Reporting verbs
deny doing, refuse to, accuse someone of, warn not to
The rules
- "deny" is followed by the -ing form.
- "promise" is followed by "to" + verb.
- The pattern is "accuse someone of + -ing".
- "advise someone not to do": "not" goes before "to".
- "promise + to do".
- "suggest" is followed by the -ing form.
Examples
- He denied breaking the window.
- She promised to pay me back the next day.
- They accused the manager of changing the figures.
- The doctor advised me not to drink so much coffee.
- She promised to help me.
- He suggested taking a break.
Quick check
Pick an answer to see the rule behind it.
1.He denied _____ the window.
2.She promised _____ me back the next day.
3.They accused the manager _____ the figures.
4.The doctor advised me _____ so much coffee.
5.“I’ll help you, I promise.” How do you report it?