189081578 Reporting Verbs

Reporting sentence structure: verb + THAT + clause with SHOULD + infinitive

advise, agree, demand, insist, prefer, propose, recommend, request, suggest, urge etc.

Geoffrey: I think you should visit a specialist.Geoffrey advised that I should visit a specialist.

Susan: Yes, Harry, you are right. Youd better accept that offer.Susan agreed that Harry should accept that offer.

Customer: I want you to give me a full refund!The customer demanded that the company should give him a full refund.

Geoffrey: You really must try the new Opel.Geoffrey insisted that I should try the new Opel.

Howard: Id rather you came to my party, Susan, and not to Julies.Howard preferred that Susan should go to his party.

Jill: What about going to the sauna tonight?Jill proposed that they should go to the sauna.

Jill: What about going to the sauna tonight?Jill recommended that they should go to the sauna.

Employees: Could we have the staff meeting on Tuesday instead, Boss?The employees requested that the staff meeting should be on Tuesday.

Jill: What about going to the sauna tonight?Jill suggested that they should go to the sauna.

Secretary to the President: Now, its really high time that you handed in your resignation, Sir.The secretary urged that the president should hand in his resignation.

The doctor said (that) I should get some rest. to get some rest.

The doctor told me to get some rest. not to get near other people.

The doctor said (that) I shouldn't smoke. not to smoke.

The doctor told me to stop smoking.not to smoke.

The doctor said (that) I should call him immediately.to call immediately.

The doctor said to call him immediately.not to delay.

An imperative verb is one that expresses an order or strong obligation for someone to do something. A that-clause tends to be used in more formal contexts. The verb in the that-clause includes the subjunctive verb form, the plain form of the verb. (No -s is added for 3rd person singular.)Including that in a that-clause is optional with verbs such as say and think. We tend to leave it out in speech and include it in writing. That is required in more formal contexts. (UUEG 253) (CaGEL 953) (CoGEL 681)Also see: "Order" + Noun + Infin | Synonyms for "Said".

Said Synonyms

say (v.) speak or pronounce words He said (that) walking was good exercise.

tell (v.) speak or pronounce words (to someone) She told me (that) walking was good exercise.

Subordinate ImperativesInfinitive or Infinitival Clause

Infinitive & Negative InfinitiveINFINITIVE

The verb in the main clause is (mostly) say or tell and the verb in the subordinate clause is an infinitive verb form or infinitival clause.

MAIN CLAUSE SUBORDINATE CLAUSE

(Remove punctuation.) The doctor said,

"Get some rest."

(1) subord. marker

(2) word order [S-V]

(3) person & number

(4) tense / verb form to get some rest

(5) time / place

The doctor saidThe doctor told me to get some rest.

NEGATIVE INFINITIVE

The verb in the main clause is (mostly) say or tell . The verb in the subordinate clause includes not and an infinitive verb form or infinitival clause.


The doctor said,

"Don't smoke."

(1) subord. marker


(3) person & number

(4) tense / verb form not to smoke.

(5) time / place

The doctor saidThe doctor told me not to smoke.

subordinate marker that (not used with an infinitival clause)

Subordinate ImperativesThat-clause with should or subjunctive verb

Should or Subjunctive VerbTHAT SHOULD + VERB

The verb in the main clause is (mostly) say or tell and the verb in the subordinate clause is a modal verb form with should. (Tell requires an indirect object.)


(Remove punctuation.) The doctor said,

"Get some rest."

(1)subordinate marker that (you) get some rest


(3) person & number that I get some rest

(4) verb form "should" that I should get some rest

(5) time / place

The doctor saidThe doctor told me that I should get some rest.

THAT SUBJUNCTIVE VERB

The verb in the main clause is verb with an imperative meaning ("command verb") and the verb in the subordinate clause is plain form (base form).


The doctor advised,

"Come to my office today."

(1) subordinate marker that (he) come to my office today


(3) person & number that he come to his office today

(4) subjunctive verb form that he come to his office today

(5) time / place that he go to his office that same day

The doctor advised that he go to his office that same day.

subordinate marker thatSubjunctive Some languages have special verb forms called subjunctive, which are used especially to talk about unreal situations; things which are possible, desirable or imaginary. Older English had subjunctives, but in modern English they have mostly been replaced by uses of should, would and other modal verbs, by uses of past tenses, and by ordinary verb forms.

