In academic writing, the verb you choose often affects what comes next:

• Some reporting verbs are followed by a noun or “that” clause
  e.g. Smith argues that students need better feedback.

• Other verbs are followed by an –ing form
  e.g. Jones suggests studying in short bursts.

💡 Tip:
If you're reporting a fact, opinion, or claim, you’ll likely use that.
If you're reporting an action, idea, or process, you’ll likely use -ing.

​ Correct Answer: A

Explanation: “Suggest” is best followed by that + subject + verb or a gerund. In formal academic writing, “suggests that students study…” is preferred. “Suggest students to…” is grammatically incorrect.

​Correct Answer: C

Explanation: Avoids is followed by a gerund (e.g. avoids using mobile phones in class), not a that-clause.
In contrast, proposes and claims are commonly followed by that-clauses.

​Correct Answer: B

Explanation: “Recommend” should be followed by a gerund (e.g. exercising), not an infinitive (to exercise).
A that-clause is also possible: recommends that students exercise.

​Correct Answer: D

Explanation: Avoids is followed by a gerund (avoids using phones) and not by a that-clause.
In contrast, recommends can be followed by either a gerund or a that-clause.

​Correct Answer: C

Explanation: “Warn” is commonly followed by a that-clause when reporting what someone warned.

​Correct Answer: B

Explanation: The verb define is correctly used with a noun + as + definition structure, e.g. defines X as Y. It is not followed by a that-clause or bare statement.
*A bare statement = A grammatically incomplete or informal clause that misses required connectors like "that" or "as" after a reporting verb.

​Correct Answer: B

Explanation: The verb agrees is not followed by an infinitive (to study). Instead, it requires a that-clause in academic writing.
✔ Correct version: Smith agrees that students should study longer.
❌ Incorrect: Smith agrees students to study...

​Correct Answer: A

Explanation: States is frequently used to introduce factual or neutral claims using that-clauses in academic writing, e.g. states that more research is needed.
Although recommends and advises can also take that-clauses, they are more often used to express suggestions or advice — not straightforward factual reporting.

​Correct Answer: D

Explanation: Proposes should be followed by a full that-clause. Proposes research is grammatically fine but too vague.
D provides a clear, complete academic statement: proposes that further research is needed.

​Correct Answer: C

Explanation: “Suggests” is flexible—it can be followed by a gerund (suggests studying) or a that-clause (suggests that students study).