Reported Commands: Telling someone what to do
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
To report a command, use a reporting verb like 'tell' or 'ask' followed by an object and a 'to-infinitive'.
- Use 'tell' for orders and 'ask' for polite requests: 'He told me to wait.'
- Always include the person being spoken to (the object): 'She asked *him* to help.'
- For negative commands, put 'not' before 'to': 'The teacher told us *not to* talk.'
Overview
Tell someone what another person said to do. Do not use their exact words. For example: "My mom told me to clean."
This helps you speak well at work or with friends.
Use this to repeat a message. It is good for stories about the past.
It helps you tell stories. You will sound polite and clear.
How This Grammar Works
tell: The most common and neutral verb, suitable for general instructions or information.My father told me to take out the rubbish.ask: Used for polite requests.The student asked the professor to explain the concept again.order/command: Convey strong, authoritative directives, often implying a hierarchy.The captain ordered his crew to prepare for docking.instruct: Indicates a formal or detailed directive, often in educational or professional settings.The technician instructed me to restart the router.advise/recommend: Used when the speaker is offering guidance or a suggestion for the listener's benefit.The financial advisor advised her to invest in a diversified portfolio.
Formation Pattern
She, He, The manager, My friend).
She told me to be there by 9 AM. |
He asked her to pass the salt. |
The police officer ordered him not to move. |
The general commanded his troops to advance. |
The manual instructed users to follow those steps carefully. |
The nutritionist advised her to eat healthier. |
He asked me to call him the next day.
She reminded me not to forget my keys.
today → that day
tomorrow → the next day / the following day
yesterday → the day before / the previous day
now → then
here → there
When To Use It
- Relaying Instructions or Messages: When you need to pass on information that was originally an order or request. This is common in teamwork, familial settings, or customer service. For instance, if your manager asks you to complete a report, you might tell a colleague,
Our manager asked me to finish the report by Friday.This concisely conveys the task without directly issuing a command.
- Summarizing Conversations: In situations where you are recounting an interaction, reported commands help condense dialogues by extracting the essence of directives. Instead of detailing a back-and-forth, you can state,
My friend told me to meet her at the cafe at 3 PM,summarizing a longer exchange about meeting arrangements.
- Maintaining Politeness and Formality: In many English-speaking cultures, direct commands can sometimes sound impolite or overly forceful. Using a reported command, especially with verbs like
ask, softens the impact. Compare"Close the window!"withHe asked me to close the window.The latter is significantly more courteous. This is particularly relevant in professional emails, reports, or when speaking to superiors or new acquaintances.
- Narrative and Storytelling: When you are telling a story or describing a sequence of events, integrating commands using reported speech ensures a smoother flow. Rather than breaking the narrative with direct quotes, you can seamlessly include,
The tour guide advised us not to stray from the path,allowing the story to progress without interruption.
- Professional and Academic Contexts: In academic writing, business correspondence, or formal presentations, reported commands are essential for citing instructions, explaining procedures, or delegating tasks. An email might state,
The project lead instructed us to review the updated specifications.This conveys authority and clarity appropriate for the context.
- Everyday Situations and Social Media: From explaining why you did something to captioning a social media post, reported commands fit naturally. On a social media platform, you might caption a photo,
My mum told me to call her more often, so here's our video chat!This usage demonstrates its versatility and integration into modern communication.
Common Mistakes
- Omitting the Object: This is arguably the most common error. Verbs like
tell,ask,order,instruct,advise, andwarnare transitive when used for reported commands; they must be followed by an object (the person receiving the command). You cannot sayShe told to waitorHe asked to leave. - Incorrect:
*The teacher asked to open their books. - Correct:
The teacher asked them to open their books. - Why it's wrong: Without an object, it's unclear who the command was directed at, and the grammar of these specific reporting verbs requires a direct recipient.
- Using
thatafter the Reporting Verb: Learners often confuse reported commands with reported statements, wherethatis frequently used (e.g.,She said that she was tired). Reported commands do not usethatto introduce the infinitive clause. - Incorrect:
*He told me that I should call him.(This is a reported suggestion, not a reported command structure) - Incorrect:
*He asked that I wait for him. - Correct:
He asked me to wait for him. - Why it's wrong: The
to + infinitivestructure directly follows the object in reported commands, signifying the action to be taken, without the need for athat-clause.
- Incorrect Verb Form after
to: The verb followingtomust always be in its base form (the infinitive withoutto). Using-ingforms, past tense forms, or third-person singular forms are mistakes. - Incorrect:
*She advised him to studying harder. - Incorrect:
*They asked her to closed the window. - Correct:
She advised him to study harder. - Correct:
They asked her to close the window. - Why it's wrong: The
to-infinitive construction specifically requires the base form, indicating an abstract or potential action, rather than a conjugated verb.
