English Grammar Drills - Mark Lester 2009
6. To phrase + that clause
11 Multiple Verb Complements
Part 2 Verb Phrases
A few verbs that express communication have an unusual feature: they use a prepositional phrase beginning with to (a to phrase) instead of the expected object. Using the verb say as an example, where we would expect
Using an object with verbs that take a to phrase is a common error for nonnative speakers. Here are some more examples of both the incorrect and correct forms:
Wrong: X He mentioned us that his son was moving to Chicago.
Right: He mentioned to us that his son was moving to Chicago.
Wrong: X They explained us that our cost estimates were too low.
Right: They explained to us that our cost estimates were too low.
Wrong: X We pointed out them that they were behind schedule.
Right: We pointed out to them that they were behind schedule.
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.
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.
9. They informed us that our flight had been cancelled.
10. We complained them that we had confirmed reservations.
11. The committee will report them that they recommend moving the plant to Ohio.
12. We admitted them that we had probably made a mistake in our recommendations.
13. They said me that I should wait here.
14. They reminded me that I should wait here.
15. I proposed them that they should accept the offer.