Introduction to the Structure
This grammar structure follows the pattern: reporting verb + person + to infinitive. It's commonly used to report what someone has advised, asked, or told another person to do.
Basic Pattern
The structure always follows this sequence:
1. Reporting verb (advise/ask/convince/etc.)
2. Person (object)
3. to + base form of verb
1. Reporting verb (advise/ask/convince/etc.)
2. Person (object)
3. to + base form of verb
Main Uses
1. Giving advice and encouragement: She advised me to study harder
2. Making requests and invitations: They invited us to join the party
3. Expressing warnings and reminders: The teacher reminded the students to submit their homework
2. Making requests and invitations: They invited us to join the party
3. Expressing warnings and reminders: The teacher reminded the students to submit their homework
Examples
My boss told me to finish the report by Friday.Uses 'tell' + object (me) + to infinitive (to finish)
The doctor advised her to rest for a week.Uses 'advise' + object (her) + to infinitive (to rest)
They convinced him to change his mind.Uses 'convince' + object (him) + to infinitive (to change)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Incorrect: He explained me to do it
✅ Correct: He explained to me how to do it
Explanation: The verb 'explain' cannot be used with a direct object + infinitive
❌ Incorrect: They suggested me to go
✅ Correct: They suggested that I go / They suggested going
Explanation: The verb 'suggest' cannot be followed by object + infinitive
❌ Incorrect: She proposed me to wait
✅ Correct: She proposed that I wait / She proposed waiting
Explanation: The verb 'propose' cannot be used with object + infinitive
Tips for Success
- Always include a person object after these reporting verbs
- Remember that explain/suggest/say/propose follow different patterns
- The infinitive always starts with 'to'
Learning Path Notes
Key Concepts in This Series:
- Basic verb + object + infinitive pattern
- Common reporting verbs
- Distinction from verbs that don't follow this pattern