Reported Commands and Requests: Telling others what to do
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Turn direct orders into polite reports by using a reporting verb, an object, and a 'to-infinitive'.
- Use 'tell' for commands and 'ask' for 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 doctor told me NOT to smoke.'
Overview
Tell someone what another person said to do. Example: "He told me to close the door."
Use "to" and an action word. This helps you speak clearly.
How This Grammar Works
“You must submit the report by Friday,” becomes “The manager ordered him to submit the report by Friday.” Here, ordered conveys the authoritative nature of the original command.Formation Pattern
She |
me |
order: Suggests a strong, often official, command. “The judge ordered the witness to tell the truth.”
command: Similar to order, often with military or formal connotations. “The captain commanded his crew to prepare for boarding.”
instruct: Implies giving clear, often detailed, directions. “The guide instructed us to stay on the marked path.”
direct: Similar to instruct, often in a professional capacity. “The supervisor directed the team to prioritize the urgent tasks.”
advise: Implies giving counsel or a recommendation. “My lawyer advised me to accept the settlement offer.”
encourage: Implies motivating someone to do something. “The teacher encouraged the students to think critically.”
urge: A stronger form of encourage, often in a persuasive context. “Activists urged the government to address climate change.”
implore / beg: Strong requests, often emotionally charged. “She implored him not to leave her.”
warn: To caution someone against an action. “They warned us not to touch the exposed wires.”
“Don't forget your passport!”
“She reminded him not to forget his passport.”
“Please don't disturb the artist.”
“The curator asked us not to disturb the artist.”
“Bring your book here tomorrow.”
“He told me to bring my book there the next day.”
When To Use It
- Professional and Formal Communication: In academic, business, or official settings, relaying instructions or directives indirectly is often preferred to maintain decorum and objectivity. Instead of directly quoting, which can sometimes appear confrontational or informal, reporting allows for a smoother flow.
“During the meeting, the project manager instructed the team to finalize the proposal by end-of-day.”“The university regulations prohibit students from plagiarizing any academic work.”- Cultural Insight: In many English-speaking professional environments, indirectness and politeness are highly valued. Reporting commands using structures like
“The client requested us to… ”or“I was asked to… ”is often more diplomatic than a direct imperative.
- Relaying Information and Delegation: When passing on instructions from one person to another, this structure is crucial for clarity and accountability. It highlights who originally issued the directive and who is expected to act upon it.
“My supervisor told me to ask you to double-check the figures before submission.”“The head of department advised all staff to attend the mandatory training session.”
- Politeness and Softening Requests: Reporting a request can often make it sound less demanding than a direct imperative, even if the original request was quite direct. It introduces a layer of separation.
- Direct:
“Please email me the documents.” - Reported:
“She asked me to email her the documents.”(This sounds less like you are making the request yourself.) - Direct:
“Could you possibly help me with this?” - Reported:
“He wondered if I could possibly help him, and I told him to let me know what he needed.”(Whilewondered ifis different, thetold him to let me knowdemonstrates an indirect follow-up.)
- Narrative and Storytelling: In fiction, journalism, or any form of narrative, reported commands efficiently integrate directives into the flow of events without disrupting the narrative voice with direct quotation marks.
“The ancient prophecy warned the hero not to awaken the sleeping dragon.”“The police officer ordered the crowd to disperse immediately.”
- Summarizing and Generalizing Instructions: When the exact wording of a command is not important, but the core instruction is, reported commands allow for concise summarization.
“The safety briefing instructed everyone to exit the building calmly in case of a fire alarm.”“He advised me to review the entire chapter, not just the summary.”
Common Mistakes
- Omitting the Object: This is arguably the most prevalent error. The structure
Reporting Verb + Object + to-infinitivemandates a direct object, which indicates who received the original command or request. Without it, the sentence is ungrammatical. - Incorrect:
*“She told to call her later.”(The recipient oftoldis missing.) - Correct:
“She told me to call her later.” - Incorrect:
*“The sign warns to keep off the grass.” - Correct:
“The sign warns people to keep off the grass.”(Even ifpeopleis implied, it often needs to be stated or the verb changed, e.g.,“The sign warns against keeping off the grass.”)
