What you'll learn
By the end of this lesson, you'll be able to build the correct structure after each reporting verb: clause, infinitive or preposition + -ing.
When do I use it?
Each reporting verb demands its own pattern. Group them:
- verb + that + clause: say, think, believe, claim, suggest (that), mention: "She mentioned that the price had gone up."
- verb + someone + to + verb: tell, ask, advise, warn, remind, persuade, encourage: "They reminded me to lock the door."
- verb + preposition + -ing: apologise for, insist on, accuse someone of, congratulate someone on: "They accused him of cheating."
- verb + -ing: suggest, admit, deny, recommend: "He admitted losing the receipt."
How do I form it?
report + that + clause report + someone + to + verb report + of/on/for + -ing report + -ing
- She claimed that she had never seen him.
- He reminded me to buy milk.
- They accused her of lying.
- I apologised for arriving late.
- The coach recommended resting before the match.
Common mistakes for Spanish speakers
Spanish "acusar de" is translated without the preposition: "accused him of cheating" — the "of" is essential and the verb after it is -ing. Similarly "felicitar por" → "congratulate someone on + -ing". And "remind someone to" is often written "remind that": "he reminded me that I locked the door" changes the meaning. Choose the structure by the verb, not by Spanish word order.
Learn the verb with its structure: claim + that, remind + someone + to, accuse + someone + of + -ing.
Practice
Multiple Choice
B2Which sentence is correct?
Fill in the Blank
B2She reminded me call my mother.
Hint: remind + someone + to + verb.
Find the Error
B2Sentence Transformation
B2Task: Report with advise someone to
Hint: advise + someone + to + verb.
Practice Speaking
Apply what you've learned in a real conversation with AI feedback.
Level: B2