REPORTED SPEECH: COMMANDS, REQUESTS AND SUGGESTIONS

When we want to report an order or request, we can use a verb like 'tell' with a to-clause: 

                                                       He told me to go away. 

The pattern is verb + indirect object + to-clause. The indirect object is the person spoken to. 

Other verbs used to report orders and requests in this way are: command, order, warn, ask, advise, invite, beg, teach, and forbid.

1. Reporting Commands

Form

• affirmative commands → to + infinitive
• negative commands → not + to + infinitive

1.1. Affirmative commands

• Direct Speech → Dad (to me): “Do your homework.”
• Reported Speech → Dad told me to do my homework.

1.2. Negative commands

• Direct Speech → Teacher (to me): “Don't talk to your friend.”
• Reported Speech → The teacher told me not to talk to my friend.

2. Suggestions

Direct Speech

• Father: “Let's watch a film.”

Reported Speech

• Father suggested watching a film.
• Father suggested that they should watch a film

Do not use the infinitive after suggest. Father suggested to watch a film.

The dentist recommended using a different toothbrush.

3. Requests

• Could you buy some eggs?
• She asked me to buy some eggs

• Don't buy any eggs please.
• She asked me not to buy any eggs.

REQUESTS FOR OBJECTS

Requests for objects are reported using the pattern "asked for" + object.

She asked for an apple.