Practice reporting verbs like admit doing and refuse to do with B1+ grammar exercises, clear examples, answers, and explanations.
Reporting Verbs: Deny, Admit, refuse, Agree Exercises
Verbs that report what someone says, thinks, or decides are called reporting verbs. They often show how someone feels, what they want to do, or how they reacted, not just what they said. In English, reporting verbs are followed by different verb patterns, like -ing forms or to-infinitives.
Reporting verbs followed by -ing
Some reporting verbs are followed by a verb and the word “ing.” These verbs usually talk about things that have already happened or things that happened in the past.
Common verbs
- admit
- deny
- suggest
- avoid
- regret
Examples
- He admitted stealing the documents.
- She denied breaking the window.
- They suggested meeting earlier.
Reporting verbs followed by to-infinitive
A lot of reporting verbs are followed by “to” and a verb. These verbs often talk about things that will happen, decisions that will be made, or plans that will be made.
Common verbs
- refuse
- agree
- decide
- promise
- offer
Examples
- She refused to answer the question.
- He agreed to help us.
- They promised to call later.
Verbs that can use both forms
Some reporting verbs can be followed by -ing or the to-infinitive, but the meaning may change a little.
Example
- I remember locking the door. (I did it)
- I remember to lock the door. (I did not forget to do it)
This difference in meaning is important at B1+ level.
Reporting verbs + object + to-infinitive
Some verbs that report are followed by an object and the word “to.”
Common verbs
- advise
- warn
- persuade
- encourage
Examples
- The teacher advised us to study more.
- They warned him to be careful.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Do not mix verb patterns
Incorrect: He admitted to steal the money.
Correct: He admitted stealing the money. - Do not forget the object when needed
Incorrect: She advised to leave early.
Correct: She advised us to leave early.
Depending on their meaning, reporting verbs are followed by different verb forms.
After verbs like “admit” and “deny,” use “ing.”
After verbs like “refuse” and “agree,” use “to.”
Some verbs can use both forms, but the meaning changes.
