What are Reporting Verbs with That Clauses?
Reporting verbs with 'that' clauses are used to communicate what someone has said, thought, or written. The 'that' clause follows specific verbs like suggest, recommend, insist, claim, and explain to report information indirectly.
Basic Structure
Subject + reporting verb + that + clause
The word 'that' can sometimes be omitted in informal speech, but it's usually included in formal writing.
The word 'that' can sometimes be omitted in informal speech, but it's usually included in formal writing.
Common Reporting Verbs
– Suggest
– Recommend
– Insist
– Claim
– Explain
– Announce
– Mention
– State
– Indicate
– Report
– Recommend
– Insist
– Claim
– Explain
– Announce
– Mention
– State
– Indicate
– Report
Examples
The manager explained that the office would be closed on Monday.Uses 'explain' to report information about office closure
Scientists claim that this discovery could change modern medicine.Uses 'claim' to report a statement about scientific discovery
The teacher suggested that we should review the material before the exam.Uses 'suggest' to report advice or recommendation
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Incorrect: The doctor suggest that I rest for a week.
✅ Correct: The doctor suggests that I rest for a week.
Explanation: Remember to use third person singular 's' with he/she/it subjects
❌ Incorrect: They announced they will increase prices.
✅ Correct: They announced that they would increase prices.
Explanation: In formal contexts, include 'that' and use appropriate tense agreement
Tips for Success
- Always check subject-verb agreement with reporting verbs
- In formal writing, keep the word 'that' for clarity
- Pay attention to tense changes in the reported clause
Learning Path Notes
Key Concepts in This Series:
- Basic reporting verb structure
- Common reporting verbs
- That clause formation
- Formal vs informal usage