There are three main verb patterns used in reported speech: verb + (not) + infinitive with to; verb + -ing; and verb + that + clause. Common reporting verbs that use each pattern are listed. Many verbs can be used with different patterns, such as "agree", "confess", and "propose". The document provides examples to illustrate the different verb patterns in reported speech.
2. There are basically 3 verb patterns which are
used
Verb + (not) + inf. with to
Verb + ing. /
verb + preposition + (verb +ing)
Verb + that + clause
3. Verb + inf.
• She offered to help. (verb + inf.)
• They reminded me not to open the box.
(verb + obj + inf.)
4. List of common verbs which use
verb + inf pattern
afford fail
appear help
arrange hesitate
ask invite
attempt manage
beg offer
choose prepare
refuse
5. Verb + ing
He recommended going to that restaurant.
verb + (verb + ing)
She was accused of stealing the diamond
necklace.
verb + preposition + (verb + ing)
6. List of common verbs which use
verb + ing pattern
avoid
delay
face
feel like
finish
involve
postpone
practise
resist
risk
7. + that + clause
He explained that he wouldn’t be able to
come because of personal problems.
He stated that we would have to walk all the
way back on foot.
8. Many verbs can have different patterns
• He agreed to rewrite the essay.
• He agreed that it would be best to rewrite
the essay.
• He confessed to breaking the vase.
• He confessed that he had broken the vase.
• He proposed making a toast.
• He proposed that we made a toast.
9. He proposed to cancel the meeting
He proposed cancelling the meeting
He proposed that we cancelled the meeting.
We decided to travel abroad.
We decided on travelling abroad.
We decided that we will travel abroad.