Reporting speech Meaning When we relate a conversation we often use reporting verbs to summarise what people say. The verbs describe the function of the person’s speech. “I’m sorry. I won’t do it again.” He said he’s sorry. He promised not to do it again. Form Reporting verbs are followed by different patterns. Many verbs can be followed by more than one pattern. Tell must be followed by a direct object. Ask is usually followed by a direct object. She told me what to do. She asked me what to do. Some verbs never have a direct object, e.g. say, explain, agree, lie. They said they’re on the way. (not They said me they’re on the way.) + that clause wh clause to infinitive say He said that he’s sorry. He won’t say what’s wrong. – tell She told me that she’s got the job. She told me what to do. She told us to leave. ask – She asked me what to do. They asked us to leave. explain He explained that the figures were wrong. They explained why we had to go. – promise He promised (me) that he would help. – He promised to help. agree They agreed that it was a good idea. They agreed where to meet. They agreed to do it. other verbs + that clause complain, decide, guarantee, mention, recall, suggest, warn + wh clause consider, decide, discuss + to infinitive decide, offer, refuse Example Pattern I forgot what I had to do. wh- clause More verbs which can be followed by this pattern check, consider, depend, guess, hear, imagine, know, learn, remember, see Example Pattern She showed me what I had to do. direct object + wh- clause More verbs which can be followed by this pattern remind Example Pattern I love getting up early in the morning. -ing More verbs which can be followed by this pattern dislike, enjoy, finish, mind, miss, practise, suggest Example Pattern They agreed to meet at 11 o’clock. to infinitive More verbs which can be followed by this pattern arrange, begin, choose, forget, like, mean, need, prepare, remember, start, want See Reporting speech, for patterns following reporting verbs. Some verbs change their meaning depending on whether they are followed by -ing or to infinitive. I remember learning to swim as a child. (refers to the past) I’ll never forget meeting my best friend. (refers to the past) I must remember to ask about the start date. (refers to something you need to do) You mustn’t forget to post the letter. (refers to something you need to do) He stopped smoking a year ago. (He doesn’t smoke now.) He stopped to have a cigarette. (He stopped doing something in order to smoke.) Try pressing the red button and seeing what happens. (experiment to see if something works) I’ve tried to lift the suitcase, but it’s really heavy. (attempt to do something difficult) Practice Complete the sentences with the right form of the verb, -ing or to infinitive. 1 Don’t forget (call) me later on. 2 A: Why did you take so long? B: Sorry. I stopped (talk) to the new neighbour in number 26. 3 He stopped (work) there ten years ago now. 4 You won’t forget (tell) Jenny the news? 5 I must remember (pack) the passports. 6 I’ve tried (open) the window, but I can’t. I think it’s stuck. 160 G Grammar reference and practice Nur zu Prüfzwecken – Eigentum des Verlags öbv
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