English only has a few subjunctive forms left: third-person singular present verbs with out -s (e.g. she see, he have) and special forms of be (e.g. I be, he were). Except for I/he/she/it were after if, they are not very common. Michael Swan. Practical English Use age (567)

Subjunctive Verb (plain form verb)1ST PERSON 2ND PERSON 3RD PERSON

SINGULAR SINGULAR SINGULAR

The doctor advised that I get some rest.The doctor advised that I be careful.

The doctor advised that you get some rest.The doctor advised that you be careful.

The doctor advised that she / he get some rest.The doctor advised that she / he be careful.

SINGULAR SINGULAR SINGULAR

The doctor advised that we get some rest.The doctor advised that we be careful.

The doctor advised that you (all) get some rest.The doctor advised that you (all) be careful.

The doctor advised that they get some rest.The doctor advised that they be careful.

Verbs with Imperative Meaningadvise We advised that he leave.

ask We ask that they give us a chance.

beg He begged that they leave him alone.

command He commanded that they go.

demand We demanded that he stand up.

desire He desires that he succeed..

forbid She forbid that he stay out late.

insist I insisted that he come early.

order You ordered that he clean it up.

propose We proposed that they come too.

request We request that you work there.

require We require that he complete it.

suggest We suggest that he prepare well.

urge We urged that the Red Cross proceed.

recommend We recommend that he stop.

wish I wish that he be set free.

The above verbs are complemented by a that-clause with a subjunctive verbAlso see infinitives used after these verbs: "Order" + Noun + Infin

Common MistakesErrors and Solutions

ERROR SOLUTION

*Jack shouted to let's go. Jack shouted, "Let's go!" (Let us go.)Jack shouted at us to go. informal Jack shouted that we should go.

~The counselor recommended that he goes to a community college.

The counselor recommended that he go to a community college.

*not used / ~used by some speakers and not others (less formal)

Grammar NotesTraditional and Linguistic Description

Advanced

TRADITIONAL & OTHER DESCRIPTIONS LINGUISTIC DESCRIPTION

Reported speech [with imperatives] UUEG 12-7

"I should watch TV."

She said that she should/ ought to watch TV.

A subjunctive verb uses the simple form of a verb. it does not have present, past, or future forms; it is neither singlular nor plural.Sentences with subjunctive verbs generally stress importance or urgency. A subjunctive verb is used in that-clauses that follow verbs and expressions:advise, ask, demend, insist, propose, recommend, request, suggestIt is critical, essential, imperative, important, necessary, vitalUUEG (450) subjunctive (adj.) expressing a condition that is uncertain or contrary to fact (e.g., if I were you), including doubt, wishfulness, possibility, demand, and the like (e.g., the crowd demanded that she be heard). Garner 918 Michael Swan. Practical English Use age (567)567 Subjunctive Some languages have special verb forms called subjunctive, which are used especially to talk about unreal situations; things which are possible, desirable or imaginary. Older English had subjunctives, but in modern English they have mostly been replaced by uses of should, would and other modal verbs, by uses of past tenses, and by ordinary verb forms.English only has a few subjunctive forms left: third-person singular present verbs with out -s (e.g. she see, he have) and special forms of be (e.g. I be, he were). Except for I/he/she/it were after if, they are not very common.

[There is] No subordinate imperative construction CaGEL 10 9.8 "Imperatives normally occur as main clauses: there is no grammatically distinct construction that can properly be regarded as the subordinate counterpart of a main clause imperative" Reporting directives:

Leave her alone [imperative]

He ordered/ told / asked / advised him to leave

her alone. [infinitival]

He asked that I leave her alone. [mandative

subjunctive]

Subjunctive is restricted to the following clause content:mandative occurs in construction with:various verbs

We insist that she be kept informed. We insisted that they be kept

informed. [not backshifted for tense]

various adjectives: It is advisable, appropriate, crucial, desirable, essential, fitting, imperative, important, necessary, obligatory, preferable, proper, urgent, required, vital, etc.

It is essential that he stay here. [subjunctive]

It is essential that he stays here. [declarative]

various nouns: advide, agreement, arrangement, decision, intention, motion, preference, proposal, recommendation, requirement, suggestion, etc.The requirement that he be here by Tuesday is non-negotiable.various prepositions: if, in case, on condition, unless, provided, for fear, lest, in order, so, etc.

Adversatives: Keep a straight face lest anyone (should) discover your intentions.

Conditionals: We gave him the car keys on condition that he not accept any passengers.

Purposives: Every bit of caution was taken so that no one should enter without being

searched.

