Introduction to Reporting Verbs + Infinitive
Reporting verbs followed by infinitives are used to describe what people say they will do, plan to do, or commit to doing. These verbs help us report intentions, decisions, and promises in indirect speech.
Main Categories
We can divide reporting verbs + infinitive into three main categories:
1. Agreements & Refusals: agree to, refuse to
2. Plans & Decisions: decide to, plan to
3. Formal Commitments: promise to, offer to, threaten to
1. Agreements & Refusals: agree to, refuse to
2. Plans & Decisions: decide to, plan to
3. Formal Commitments: promise to, offer to, threaten to
Examples
She agreed to help with the project next week.Shows agreement using 'agree to' + infinitive
The company promised to deliver the goods by Friday.Demonstrates a formal commitment using 'promise to' + infinitive
He threatened to report the incident to management.Shows how 'threaten to' is used to report warnings or negative intentions
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Incorrect: She agreed help them.
✅ Correct: She agreed to help them.
Explanation: Always use 'to' after these reporting verbs – it's part of the infinitive structure
❌ Incorrect: They promised that they will come.
✅ Correct: They promised to come.
Explanation: With these reporting verbs, use the infinitive rather than a that-clause
Tips for Success
- Always use 'to' after these reporting verbs
- These verbs are commonly used in formal and business contexts
- The meaning often implies future action or intention
Learning Path Notes
Key Concepts in This Series:
- Basic reporting verb + infinitive structure
- Three main categories of usage
- Common reporting verbs and their meanings