Reporting verbs +that-clause
Some verbs connected with reporting can be followed by athat-clause acting as the direct object (underlined in the examples):
accept | decide | insist | repeat |
admit | discover | know | reply |
agree | doubt | mean | say |
announce | expect | mention | see |
assume | explain | notice | show |
believe | feel | pretend | state |
check | find (out) | promise | suggest |
claim | forget | prove | suppose |
comment | guess | realise | think |
complain | hear | reckon | understand |
confirm | hope | remark | |
consider | imagine | remember |
Everyoneagreesthat we have to act quickly.
It’s easy toforgetthat she’s just a child.
Recent researchprovesthat global warming is already a reality.
We often leave outthatafter these verbs, especially in informal speaking. This is sometimes called zero-that. This is especially common afterguess,think, hopeandreckon:
Ithinkhe’s on holiday this week.
Ireckonit’s going to be a long, hot summer.
See also:
That-clauses
Verbs followed by an indirect object and athat-clause
Some verbs (generally those connected with reporting) can be followed by an indirect object (underlined) plus athat-clause acting as the direct object:
advise | inform | remind |
assure | persuade | tell |
convince | promise | warn |
Hetoldusthat it would take a long time.
Not:He told that it would take a long time.
Heconvincedeveryonethat the new road would be good for the town.
The schoolinformedGeorgethat he had passed the entry test.
The verbs can also be used withoutthat:
SheconvincedmeI was wrong.
Verbs followed by a prepositional phrase and athat-clause
Some verbs can be followed by a prepositional phrase (underlined) and athat-clause acting as the direct object:
admit | explain | point out | recommend | state |
complain | mention | prove | say | suggest |
Wecomplainedto the committeethat they had not kept us informed.
I’d like topoint outto everyonethat it will be expensive to hire a concert hall.
Isuggestedto Ginathat she should get a summer job.