English Grammar Drills

Multiple Verb Complements 183
Even though the verbs that take the to phrase that clause complement are all verbs of communication,
we cannot conclude that therefore all verbs of communication take to phrases. Some
do, but some don’t. For example, compare say and tell:
I said to Jane that we would have to leave a little early.
I told Jane that we would have to leave a little early.
Say takes a to phrase, but tell takes an object. Unfortunately, you just have to know which verbs
take the to phrase and learn them as variations of the normal object that clause complement
types. Here are the most common verbs that take a to phrase instead of the expected object
complement:
acknowledge explain remark
admit mention report
announce point out say
complain propose signal
confess prove state
declare recommend suggest
Exercise 11.9
Many of the following sentences incorrectly use objects where they should use to phrases instead.
If the sentence is incorrect, replace the object with a to phrase. If the sentence is correct as it is,
write OK above the object.
to you
Let me prove you that my plan will work.
1. He pulled me aside and remarked me that the meeting was going very well.
2. In no uncertain terms, they stated us that they were upset about what had happened.
3. Please suggest them that they should take their conversation out into the hall.
4. You should point out the committee that they have already approved the proposal.
5. I confessed him that I didn’t really like sports.
6. We reminded them that we were already pretty late.
7. Senator Blather acknowledged the reporters that he had never actually voted on the bill.
8. She explained them that the hotel did not have any more available rooms.