Reported Speech: Commands
What Is It?
Reported Speech: Commands refers to indirect reporting of orders, requests, and advice.
B1-B2 reference topic in Reported Speech.
Why Use It?
- Report instructions without direct quotes.
- Use infinitives after tell, ask, advise, and warn.
- Show negative commands clearly.
Formation and Patterns
| Use | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Order | told + person + to + V | The teacher told us to revise. |
| Request | asked + person + to + V | She asked me to wait. |
| Negative | told/asked + person + not to + V | He told them not to worry. |
Common Mistakes
- Using that after command-reporting verbs: "told me that revise."
- Forgetting the person after tell.
- Putting not after to in negative commands.
Exceptions & Nuances
- Reporting verbs add attitude: ordered is strong; advised is helpful; warned signals risk.