CaGEL 11 7.1.2Exhaustive conditional adjuncts.We will have to face the challenge whether it be here in our country or abroad. CaGEL 11 7.1.3

Resources

Azar, Betty Schrampfer, and Stacy A. Hagen. Understanding and Using English Grammar (UUEG) .

White Plains, New York: Pearson Longman, 2009. Print.

Huddleston, Rodney and Geoffrey K. Pullum, et AL. The Cambridge Grammar of the English Language

(CaGEL) . Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2002. Print. Swan, Michael. Practical English Usage (PEU). 4th ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2009.

Print.

Practice 1Brothers

Change quoted commands to infinitive clauses.1. Select the response from the list that best completes the sentence.

2. Compare your response to the answer by clicking the "check 1-10" button at the bottom, or click the "Check" button to the left as you go.

1.

Jack shouted "Get your backpack and lunch!"

Jack told his brother backpack and lunch! Feedback 1

2.

Jack said "Don't make me late again."

Jack told his brother late again.Feedback 2

3.

Jack said to his brother, "Hurry up!"

Jack told his brother .Feedback 3

4.

His brother said, "Leave me alone!"

His brother told him .Feedback 4

5.

"OK then", Jack said, "Walk alone!"

Jack told his brother .Feedback 5

6.

Jack's mother said, "Be kind to your brother."

Jack's mother said that .Feedback 6

7.

Jack whispered to his brother, "Please be ready on time every morning."

Jack whispered that he on time every morning."Feedback 7

8.

Jack's brother said, "Warn me ten minutes before you leave."

His brother told him ten minutes before he left. Feedback 8

9.

Jack said, "Set your alarm before you go to bed."

Jack told before he went to bed. Feedback 9

10.

Jack said, "Use two clocks if necessary.

Jack said to him two clocks if necessary. Feedback 10

11.

Jack's brother said, "Go ahead without me."

Jack's brother told him . Feedback 11

12.

"I will." Jack said, "Don't forget your head!"

Jack told him his head. Feedback 12

Reset

Practice 2Recommendations and Orders

Select the verb form that complements the verb in the main clause.

If the verb is imperative, select a subjunctive verb (plain form verb).

If the verb is declarative (declares or states a fact or opinion), select a verb with normal tense

agreement.

1. Select the response from the list that best completes the sentence.


13.

The President told the oil company, "Stop the oil spill."

The Present ordered that the oil company the oil spill. Feedback 13

14.

The Environmental Protection agency issued a requirement to BP Oil Company:

"Improve equipment inspections.

The Environmental Protection agency required that BP Oil Company so that ."

inspection (n.) a careful look for safety standards Feedback 14

15.

The fishermen told the oil-cleaning crew, "Protect our fishing grounds (areas)."

The fishermen insisted that the oil-cleaning crew their fishing grounds.

crew (n.) group of workers or athletes Feedback 15

16.

The fishermen said, "We hope that the oil will stay far offshore."

The fishermen hoped that the oil offshore. Feedback 16

17.

Scientists proposed to the group of fire fighters, "Try explosives to close the oil well."

Scientists proposed that the group of fire fighters explosives to close the oil well. Feedback 17

18.

The oil company says, "Be patient".

The oil company suggests that everyone patient. Feedback 18

19.

The company has told us, "We understand your frustration."

The company assured us that it our frustration. Feedback 19

20.

A crowd shouted, "No more offshore oil drilling!"

A crowded demanded that there no more offshore drilling. Feedback 20

21.

Scientists say, "This is a huge disaster."

Scientists claim that this a huge disaster. Feedback 21

22.

The government announced, "The oil company is responsible for the clean-up costs."

The government insisted that the oil company the clean-up costs.

Feedback 22

Reset

Related practice: Imposition of Will: Changing an Infinitive Phrase to a That-clause

Practice 3Treating Hay Fever

Read

The best treatment for hay fever is to avoid the thing you are allergic to. If it is pollen, use an

air conditioner to keep it out of your house. For dust mites, put dust-proof covers on your

mattress and pillows. If you are allergic to pets, keep your furry friends out of the bedroom.

Wear wrap-around sunglasses when you go out to protect your eyes from pollen. Use cool

compresses on your eyes. These are just a few things you can do to treat allergies.

You can also try antihistamines, decongestants, nasal sprays, and eye drops.

Allergy shots or immunotherapy gradually help your body get used to your allergy triggers.

