Overview
Common reporting verb errors include: 'tell' without a person object (tell that → say that), 'say' followed by a person (say me → tell me), 'suggest to go' (wrong — suggest + -ing or that-clause), 'explain me' (explain + noun to me), and 'refuse going' (refuse + to-infinitive).
Say vs Tell Errors
- The most common reporting verb error in English.
- ❌She told that she was leaving.
- ✅She said that she was leaving.
- ❌He said me to sit down.
- ✅He told me to sit down.
Suggest Pattern Errors
- ❌She suggested to take the bus.
- ✅She suggested taking the bus.
- ❌He suggested us to go early.
- ✅He suggested we go early.
Other Common Errors
- explain❌ He explained me the problem. ✅ He explained the problem to me.
- advise❌ She advised to rest. ✅ She advised me to rest.
- warn❌ He warned to not go. ✅ He warned me not to go.
When to use
Exam writing
She told me (NOT said me) that the report was ready.
Grammar class
He suggested going (NOT to go) to the museum.
Emails
She advised us to (NOT advised to) review the proposal.
Speaking
He warned us not to (NOT warned to not) touch it.