EJEMPLOS DE REPORTING VERBS

Some basic reporting verbs

The grammar structures I've shown with these verbs are not necessarily the only structures possible. I've tried to show the ones I think are the most usual. The meaning of some verbs changes according to the structure used, so I've only included structures that have the same meaning.

accuse

to accuse someone of doing something

"It was you who ate my chocolate, Elvira, wasn't it?"

He accused Elvira of eating his chocolate.

admit

to admit doing something

to admit that...

"OK, it was me. I ate your chocolate"

Elvira admitted eating the chocolate.

Elvira admitted that she had eaten the chocolate.

advise

to advise someone to do something

"Well, if I were you I'd start saving for my retirement."

He advised me to start saving for my retirement

agree

to agree that...

"Yes, you're right, it's a terrible problem."

She agreed that it was a terrible problem.

announce

to announce that...

"I'm afraid I've got some bad news. The company's closing."

The manager announced that the company was closing.

apologise

to apologise (to someone) for doing something

"I'm sorry I didn't get to the meeting."

He apologised for not going to the meeting.

ask

to ask someone to do something

"It's very hot in here. Would you mind opening the window?"

She asked him to open the window.

blame

to blame someone for doing something

"We lost the match because you didn't save that penalty."

He blamed the goalkeeper for losing the match.

complain

to complain about something

"The electrician said he was coming at ten o'clock so I took time off work and waited in all morning...."

She complained about the electrician.

congratulate

to congratulate someone on doing something

"Well done! I knew you'd pass your driving test this time."

She congratulated him on passing his driving test.

deny

to deny doing something

to deny that...

"It most certainly wasn't me that left the front door open."

He denied leaving the front door open.

He denied that he had left the front door open.

explain

to explain why...

to explain that...

"Sorry I'm late. The traffic was bad and then I couldn't find a parking space."

He explained why he was late.

He explained that the traffic was bad.

forget

to forget to do something

"Oh no, I haven't got any money. I didn't go to the bank."

He forgot to go to the bank.

invite

to invite someone to do something

"Would you like to come to our house for dinner on Friday?

He invited them to come to dinner on Friday.

offer

to offer to do something for someone

"Those bags must be heavy, John. Shall I take one?"

She offered to carry a bag for him.

promise

to promise to do something

"Yes, honest, I'll be there on time. I won't

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