They are usually recommended for people who have symptoms more than three months each

year. They can help lower your need for medication to control your symptoms.

allergen (n.) the source or cause of an allergy, such as pollen, dust, cat hair, etc.

allergy (n.) a condition in which someone reacts to something such as dust, food, mold, pollen, or cat hair. The reaction may be itchy eyes, runny nose, wheezing, skin

antihistamines (n.) medicine that reduces allergic reaction

avoid (v.) keep away from

compress (n.) a cold cloth that is placed on red, itchy, or swollen eyes

dust mites (n.) very small (microscopic) insects found in bedrooms. Allergens from mites cause asthmas and other nighttime allergies

dust-proof (adj.) dust cannot go through or get into (the pillow

eye drops (n.) medicine that is put into eye

furry (adj.) having fur ("hair" of a dog or cat)

hay fever (n.) being allergic to the pollen of common plants and grasses

immunotherapy (n.) a treatment that works with the body's natural defense system, way of fighting illness

nasal spray (n.) medicine that is released into the nose directly

symptoms (n.) the signs or ways that a body shows illness (runny nose, sneezing, fever, etc.)

treat (v.) care for, cure, reduce illness or pain

treatment (n.) the care that is given to help someone get better (improve health) or feel less pain

trigger (n.) something that sets off, starts an allergy.

WebMD.com Allergies

Edit for Errors1. Edit the sentence(s) in the text box.


23. The doctor told my sister avoid allergens.

Edit 23

Feedback 23

24. He recommended that she used an air conditioner to keep pollen out of the house.Edit 24

Feedback 24

25. He advised her that she uses special pillow and mattress covers.Edit 25

Feedback 25

26. He also told her she is not getting a cat.Edit 26

Feedback 26

27. He suggested her wear wrap-around glasses outside.

Edit 27

Feedback 27

28. The doctor recommended her to use eye drops.Edit 28

Feedback 28

29. The doctor urged that she tried some antihistamine tablets as well.Edit 29

Feedback 29

30. If necessary, he told her come back for some allergy shots.Edit 30

Feedback 30

Reset

Index Grammar-Quizzes Previous Yes/No Question Clauses Next Statement Clauses

Also see: "Order" + Noun + Infin (subjunctive verbs) Say / Tell

Julie Sevastopoulos ESL / EFL / TEFL English Grammar Reference / Resource Practices & Exercises Palo Alto, California USA 18 Jun 2013

Reporting sentence structure: verb + TO + infinitive

agree, claim, decide, demand, hope, offer, prefer, promise, refuse, threaten etc.

Geoffrey: All right, Ill do it.Geoffrey agreed to do it.

Al-qaida: We have captured two US marines. Al-Qaida claims to have captured two US Marines.

Customer: Well, I think Id rather not buy this car.The customer decided not to buy that car.

Judge: I want to see the documents.The judge demanded to see the documents.

Susan: I hope Ill get to the airport in time.Susan was hoping to get to the airport in time.

Joe: I can take you home if you want.Joe offered to take me home.

Spokesman: Well, I would rather not say anything at the momentThe spokesman preferred not to say anything.

Jill: I will be on time, I promise.Jill promised to be on time.

Geoffrey: No, I wont answer any questions about my private life.Geoffrey refused to answer questions concerning his private life.

Young man on the bridge: Dont come any closer, or else Ill jump.The disturbed young man threatened to jump off the bridge.

Reporting sentence structure: verb + somebody + TO + infinitive

ask, advise, allow, beg, command, encourage, forbid, instruct, invite, order, permit, persuade, prefer, recommend, remind, request, tell, urge, warn, want etc.

Customs officer: Please, empty your pockets, madam.The officer asked the woman to empty her pockets.Geoffrey: I think you should visit a specialist.Geoffrey advised me to visit a specialist.Professor Pect: You mustnt use a dictionary while writing the test.Professor Pect did not allow us to use a dictionary while writing the test.Chris: Please, please, tell me what really happened.Chris begged her to tell the truth.Sergeant: Fire!The sergeant commanded the firing squad to shoot.Uncle: Have you ever thought of starting scuba diving? I guess youd love it.My uncle encouraged me to take up scuba diving.