- Direct: "Go home!"
- Incorrect Reported:
*He told me to went home. - Correct Reported:
He told me to go home. - Why it's wrong: The
to-infinitive is a non-finite verb form; it does not carry tense in the same way finite verbs do. Its role is to express the commanded action.
- Using
sayto Report a Command: Whilesayis a common reporting verb, it typically doesn't take theobject + to + infinitivestructure for commands. You generally usetellfor this purpose. - Incorrect:
*She said me to help her. - Correct:
She told me to help her. - Why it's wrong:
Sayis often used without an object (e.g.,She said that…) or with an indirect object introduced byto(e.g.,She said to me, "Help me!").Tellis the correct verb when the direct recipient of the instruction is specified as the object.
say vs. tell:to; more about the words spoken. | She said, "Finish the report!" He said (to me) that he was tired. |- Confusing
suggestwithadvise:Suggestdoes not typically take theobject + to + infinitiveconstruction. Instead, it uses athat-clause or a gerund. - Incorrect:
*He suggested me to apply for the job. - Correct:
He suggested that I apply for the job.ORHe suggested applying for the job. - Why it's wrong:
Suggestpatterns differently in English grammar, focusing on the idea or action itself rather than directly commanding a person.
Real Conversations
Reported commands are deeply embedded in everyday English, reflecting how we recount interactions and directives. Observe their natural usage in various contemporary contexts:
1. Casual Conversation (Friends):
- "Did you manage to get those concert tickets?"
- "No, the website crashed! My internet provider told me to restart my router, which obviously didn't help with the tickets."
- "Typical. Well, the concert organizer advised me to check back in an hour, so maybe there's still hope."
2. Workplace Communication (Email/Chat):
- Subject: Meeting Recap & Next Steps
- "Team, just a quick summary from this morning's stand-up. Sarah asked me to circulate the updated project timeline by end of day. Also, John instructed everyone to complete their feedback forms for the Q3 review. Please ensure these are done promptly."
3. Social Media Post (Instagram/Twitter):
- [Image of someone jogging with a scenic background]
- "My trainer ordered me to push my limits this week, and honestly, the views made it worth it! 💪 #FitnessGoals #MorningRun"
- Comment: "Looks amazing! My coach just told me to take a rest day lol. You earned that!"
4. Customer Service Interaction (Recounting):
- "I called the bank about that incorrect charge. The representative advised me to check my online statement first and then asked me to call back if the issue persisted. It feels like they just want to send you in circles sometimes."
5. Educational Setting (Group Project):
- "Alright, so Professor Miller instructed us to focus on primary sources for the research paper. He also reminded us not to plagiarize from any online materials, obviously."
- "And didn't he tell us to submit our bibliography by next Tuesday? I need to start gathering my sources."
These examples illustrate that reported commands are not limited to formal scenarios but are seamlessly integrated into informal chats, digital communication, and professional exchanges. They provide a vital tool for summarizing, relaying, and clarifying instructions without resorting to direct quotation, thereby enhancing the fluency and naturalness of your English.
Quick FAQ
The fundamental difference lies in their structure and purpose. Reported statements (She said that she was tired) convey information or opinions and typically use verbs like say or tell followed by an optional that-clause. Reported commands (He told me to wait) convey instructions or requests and use specific reporting verbs (tell, ask, order, etc.) followed by an object and then a to + infinitive phrase.
Almost always, yes. For verbs like tell, ask, order, instruct, advise, and warn when reporting commands, a direct object (the person who received the command) is mandatory. For instance, She asked him to leave, not *She asked to leave. Failing to include the object is a common grammatical error in this context.
say to report a command directly?Not in the object + to + infinitive structure. While you can use say to report a command indirectly in other ways (e.g., She said that I should call her), for the specific structure of a reported command, verbs like tell, ask, or order are used. Say typically doesn't take a direct object followed by an infinitive.
Only the tense of the reporting verb (e.g., tell becomes told, ask becomes asked) typically backshifts if you are reporting a past event. The to + infinitive part of the reported command (to go, to do) always remains in its base form and does not change tense. The infinitive expresses the action without being conjugated.
No, this is incorrect. The verb suggest does not follow the object + to + infinitive pattern. Instead, suggest is typically followed by a that-clause (He suggested that I go) or a gerund (He suggested going). The correct verb for this structure when giving advice is advise (e.g., He advised me to go).
The choice of reporting verb significantly impacts politeness. Using ask instead of tell or order makes the reported command sound much more courteous. For example, She asked me to send the report is perceived as politer than She told me to send the report. In some contexts, advise can also convey a gentler tone than a direct command.
