Beyond “Say” and “Tell”: Master Reporting Verbs for Advanced English Writing

When reporting what someone else said, wrote, or thought, basic learners rely heavily on repetitive verbs like say, tell, or ask. However, to achieve true fluency and succeed in C1 Advanced (CAE) or C2 Proficiency (CPE) writing, you must use precise reporting verbs.

Advanced reporting verbs do more than just repeat words—they reveal the speaker’s attitude, intention, and tone.

The trick is that different reporting verbs require specific grammatical patterns. Using the wrong pattern after a verb is one of the most common errors made by advanced students. Let’s break down the 8 essential patterns with clear formulas, examples, and interactive practice.

1. Verb + Infinitive (to + verb)

These verbs are immediately followed by an infinitive. They are typically used to express agreements, promises, or refusals.

• The Formula: Subject + Reporting Verb + (not) + to-Infinitive
• Key Verbs: agree, claim, demand, offer, promise, refuse, threaten

✦ Examples:

• “They refused to accept responsibility for the analytical error.”
• “The tech CEO promised not to share user data with third parties.”
• “She offered to write the executive summary herself.”

2. Verb + Object + Infinitive

These verbs require a direct object (the person being addressed) placed between the reporting verb and the infinitive.

• The Formula: Subject + Reporting Verb + Object + (not) + to-Infinitive
• Key Verbs: advise, ask, encourage, invite, order, remind, tell, urge, warn

✦ Examples:

• “The judge ordered the police to release the suspect immediately.”
• “Dr. Ferguson warns governments not to delay climate action any further.”
• “My mentor encouraged me to apply for the research grant.”

3. Verb + -ing (Gerund)

When using these verbs, the subsequent action must be in the gerund form. If the action is negative, place not right before the -ing verb.

• The Formula: Subject + Reporting Verb + (not) + Verb-ing
• Key Verbs: admit, deny, mention, recommend, suggest

✦ Examples:

• “The financial consultant recommends waiting for the market refund.”
• “Computer scientists admit not knowing where the faulty data originated.”
• “He flatly denied leaking the confidential memo.”

4. Verb + Preposition + -ing

When a reporting verb has a dependent preposition, any verb that follows must take the -ing form.

• The Formula: Subject + Reporting Verb + Preposition + (not) + Verb-ing
• Key Verbs: apologize for, complain about, confess to, insist on, object to, warn against, admit to

✦ Examples:

• “Employees complained about receiving critical information too late.”
• “The two organizations apologized for not being present at the summit.”
• “The analyst warns against moving too quickly on the acquisition.”

5. Verb + Object + Preposition + -ing

This structure requires an object to specify who is being blamed, accused, or congratulated before the preposition and gerund.

• The Formula: Subject + Reporting Verb + Object + Preposition + (not) + Verb-ing
• Key Verbs: accuse (someone) of, blame (someone) for, congratulate (someone) on

✦ Examples:

• “O’Reilly accused the government of lying about structural inflation.”
• “Parents blame schools for not doing enough to tackle online bullying.”
• “The board congratulated the team on securing the international account.”

6. Verb + that + Subjunctive Clause

When a reporting verb expresses a strong desire, demand, or recommendation, it can trigger the subjunctive mood. In the that-clause, the verb remains in its base/infinitive form, regardless of the subject or tense of the main sentence.

• The Formula: Subject + Reporting Verb + that + Subject + Base Verb (No 's', no tense)
• Key Verbs: advise, ask, command, demand, insist, order, propose, recommend, request, suggest, urge

✦ Examples:

• “We suggest that she read the document carefully before signing.” (Not: reads)
• “Professor Steiner demanded that the government investigate the issue.” (Not: investigates/investigated)
• “They insisted that he be present at the disciplinary hearing.” (Not: is/was)

7. Verb + that + Indicative Clause

When the statement is a declaration of fact, opinion, or belief (rather than a desire or demand), we use a standard that-clause using normal tenses (indicative mood).

• The Formula: Subject + Reporting Verb + that + Subject + Standard Tense Verb
• Key Verbs: admit, advise, agree, claim, complain, decide, deny, explain, insist, promise, recommend, say

✦ Examples:

• “Customers complained that they had not been kept informed during the blackout.”
• “Experts admit that it will take a long time to engineer a solution.”
• “Sengupta agrees that we need a completely overhauled software system.”

8. Verb + Object + that Clause

For specific reporting verbs, an object must be placed immediately after the verb to clarify who is being informed or reassured before introducing the that-clause.

• The Formula: Subject + Reporting Verb + Object + that + Clause
• Key Verbs: assure, persuade, remind, tell, warn

✦ Examples:

• “She assured us that they would fully investigate the security breach.”
• “Gairola warned ministers that the geopolitical situation was critical.”
• “Please remind the team that the deadline is tomorrow at noon.”

✎ Reporting Verb Pattern Summary Matrix

Pattern Group	Example Formula	Sample Sentence
Verb + Infinitive	threatened to quit	“He threatened to quit if conditions didn’t improve.”
Verb + Obj + Infinitive	reminded him to call	“She reminded him to call the client.”
Verb + -ing	denied stealing	“The suspect denied stealing the prototype.”
Verb + Prep + -ing	insisted on paying	“They insisted on paying for the dinner.”
Verb + Obj + Prep + -ing	blamed her for losing	“Management blamed her for losing the file.”
Verb + that + Subjunctive	proposed that he resign	“The board proposed that he resign immediately.”
Verb + that + Indicative	explained that it was	“She explained that it was an honest mistake.”
Verb + Obj + that	convinced them that	“I convinced them that our plan was sound.”