he told me he will be unable to reach me vs he told me that he will be unable to reach me

Both phrases are correct, but the second one is more commonly used in English. The addition of 'that' in the second phrase helps to introduce the reported speech more clearly. However, the first phrase is also grammatically correct and can be used in informal contexts.

Last updated: March 23, 2024 • 846 views

he told me he will be unable to reach me

This phrase is grammatically correct and can be used in informal contexts.

This phrase is a direct reporting of what someone said without the use of 'that' to introduce the reported speech. It is commonly used in informal conversations.

Show examples from the web [+]

If this creature has imprisoned him, then he will be unable to do his magic.
With a ship that big, he will be unable to chart a course that's less than ten parsecs.
The Chairman of the Committee on Citizens' Freedoms and Rights, Justice and Home Affairs, Mr Watson, apologised as he will be unable to attend.
He fears he will be unable to attend our reception on the eve of the games due to "pressing concerns"!
He fears he will be unable to attend our reception On the eve of the games due to "pressing concerns"!
Papa will be unable to send you off.
And even the Imperial Army will be unable to stop us.
We will be unable to answer any questions during the Experiment.
We will be unable to provide any air support at this time.
Fourteen hours before crew will be unable to perform basic tasks.
They will be unable to do so.
Under this Royal Decree Spanish transit operators will be unable to carry on that function.
Under this directive they will be unable to do so in future.
The Palestinian Authority will be unable to resolve the security problem on its own.
Many unmarried couples will be unable to meet these conditions.
I regret that I will be unable to attend.
Failing that, we will be unable to actively promote peace in Iraq.
Otherwise we will be unable to support the draft regulation.
We will be unable to do so.
I told Katherine I was unable to marry at this time.

Alternatives:

he told me he would be unable to reach me
he told me he is unable to reach me

he told me that he will be unable to reach me

This phrase is more commonly used in English as it introduces the reported speech more clearly.

This phrase includes the conjunction 'that' to introduce the reported speech, making it clearer and more formal. It is the preferred choice in written English.

Show examples from the web [+]

I told Katherine I was unable to marry at this time.
He told me he that he was unable to fix my shoe immediately and was altogether in a state of some agitation.
One of my constituents in Ireland would like to purchase British prize bonds, but he has been told that he is unable to do so under the 1956 Gaming and Lottery Act.
He told me my language was imprecise.
He said no. He told me that he would have been unable to witness or submit to injustice without doing anything.
He told me that he would have been unable to witness or submit to injustice without doing anything.
He told me... he told me where he dumped her.
And he told me... he told me he's not the father.
He told me that the guy was bragging about mugging your mom.
He told me all about New York.
He told me he came by the house.
He told me he was coming right over.
Then he told me to go on break.
He told me about your brother, what happened.
He told me that you were faithless.
He told me that you are enamoured of your chinaman.
He told me he kissed you.
And he told me about your dark money trail and where it goes.
He told me he was already married.
He wanted it leaked, so he told me.

Alternatives:

he told me that he would be unable to reach me
he informed me that he will be unable to reach me
he said he will be unable to reach me

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he told me he will be unable to reach me vs he told me that he will be unable to reach me