For negative reported commands, you simply place not before the to + infinitive structure. So, "Don't interrupt!" becomes He told me not to interrupt. This is a straightforward extension of the positive reported command rule and maintains the to + base form structure.
Structure of Reported Commands
| Reporting Verb | Object | Infinitive Marker | Action Verb |
|---|---|---|---|
|
told
|
me
|
to
|
go
|
|
asked
|
him
|
to
|
stay
|
|
ordered
|
them
|
to
|
stop
|
|
warned
|
us
|
not to
|
touch
|
|
advised
|
her
|
to
|
wait
|
|
reminded
|
you
|
to
|
call
|
Meanings
Reported commands are used to tell someone what another person ordered, requested, or advised someone else to do without using their exact words.
Direct Orders
Reporting a firm command or instruction from an authority figure.
“The police officer told the driver to pull over.”
“The captain ordered the soldiers to march.”
Polite Requests
Reporting a request where someone asked for a favor or help.
“She asked me to open the window.”
“The waiter asked us to wait a moment.”
Negative Commands (Prohibitions)
Reporting when someone was told NOT to do something.
“The doctor told him not to eat sugar.”
“The sign asked visitors not to touch the art.”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative Command
|
Verb + Object + to + Verb
|
He told me to leave.
|
|
Negative Command
|
Verb + Object + not to + Verb
|
She told me not to leave.
|
|
Polite Request
|
Ask + Object + to + Verb
|
I asked him to help me.
|
|
Strong Order
|
Order + Object + to + Verb
|
The boss ordered us to work.
|
|
Warning
|
Warn + Object + not to + Verb
|
They warned us not to enter.
|
|
Advice
|
Advise + Object + to + Verb
|
She advised me to rest.
|
Formality Spectrum
The manager instructed the visitor to vacate the premises. (Workplace/Conflict)
He told the man to leave the room. (Workplace/Conflict)
He told him to get out. (Workplace/Conflict)
He told him to beat it. (Workplace/Conflict)
The Reported Command Bridge
Reporting Verbs
- Tell Order
- Ask Request
- Advise Suggestion
The Bridge
- Object The Listener
- To-Infinitive The Action
Direct vs. Reported
Is it a Command or a Request?
Is it an order?
Is it a request?
Common Reporting Verbs
Orders
- • Tell
- • Order
- • Command
Requests
- • Ask
- • Beg
- • Implore
Examples by Level
He told me to come here.
She asked me to help.
The teacher told us to sit.
Dad told me not to cry.
The doctor told him to take the medicine.
I asked the waiter to bring some water.
She told her brother not to touch her phone.
The sign asked us not to smoke.
The manager told the staff to attend the meeting.
My friend advised me not to buy that expensive car.
The flight attendant asked the passengers to fasten their seatbelts.
He reminded me to lock the door before leaving.
The coach urged the players to keep practicing.
The police warned the protesters not to cross the line.
She encouraged her daughter to apply for the scholarship.
The contract requires the client to pay within thirty days.
The judge instructed the jury to disregard the last statement.
The CEO petitioned the board to reconsider the merger.
The manual explicitly forbids users to open the outer casing.
They implored the government not to cut funding for the arts.
The general enjoined his troops to maintain absolute silence.
The witness was cautioned not to speculate on the defendant's motives.
The decree mandated all citizens to register by the end of the month.
He was prompted to reconsider his resignation by the board's offer.
Easily Confused
Learners often say 'He said me to go' because they confuse the two verbs.
Both give advice, but they use different structures.
Using 'that' for commands.
Common Mistakes
He told me go.
He told me to go.
She told to me to wait.
She told me to wait.
He told to sit down.
He told me to sit down.
Teacher told don't talk.
The teacher told us not to talk.
I asked him that he help me.
I asked him to help me.
He told me to not smoke.
He told me not to smoke.
She said me to go.
She told me to go.
The doctor suggested me to rest.
The doctor suggested that I rest.
He warned me to not touch it.
He warned me not to touch it.
She asked to him to leave.
She asked him to leave.
He forbade me not to go.
He forbade me to go.
Sentence Patterns
My ___ told me to ___.
The ___ asked us not to ___.
I would advise you to ___ so that you can ___.
Despite the warning, he ___ them not to ___.
Real World Usage
My previous supervisor told me to manage the budget.
She asked me to pick her up at 8.
The nurse told me to wait in the lobby.
They asked me to open my bag.
The influencer told her followers to swipe up.
I asked the driver to leave the food at the door.
The 'Tell' Rule
Negative Placement
Vary Your Verbs
Polite Reporting
Smart Tips
Drop the word 'please' and use the verb 'ask'. It automatically conveys the politeness.
