Verb Complements (V-Comp)
Watch out for verb complements (words or phrases that go after a verb and complete the verb starts) that can be very
challenging for anyone who doesn’t speak English as a native language. A common problem is to use “how” with any
verb. In some cases, it’s grammatically possible but has changed the meaning of what you were trying to say. It means
“the manner in which.” Here are some common V-COMP rules:
ADDRESS needs to be followed by
a noun (not a that-clause): She addressed the crowd. This solution does not address the real problem.
ADMIT needs to be followed by one of the following:
a) a that-clause: He admitted that he didn’t really understand.
b) a noun: He admitted his guilt.
AGREE/DISAGREE (usually) needs to be followed with one of the following:
a) a that-clause: I agree that it’s hot in here.
b) a with-phrase: I agree with you. I disagree with your suggestion.
c) an about-phrase: We agree about only one thing.
ARGUE (usually) needs to be followed by one of the following:
a) a that-clause: He argued that the problem couldn’t be solved easily.
b) an about-phrase: They argued about whose fault it was. (Note: You need more than one person to argue about
something.)
CLAIM needs to be followed by one of following:
a) a that-clause: She claims that obesity is caused by the media.
b) in relatively rare cases, a noun: She claims immunity.
DISCUSS (usually) needs to be followed by one of the following:
a) a noun (not a that-clause): We discussed the weather.
b) how + infinitive (a process): He discussed how to organize an essay.
EXPLAIN (usually) needs to be followed by one of the following:
a) a noun (a topic): She explained photosynthesis to the class.
b) a that-clause: He explained that she would need to all back with more information.
c) a why-clause: He explained why he was late.
d) how + infinitive (a process): He explained how to parallel park.
INFORM (usually) needs to be followed by one of the following:
a) a noun (human audience of some kind) + that-clause: She informed us that she would retire this month.
b) a noun (human audience of some kind) + about-phrase: She informed us about her plans.
MENTION (usually) needs to be followed by one of the following:
a) a noun (a topic): He mentioned the reason, but I don’t remember what it was.
b) a that-clause: He mentioned that he needed to leave before noon.
THINK (usually) needs to be followed by one of the following:
a) of or about + noun: He thinks of (about) her whenever he sees her picture. [Don’t use in or on after think]
b) a that-clause (to believe something): I think that we should leave now.
WONDER needs to be followed by one of the following:
a) an if-clause: She wonders if it’s too late to go.
b) an about-phrase: She wondered about his reaction.
WORRY needs to be followed by one of the following:
a) a that-clause: He worried that he didn’t have enough time to finish.
b) an about-phrase: She worried about his feelings.