late.CShe apologised that arriving late.DShe apologised me for arrive late.💡 Apologise is followed by for + -ing in this pattern.
2. Promise can be followed by either a that-clause or a to-infinitive.
True / False20sTrue ✓False💡 For example, he promised that he would help and he promised to help are both possible.
3. 'Yes, I'll join the working group.' Marco agreed _____ the working group.
Fill the Gap20sAcceptedto join💡 Agree is followed by a to-infinitive.
4. Which sentence correctly reports the advice 'Talk to your manager'?
Multiple Choice20sAShe advised me to talk to my manager.✓BShe advised to me talking to my manager.CShe advised that me talk to my manager.DShe advised me talk to my manager.💡 Advise follows the pattern verb + person + to-infinitive.
5. Match each reporting verb to its complement pattern.
Matching30sclaim→(that) + clausereassure→person + (that) + clauseoffer→to + infinitiveencourage→person + to + infinitiveinsist→on + -ingaccuse→person + of + -ing💡 Each reporting verb selects a particular complement structure.
6. 'I'm sorry I lost the receipt.' He apologised _____ the receipt.
Fill the Gap20sAcceptedfor losing💡 Apologise requires for before an -ing complement.
7. Put the chunks in order to report a reminder.
Put in Order30s- 1.The manager
- 2.reminded everyone
- 3.to submit
- 4.their expenses
- 5.by Friday.
💡 Remind takes a person followed by a to-infinitive.
8. Which is a correct way to report 'Let's take a short break'?
Multiple Choice20sAShe suggested taking a short break.✓BShe suggested us to take a short break.CShe suggested to taking a short break.DShe suggested take a short break.💡 Suggest can be followed by -ing without a person + to-infinitive.
9. Assure can be followed directly by a that-clause with no person: 'She assured that it was safe.'
True / False20sTrueFalse ✓💡 Assure follows verb + person + (that) + clause.
10. The spokesperson reassured passengers _____ the service would resume that evening.
Fill the Gap20sAcceptedthat💡 Reassure takes a person followed by a that-clause in this pattern.
11. Which sentence correctly reports 'I didn't leak the document'?
Multiple Choice20sAHe denied leaking the document.✓BHe denied to leak the document.CHe denied me leaking the document.DHe denied for leaking the document.💡 Deny can be followed directly by an -ing form.
12. Match each reporting verb to the attitude or speech act it conveys.
Matching30sadmit→accept that something is truewarn→alert someone to dangerrefuse→say that one will not do somethingoffer→volunteer to do somethingpredict→say what one expects will happenreassure→reduce someone's worry💡 Reporting verbs communicate the nature and attitude of the original words.
13. The trainer warned us _____ sharing confidential files on public networks.
Fill the Gap20sAcceptedagainst💡 Warn + person + against + -ing advises someone not to do something.
14. A verb in a reported that-clause usually backshifts after a past reporting verb.
True / False20sTrue ✓False💡 For example, is can become was and will can become would.
15. Which sentence uses the correct preposition?
Multiple Choice20sAThey congratulated her on winning the award.✓BThey congratulated her for win the award.CThey congratulated on her winning the award.DThey congratulated her to win the award.💡 Congratulate follows person + on/for + -ing.
16. Reorder the chunks to report an admission.
Put in Order30s- 1.The witness
- 2.admitted
- 3.having seen
- 4.the suspect
- 5.near the station.
💡 Admit can be followed by an -ing form; having seen emphasises the earlier action.
17. 'I can repair the printer for you.' She offered _____ the printer.
Fill the Gap20sAcceptedto repair💡 Offer is followed by a to-infinitive.
18. Choose the correct report of 'I won't sign the agreement.'
Multiple Choice20sAHe refused to sign the agreement.✓BHe refused signing the agreement to.CHe refused that sign the agreement.DHe refused me to sign the agreement.💡 Refuse takes a to-infinitive.
19. Persuade is normally followed directly by a that-clause, with no person object.
True / False20sTrueFalse ✓💡 The person who is influenced is an essential part of this pattern.
20. We thanked the volunteers _____ us prepare the venue.
Fill the Gap20sAcceptedfor helping💡 Thank follows person + for + -ing.