Mother to Cecil: You must not talk to Julie again.Cecils mother forbade him to talk to Julie again.Doctor to patients: You should exercise at least 30 minutes a day.The patients were instructed to exercise at least 30 minutes a day.I: Why dont you come in for a coffee?I invited him to come inside and have a cup of coffee.Police to photographers at an accident scene: No pictures!The police ordered the photographers not to take any pictures of the accident scene.College regulation: Teachers are not to use corporal punishment in the classroom.The rules dont permit teachers to beat students at this college.Geoffrey to Julie: Be a vegetarian; its better for your health.Julie: But I like bacon!Geoffrey: You dont know what those pigs have been eating.Julie: Yuck! Youre right. I have never thought about it that way. I wont eat meat any more.Geoffrey persuaded Julie to become a vegetarian.Health specialist: I think it would be better if people consumed much less fat and sugar.The health specialist would prefer people not to consume so much fat and sugar.Thesis consultant to student: You should read the Thesis Guide before you start your research.The thesis consultant recommended the student to read the Thesis Guide before starting the research.David: Dont forget to buy some milk.David reminded me to buy some milk.Sign: Do not take photographs, pleaseVisitors are requested not to take photographs.Teacher to pupils: Open your books at page 10.The teacher told the pupils to open their books at page 10.Mother to child: Dont tease that dog! It will bite you!The mother warned her child not to tease the dog.Secretary to the President: Now, its really high time that you handed in your resignation, Sir.The secretary urged the president to hand in his resignation.Boss to secretary: Rewrite this letter. There are far too many mistakes in it.The boss wanted her secretary to rewrite the letter.

Reporting sentence structure: verb + noun / gerund (-ING)

accuse sy of, admit (to), apologise for, boast about, confess (to), complain (to sy) about, deny, insist on, prohibit, suggest, warn sy about etc.

Julie: Geoffrey, it was you who stole my grammar book.Julie accused Geoffrey of stealing her grammar book.

Geoffrey: Yes, I broke the window.Geoffrey admitted (to) breaking the window.

Groom to bride: I am extremely sorry for being so late.The groom apologised (to his bride) for being so late.

Boy to his friend: Well, I am such a cool guy that Ive swum across Lake Balaton twice.The boy boasted about swimming across Lake Balaton twice.

Julie to her neighbour: Yes, it was me who started that ugly rumour about your past. Can you forgive me?Julie confessed (to) starting an ugly rumour about the past of her neighbour.

Student to his friend: I hate having to write two essays every week.The student complained (to his friend) about having to write two essays every week.

Geoffrey: No, I didnt break the window.Geoffrey denied breaking the window.

Wife to husband: I do want to invite the Joneses as well. The wife insisted on inviting the Joneses as well.

Museum sign: No smokingThey prohibit smoking in the museum.Smoking is prohibited in the museum.

Jill: What about going to the sauna tonight?Jill proposed going to the sauna.

Jill: What about going to the sauna tonight?Jill suggested going to the sauna.

The teacher requested that she arrive on time for her piano lesson.

Suggestions are usually reported with a that-clause. 'That' and 'should' are optional in these clauses:

Other reporting verbs used in this way are: insist, recommend, demand, request, propose.

She said: "Why don't you get a mechanic to look at the car?"

= She suggested that I should get a mechanic to look at the car.

OR She suggested I get a mechanic to look at the car.

"It would be a good idea to see the dentist", said my mother.

= My mother suggested I see the dentist.

The dentist said, "I think you should use a different toothbrush".

= The dentist recommended that I should use a different toothbrush.

My manager said, "I think we should examine the budget carefully at this meeting."

= My manager proposed that we examine the budget carefully at the meeting.

"Why don't you sleep overnight at my house?" she said.

= She suggested that I sleep overnight at her house.

http://speakspeak.com/english-grammar-exercises/intermediate

Reporting sentence structure: verb + THAT + clause with SHOULD + infinitiveSaid SynonymsSubordinate ImperativesInfinitive or Infinitival ClauseInfinitive & Negative Infinitive

Subordinate ImperativesThat-clausewith should or subjunctive verbShould or Subjunctive VerbSubjunctive Verb (plain form verb)Verbs with Imperative Meaning

Common MistakesErrors and Solutions

Grammar NotesTraditional and Linguistic DescriptionResources

Practice 1BrothersChange quoted commands to infinitive clauses.

Practice 2Recommendations and OrdersSelect the verb form that complements the verb in the main clause.

Practice 3Treating Hay FeverReadEdit for Errors

Reporting sentence structure: verb + TO + infinitiveReporting sentence structure: verb + somebody + TO + infinitiveReporting sentence structure: verb + noun / gerund (-ING)

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189081578 Reporting Verbs