Reporting Verbs

Reference

Common mistakes

1. He told me don't worry. → He told me not to worry.
   reported command → not to
2. She suggested me to take a taxi. → She suggested taking a taxi.
   suggest + -ing
3. He denied to steal the money. → He denied stealing the money.
   deny + -ing
4. She apologised to be late. → She apologised for being late.
   apologise for + -ing

Reporting Verbs — Exercises

Choose the correct pattern

Circle the correct answer.

1. "Please close the door." → She asked me _____ the door. (to close / close / closing)
2. "Don't be late." → Mum told us _____ late. (not to be / don't be / to not being)
3. "I'll help you move." → He offered _____ me move. (to help / helping / that he help)
4. "I didn't eat your cake!" → She denied _____ my cake. (eating / to eat / eat)
5. "Let's get a pizza." → He suggested _____ a pizza. (getting / us to get / to get)
6. "Sorry I'm late." → She apologised _____ late. (for being / to be / being)
7. "You should see a doctor." → She advised me _____ a doctor. (to see / seeing / see)
8. "You cheated!" → They accused him _____ . (of cheating / to cheat / for cheating)

Report it

Complete the reported sentence with the correct form of the verb in brackets.

1. "I won't do it." → She refused   it. (do)
2. "I broke the vase." → He admitted   the vase. (break)
3. "Don't forget your passport." → Dad reminded me   my passport. (take)
4. "Don't swim here!" → The guard warned us   there. (not / swim)
5. "I'll pay, I insist." → She insisted   . (pay)
6. "I'll call you tomorrow." → He promised   me the next day. (call)

Reporting Verbs — Answer Key

Choose the correct pattern

1. to close — ask + object + to-infinitive.
2. not to be — Negative command → not to be.
3. to help — offer + to-infinitive.
4. eating — deny + -ing.
5. getting — suggest + -ing.
6. for being — apologise for + -ing.
7. to see — advise + object + to-infinitive.
8. of cheating — accuse someone of + -ing.

Report it

1. to do
2. breaking
3. to take
4. not to swim
5. on paying
6. to call