← Grammar Learning Center>Using Reporting Verbs for Warnings and Reminders

Warnings with Reporting Verbs

When using 'warn' with an object and infinitive, we emphasize potential dangers or negative consequences. The structure 'warn + person + to + infinitive' helps convey urgent or important cautionary messages.

Reminders with Reporting Verbs

The verb 'remind' follows the same structure (remind + person + to + infinitive) but focuses on helping people remember important tasks or obligations. It's particularly useful in professional and academic contexts.

Examples

The lifeguard warned the swimmers to stay within the marked area.Shows a safety warning in a public setting
The park ranger warned visitors to keep their distance from wild animals.Demonstrates a warning about potential danger
The teacher warned students to back up their work before the system update.Illustrates a preventive warning in an academic context
The professor reminded the class to submit their essays by Friday.Shows a typical academic reminder
My colleague reminded me to lock the office door before leaving.Demonstrates a workplace reminder
The doctor reminded the patient to take medication twice daily.Illustrates a healthcare-related reminder

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Incorrect: The manager warned about being late.

✅ Correct: The manager warned employees to arrive on time.

Explanation: We need an object (who is being warned) when using this structure

❌ Incorrect: She reminded to bring lunch.

✅ Correct: She reminded him to bring lunch.

Explanation: The verb 'remind' must be followed by an object (the person being reminded)

Tips for Success

  • Always include who is being warned or reminded (the object)
  • Use 'warn' for potential dangers or negative consequences
  • Use 'remind' for helpful memory prompts rather than warnings

Learning Path Notes

Key Concepts in This Series:

  • Building on previous reporting verb structures
  • Expanding context variety
  • Increasing complexity of usage