subject + explain + (that) + clauseUse a full reported clause after explain. That can stay or drop, but the clause must be complete.
Mixed Reporting Patterns
B2Explain, admit, and promise do not use the same pattern after the verb. Learn which one takes that-clause, to + -ing, or to + base verb.
What you'll learn
- Use explain with a full that-clause.
- Use admit to + -ing for accepted actions.
- Use promise to + base verb for future actions.
- Pick the pattern that fits each reporting verb.
Structure
subject + admit + to + -ingAfter admit, use to and an -ing form when reporting the action someone accepts.
subject + promise + to + base verbAfter promise, use to and the base verb to report what someone says they will do.
Build a sentence
Reporting verb
Content
Lisapromisedtocall later
Lisa promised to call later.
This pattern points to a future action.
When to use
Giving reasons
Use explain when someone gives facts, reasons, or background: Anna explained that the train was delayed.
Admitting a mistake
Use admit to + -ing when someone accepts doing something wrong, secret, or embarrassing: Leo admitted to copying the file.
Promising action
Use promise to + verb when someone commits to a future action: Maria promised to call after work.
Common mistakes
Wrong
Anna explained to leave early.
Correct
Anna explained that she had to leave early.
Explain needs a full clause here, not to + verb.
Wrong
Lisa admitted to break the vase.
Correct
Lisa admitted to breaking the vase.
After admit, to is followed by an -ing form, not a base verb.
Wrong
Dmitri promised helping us.
Correct
Dmitri promised to help us.
Promise takes to + base verb when you report a future action.
Wrong
He promised that helping us.
Correct
He promised to help us.
Do not mix patterns. Promise takes to + base verb, not that + -ing.
Common misconceptions
❝ All reporting verbs can use the same pattern after them. ❞
Reporting verbs choose different structures. Explain, admit, and promise each need their own pattern.
❝ If I see to, the next verb must be in the base form. ❞
Not after admit to. There, to is part of the pattern and the next verb is -ing: admitted to taking.
Skills in this rule (4)
EXPLAIN_THATw5Use explain with a that-clause
Use explain to report information with a full clause after it. Add that when you want to make the structure clear.
ADMIT_TO_INGw5Use admit to + -ing to report a confession
After admit, use to and an -ing form when someone accepts doing something. This pattern often reports mistakes, rule-breaking, or hidden actions.
PROMISE_TOw5Use promise to + verb for a future action
After promise, use to and the base verb to report what someone says they will do. This pattern points forward to an intended action.
MATCH_VERB_TO_PATTERNw4Choose the right pattern after explain, admit, and promise
Different reporting verbs take different next words. Match explain with a clause, admit with to + -ing, and promise with to + verb.