Using Reporting Verbs for Commitments
When reporting agreements, refusals, and commitments, specific reporting verbs are followed by the infinitive form. The most common verbs in this category are: agree, refuse, promise, offer, and threaten. Each verb carries a distinct meaning about the speaker's commitment or stance.
Context and Meaning Variations
Different reporting verbs convey different levels of commitment:
– agree to: willing acceptance
– refuse to: firm rejection
– promise to: strong commitment
– offer to: voluntary proposal
– threaten to: negative intention
– agree to: willing acceptance
– refuse to: firm rejection
– promise to: strong commitment
– offer to: voluntary proposal
– threaten to: negative intention
Examples
She agreed to help with the project next week.Shows willing acceptance of a request or proposal
They refused to accept the new terms of the contract.Indicates firm rejection of a proposal or requirement
Tom promised to return the book by Friday.Expresses a strong personal commitment to a future action
Sarah offered to drive us to the airport.Shows a voluntary proposal to help or contribute
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Incorrect: He agreed helping with the move.
✅ Correct: He agreed to help with the move.
Explanation: These reporting verbs must be followed by 'to' + infinitive, not gerund
❌ Incorrect: They refused pay the fine.
✅ Correct: They refused to pay the fine.
Explanation: The 'to' is mandatory with these reporting verbs
Tips for Success
- Always include 'to' after these reporting verbs – it's never optional
- Consider the strength of commitment when choosing between agree, promise, and offer
- Use these verbs in past tense when reporting what someone else said or committed to
- Remember that 'threaten' usually implies negative consequences
Learning Path Notes
Key Concepts in This Series:
- Reporting verb patterns with infinitives
- Expression of commitment and intention
- Indirect speech structures