Verb patterns: verb + that-clause

Reporting verbs + that-clause

Some verbs connected with reporting can be followed by a that-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

Everyone agrees that we have to act quickly*.*

It’s easy to forget that she’s just a child*.*

Recent research proves that global warming is already a reality*.*

We often leave out that after these verbs, especially in informal speaking. This is sometimes called zero-that. This is especially common after guess, think, hope and reckon:

• I think he’s on holiday this week*.*
• I reckon it’s going to be a long, hot summer*.*

See also

• That-clauses

Verbs followed by an indirect object and a that-clause

Some verbs (generally those connected with reporting) can be followed by an indirect object (underlined) plus a that-clause acting as the direct object:

advise	inform	remind
assure	persuade	tell
convince	promise	warn

He told us that it would take a long time.

Not: He told that it would take a long time.

He convinced everyone that the new road would be good for the town.

The school informed George that he had passed the entry test.

The verbs can also be used without that:

• She convinced me I was wrong.

Verbs followed by a prepositional phrase and a that-clause

Some verbs can be followed by a prepositional phrase (underlined) and a that-clause acting as the direct object:

admit	explain	point out	recommend	state
complain	mention	prove	say	suggest

We complained to the committee that they had not kept us informed.

I’d like to point out to everyone that it will be expensive to hire a concert hall.

I suggested to Gina that she should get a summer job.