Grammar · Reported Speech
Reporting Verbs & Their Patterns
Verbs like agree, refuse, deny and admit report what people said and how they felt. Each one needs its own pattern after it. Learn them with the film Bridge of Spies.
Grammar › Reported Speech › Reporting Verbs & Their Patterns
The rule in one sentenceSome reporting verbs, such as agree and refuse, are followed by to + verb, while others, such as deny and admit, are followed by verb + -ing, so learn each verb together with its pattern.
About the film
Bridge of Spies (2015) is a Cold War drama directed by Steven Spielberg. In 1957, the New York lawyer James Donovan, played by Tom Hanks, agrees to defend Rudolf Abel, a man arrested as a Soviet spy. Many Americans are angry, and some even criticise him for helping the enemy, but Donovan believes that everyone deserves a fair trial.
What does it do?
When you report what someone said, said is perfectly correct, but it is also rather flat and neutral. A precise reporting verb such as refuse, admit or insist tells the reader exactly what kind of speech it was: a reluctant confession, a firm refusal, a determined demand. In one word, it captures the speaker’s attitude as well as their message, which is why journalists, novelists and examiners value these verbs so highly.
The challenge is that each verb insists on its own structure. Refuse and deny both express a negative response, yet we say refuse to answer but deny knowing. Unfortunately, there is no reliable logic that explains the difference, so guessing rarely works. The most efficient strategy is to memorise the verbs in two main families: those followed by to + verb and those followed by -ing.
In the first two tiles, the reporting verb is followed by to + a verb. Verbs in this family typically look forward to an action that someone intends, or firmly declines, to carry out. In the last two tiles, the verb is followed by an -ing form, and these verbs usually comment on something that is already true or has already taken place.
“I will defend him,” said Donovan.
Donovan agreed to defend him. Donovan admitted being nervous about it.
The reporting verb replaces both said and the quotation marks. The result is more concise, and it reveals considerably more about the speaker’s attitude.
Visual guide
Teacher Teddy’s illustrated guide to this rule is being drawn — the full swipe-through infographic will appear here soon.
How to make it
to + verb — agree, refuse, promise
Donovan promises to give his client the best defence he can.
Donovan refuses to share his client’s private conversations with the CIA.
Refuse already means no, so you do not need not.Will Donovan agree to travel to Berlin?
The question form comes before the reporting verb.-ing — deny, admit, suggest
Donovan’s partner suggests taking the case for the good of the firm.
Donovan does not deny finding Abel interesting as a person.
Put does not before the reporting verb.Does Abel ever admit working for the Soviet Union?
Does + subject + reporting verb + -ing.When to use each one
to + verb — decisions and promises
-ing — facts, ideas and confessions
Words that help
Learn each verb together with its pattern, as an inseparable pair. Repeat the pairs aloud until the incorrect version sounds genuinely awkward.
to + verb → verbs
-ing → verbs
Common mistakes
❌ Donovan agrees defending Abel.
✅ Donovan agrees to defend Abel.
Agree belongs to the to + verb group.
❌ Abel refuses cooperating with the government.
✅ Abel refuses to cooperate with the government.
Refuse is always followed by to + verb.
❌ Donovan denies to know any secrets.
✅ Donovan denies knowing any secrets.
Deny is always followed by the -ing form.
❌ Angry people accuse Donovan to help the enemy.
✅ Angry people accuse Donovan of helping the enemy.
Accuse needs a person, then of, then -ing.
One more thing
This part reaches the top of the level, so return to it once the two main families feel completely natural.
Some reporting verbs use a person or a preposition, and some can take a that-clause instead. Verbs like persuade, warn and urge need a person before to. Verbs with a preposition, such as insist on or accuse … of, always take -ing. And many verbs, like insist, admit and claim, can also be followed by that + a full sentence.
✅ The CIA asks Donovan to share what Abel tells him.
✅ Donovan insists that every client deserves a proper defence.
Practice: pick the right pattern
Eight questions to test yourself. Remember the verb’s group, then choose.
1. Donovan agrees ___ Abel in court.
Agree is followed by to + verb.
2. Abel refuses ___ the government’s questions.
Refuse is followed by to + verb.
3. Donovan denies ___ any of Abel’s secrets.
Deny is followed by the -ing form.
4. His wife admits ___ worried about the children.
Admit is followed by the -ing form.
5. Some people suggest ___ Abel a very short trial.
Suggest is never followed by to + verb.
6. Donovan promises ___ his client a proper defence.
Promise is followed by to + verb.
7. Angry people accuse Donovan ___ the enemy.
Accuse + person + of + -ing.
8. The CIA asks Donovan ___ what Abel says.
Ask + person + to + verb.
Your turn
Choose one ending. Then listen to your sentence.
Every sentence here is correct and natural. The first frame uses decide + to + verb, and the second uses recommend + -ing. Pick the endings that are true for you.
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