Ch 28 · Lesson 17English · Chapter 28 · Lesson 17 · Grammar primer
Admitted that, claimed that: verbs take sides
He admitted that he had forgotten: after that, the tense steps back. And claimed, admitted and insisted each tell you what to think.
The short version
Claimed or admitted? The verb takes a side
.
Why?Hide
Said only passes on the words. Claimed says it may not be true; admitted says it was hard to say; insisted says someone did not agree. These verbs take that + a clause, and the tense usually steps back, as in reported speech.
Verb + that: admit, explain, complain
Many reporting verbs also take that + a clause. After a past verb, the tense usually steps back, as in reported speech:
...
That is often left out: .
Not every verb takes that. Offer, refuse, invite, accuse and thank do not: not she offered that she would pay, but
.The verb takes a side
Say said and you only pass on the words. Other verbs tell the reader what to think:
| What it tells you | Sentence |
|---|---|
. | |
. | |
. | |
. |
So choose the verb with care. Newspapers do.
Common mistakes
| Wrong | Right | Why |
|---|---|---|
| suggested me to go | suggested going | + -ing. |
| denied to take it | denied taking it | + -ing. |
| refused signing | refused to sign | + . |
| promised me to call | promised to call | . |
| accused him to lie | accused him of lying | sb + -ing. |
Going further: Verb + to: promise, offer, refuse and the rest of the guide, when you want them. This lesson does not need them.
Practice
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10-question session
One question at a time, mixed across the exercises in this lesson. Miss one and it comes back round before the end.
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