| say (that) + reported speech say to someone (that) + reported speech ► note: Do not use say someone without to. | He said (that) he was feeling tired. She said to the interviewer (that) she wouldn't answer the question. NOT |
| tell someone (that) + reported speech tell someone + infinitive with to ► note: The verb tail must be fallowed by an object. | They told us (that) the hotel was full. The boss told me not to be late again. NOT Or |
| explain (that) + reported speech explain to someone (that) + reported speech ► note: Do not use explain followed by a person. | I explained (that) I was going to be late because I was delayed. She explained to me (that) she couldn't finish the work on time. NOT |
| promise + infinitive with to promise (that) + reported speech promise someone (that) + reported speech ► note: Do not use promised somebody to do something | You promised to cook the meal tonight. You promised (that) you would cook the meal. You promised me (that) you would cook the meal. NOT |
| suggest (to someone) (that) + reported speech = say something as an idea; propose | He suggested to me that we went to the cinema. |
| complain (to someone) (that) + reported speech = say you are not satisfied with or happy about something complain (to someone) about + noun | We complained (to the neighbours) (that) the music was too loud. We comptained (to the neighbours) about the noise |
| argue (with someone) (about + noun) = say that you don’t agree, especially angrily | He often argues with her about money. |
| criticize someone for + -ing = say you don't like something that somebody does | She’s always criticizing him for being lazy. |
| protest (to someone) (about + noun) = say very strongly that you do not like or agree with something or that something is unfair apologize (to someone) (for + -ing) = say 'I'm sorry' ► note: Do not use apologize someone without to. | They protested to the government. We pretested about the low pay rise. I apologized for embarrassing her. He apologized to us for keeping us waiting. NOT |
| thank someone (for + noun / -ing) = say 'thank you’ blame someone (for + noun/ -ing) = tell somebody that you think they are responsible for something bad that has happened. | They thanked me for my help / for helping them. You can’t blame me for the terrible weather. She blamed me for making us late. |
| discuss + noun (with someone) = talk about a subject, especially an important one ► note: Do not use discuss about + noun. | He discussed his future with his teachers. NOT |
| agree + infinitive with to = say ‘yes' when asked to do something agree (that) + reported speech = say 'yes, it's true' | She agreed to lend me some money. She agreed (met) she had made a mistake. |
| admit (to) + -ing agree that something is true, especially when it is unpleasant or something that you are not happy about admit (that) + reported speech = admit to + -ing | He admitted to lying to her before. He admitted (that) he had lied to her before. |
| deny + -ing = say that something is not true deny (that) + reported speech = deny + -ing | They denied breaking the law. They denied (that) they had broken the law. |
| refuse + infinitive with to say 'no' when asked or told to do something, or offered something | I tried to explain but he refused to listen to me |
| insist on + -ing = say that you will do something because you really want to do it, even though somebody else says it is unnecessary or unwanted insist (that) + reported speech • = say firmly that something is the case, especially when someone else doesn't believe you or agree with you • = say firmly that somebody must do something, especially when they are refusing to do it | We told him we would pay for ourselves but he insisted on paying all the costs himself. She insisted (that) she had not taken my pen. I insisted (that) the assistant served me next. |
| demand + infinitive with to = ask to do something very firmly, in a way that suggests you will not accept the answer 'no' demand (that) + reported speech = ask somebody to do something very firmly, in a way that suggests you will not accept the answer 'no' | She demanded to speak to the person in charge. I demanded that she gave me an answer immediately. |
| accuse someone of + -ing = tell somebody that you believe they have done something wrong or bad | Are you accusing me of stealing? |
| threaten + infinitive with to (+ unless/if) = tell somebody that you will hurt or punish them if they don't do what you want them to do > note: Do not use threaten + object + infinitive. | She threatened to sack him uniess his work improved / if his work didn't improve. NOT |
| encourage someone + infinitive with to = tell somebody that they are able to do something and that it is a good idea for them to do it; support and give confidence to somebody | She encouraged me to keep trying. |
| urge someone + infinitive with to = tell somebody that it is very important for them to do something by try hard to persuade somebody to do something; recommend something strongly | I urged her not to give up trying. She urged me to act quickly. |
| persuade someone + infinitive with to = succeed in making somebody agree to do something by giving them good reasons for doing it persuade (that) + reported speech = succeed in making somebody believe that something is true | I persuaded him to lend me his car. He persuaded me (that) it was a good idea to buy it. |
| convince someone + infinitive with to = persuade somebody to do something convince someone (that) + reported speech = make somebody believe something | I convinced him to reduce the price. She convinced me (that) I was making a mistake. |