Stop! Don't use 'to'. Use '-ing' or 'that'.
Think of 'not to' as a single unit that can't be broken.
Replace 'told' with 'instructed' or 'reminded'.
Pronunciation
The 'to' reduction
In natural speech, the word 'to' is often reduced to a 'schwa' sound /tə/.
Linking 'told' and 'me'
The 'd' in 'told' often blends into the 'm' of 'me'.
Command Stress
He told me to STOP.
The main verb (the action) usually carries the most stress in the sentence.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
T.O.T: Tell + Object + To. Remember the 'TOT' to report what you've got!
Visual Association
Imagine a bridge. On one side is the speaker (Boss), in the middle is the listener (You), and the bridge itself is the word 'TO' leading to the action (Work).
Rhyme
When they say 'Do!', you say 'Told to'. When they say 'Don't!', use 'Not to' or you won't!
Story
A king ordered his knight to fight. The knight asked the king to wait. The queen warned the knight not to fail. This story uses all three forms: order, request, and warning.
Word Web
Challenge
Look at the last 3 texts you received that asked you to do something. Rewrite them as reported commands starting with 'They asked me to...'
Cultural Notes
Politeness is highly valued. Even a command is often reported using 'asked' rather than 'told' to sound less aggressive.
Directness is common in workplace reporting. 'Told' is used frequently for clear delegation of tasks.
Reporting verbs like 'ordered' or 'commanded' are used strictly to reflect the hierarchy.
The use of the infinitive to report commands dates back to Old English, where the infinitive was used to express purpose or necessity after verbs of commanding.
Conversation Starters
What is the best piece of advice a teacher ever told you to do?
Think about your last doctor's visit. What did they tell you to do or not to do?
If you were a boss, what would you tell your employees to do every morning?
Tell me about a time a flight attendant or security guard asked you to do something unusual.
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
Direct: 'Don't touch the stove!' -> He told me ___ touch the stove.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Find and fix the mistake:
The teacher asked that we to be quiet.
Direct: 'Please help me with my bags,' she said to him.
In reported commands, the main verb changes tense (e.g., 'go' becomes 'went').
A: What did the boss say? B: He ___.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Score: /8
Practice Exercises
8 exercisesDirect: 'Don't touch the stove!' -> He told me ___ touch the stove.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Find and fix the mistake:
The teacher asked that we to be quiet.
Direct: 'Please help me with my bags,' she said to him.
In reported commands, the main verb changes tense (e.g., 'go' becomes 'went').
A: What did the boss say? B: He ___.
'Stop!'
Score: /8
Practice Bank
11 exercisesThe coach ___ to run an extra lap.
Choose the correct sentence:
My doctor advised that I got more exercise.
Arrange these words into a sentence:
Translate into English: 'El profesor nos ordenó que entregáramos nuestros teléfonos.'
Match the direct commands with their correct reported forms:
My coach ___ me to stay hydrated during the marathon.
The security guard told me not touching the exhibit.
Arrange these words into a sentence:
Translate into English: 'Ella le pidió a su compañero que cerrara la ventana.'
Which sentence is correct?
Score: /11
FAQ (8)
No, you cannot use `say` with an object and an infinitive. You must use `tell` or `ask`. For example, 'He told me to go' is correct, but 'He said me to go' is wrong.
In formal writing, `not to` is the standard (e.g., 'He told me not to go'). In casual conversation, you will often hear `to not`, but `not to` is always safer and more correct.
Yes, with verbs like `tell`, `ask`, `remind`, and `warn`, you must specify who the command was given to.
You can use a passive structure like 'We were told to wait' or use a different verb like 'The order was given to wait'.
You don't need to include the word 'please'. Instead, use the verb `ask` to show that it was a polite request.
Only with specific verbs like `insist`, `demand`, or `suggest`, and the structure changes (e.g., 'He demanded that I leave'). For `tell` and `ask`, always use `to`.
The reporting verb can be in any tense (tells, told, will tell), but the action verb always remains in the `to-infinitive` form.
You can use `order`, `command`, `forbid`, `invite`, `encourage`, `remind`, and `warn`.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
decir que + subjuntivo
English uses 'to + verb', Spanish uses 'that + subjunctive'.
dire de + infinitif
French requires the preposition 'de' before the infinitive.
sagen, ... zu + Infinitiv
The word order is different, with the infinitive usually at the very end.
〜ように言う (youni iu)
Japanese uses a particle 'youni' instead of an infinitive marker.
أمر أن (amara an)
Arabic requires a conjugated verb after 'an', not an infinitive.
让 (ràng) / 叫 (jiào)
There is no 'to' marker or change in verb form in Chinese.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
Learn These First
Boss Mode: Positive Commands (Imperative)
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