Using indirect speech to report words and ideas
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Uses of indirect speech | page 5 of 5 |
Followed by double-verb structures
In indirect speech, the reporting verb is often followed by a double-verb
structure 
in
the subordinate clause :
He said he had started lobbying members after the Lunar New Year and had obtained considerable support. (SCMP 2/4/94)
Here, started lobbying is a double-verb structure. Note that it is possible to say started lobbying or started to lobby, with little difference in meaning. Consider also:
Mr Hong said he had started drafting a letter in order to get hold of the facts of Li's case. (SCMP 7/4/94)
However, there are sometimes restrictions on the form of the second verb in a double-verb structure that follows a reporting verb:
He said he had tried to give up but he couldn't. (Bank of English)
Here, tried to give up is a double-verb structure. It is possible to say tried giving up, but there is a difference in meaning. Tried to give up means "attempt or make an effort to give up". Tried giving up means "giving something up as an experiment". Consider also:
The Crown said Cheng had tried to drag Mr Guo upstairs, grabbing his neck, but Mr Guo put up a fierce struggle, biting Cheng on the arm.
(SCMP 30/3/94)
Note that the tense of the second verb is typically the past perfect. For further
information about using double-verb structures with actions, see 
Using two verbs together to add information about actions: Overview,
and for further information about verb patterns associated with thoughts, likes, dislikes,
wants, hopes and needs, see Representing thinking, perceiving,
liking and desiring: Overview.
Introduction
Followed by double-verb structures