- Incorrect Complement Structure (Using
that-clause or Gerund): Confusing reported commands with reported statements or other verb patterns is common. Verbs liketell,ask,order,advisepredominantly take theobject + to-infinitivefor commands/requests. Some verbs, however, take different structures. - Incorrect:
*“He asked that I help him.”(While a subjunctivethat-clause (that I help) exists, for a simple request,object + to-infinitiveis more natural and common.) - Correct:
“He asked me to help him.” - Incorrect:
*“She suggested me to reconsider.”(suggestdoes not typically takeobject + to-infinitivefor direct commands/requests; it usesgerundorthat-clause.) - Correct:
“She suggested reconsidering.”or“She suggested that I reconsider.”(Note the absence ofmedirectly beforeto reconsiderwithsuggest.)
- Tense Backshift in the Infinitive: Learners accustomed to tense changes in reported statements sometimes incorrectly apply this rule to the infinitive in reported commands. The
to-infinitivenever changes tense; the tense is carried by thereporting verb. - Incorrect:
“He told her to had finished* the work.” - Correct:
“He told her to finish the work.”(The tense is intold.)
- Incorrect Negative Formation (
to notvs.not to): As mentioned, the standard and universally accepted form for negative reported commands isnot to. - Incorrect:
*“They advised him to not worry about it.” - Correct:
“They advised him not to worry about it.”
- Pronoun and Adverbial Inconsistencies: Failure to adjust pronouns, possessive adjectives, and time/place expressions can lead to ambiguity or grammatical errors.
- Incorrect:
“She told him to bring her phone here*.”(Ifherrefers toSheandhererefers to the speaker's location.) - Correct:
“She told him to bring her phone there.”(Assumingthereis whereShewas when speaking, or the new reference point.) Or“She told him to bring his phone there.”(Ifherwas a mistake and it washisphone).
Real Conversations
Understanding reported commands and requests truly solidifies when observed in authentic, modern communicative contexts. These examples demonstrate the structure's versatility across various C1 scenarios.
Scenario 1
Subject
Hi Sarah,
Following up on our call yesterday, the client requested us to expedite the final review of the Alpha module. They specifically asked not to introduce any new features at this stage, prioritizing stability over expansion. John also instructed me to compile all pending bug reports by noon today. Could you please ensure your team is aware?
Thanks,
Michael
Analysis
to expedite, not to introduce, to compile) from different sources (client, John) without using direct, imperative language, maintaining a professional and indirect tone suitable for formal written communication.Scenario 2
Anya:
Structure of Reported Commands
| Subject | Reporting Verb | Object | Infinitive (to + verb) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
The teacher
|
told
|
the students
|
to open their books.
|
|
My friend
|
asked
|
me
|
to help him.
|
|
The boss
|
ordered
|
us
|
to finish the project.
|
|
She
|
warned
|
him
|
not to touch the wire.
|
|
I
|
begged
|
her
|
to stay.
|
|
The sign
|
instructs
|
visitors
|
to wait here.
|
Meanings
The grammatical structure used to relay instructions, orders, or requests made by someone else without using their exact words.
Direct Commands
Reporting a firm order or instruction where the speaker has authority.
“The officer ordered the suspect to put his hands up.”
“My boss told me to attend the meeting.”
Polite Requests
Reporting a request where the speaker is asking for a favor or cooperation.
“She asked the waiter to bring some water.”
“He requested the guests to remain seated.”
Urgent Advice or Warnings
Reporting a directive that functions as a warning or strong suggestion.
“The lifeguard warned us not to swim near the rocks.”
“The manual advises users to unplug the device before cleaning.”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative Command
|
tell + object + to-inf
|
He told me to sit down.
|
|
Negative Command
|
tell + object + not to-inf
|
She told me not to worry.
|
|
Polite Request
|
ask + object + to-inf
|
I asked him to wait.
|
|
Strong Order
|
order + object + to-inf
|
The judge ordered him to pay.
|
|
Urgent Plea
|
beg + object + to-inf
|
They begged us to help.
|
|
Warning
|
warn + object + not to-inf
|
He warned me not to go there.
|
|
Formal Instruction
|
instruct + object + to-inf
|
The manual instructs you to plug it in.
|
Formality Spectrum
The chairperson requested that the observers vacate the chamber. (Evicting people from a space)
He asked everyone to leave the room. (Evicting people from a space)
He told us to get out. (Evicting people from a space)
He was like, 'Yo, clear out.' (Evicting people from a space)
Reporting Verb Nuance
Authority
- Order Strong command
- Command Official order
Politeness
- Ask Neutral request
- Request Formal request
Urgency
- Beg Emotional plea
- Urge Strong advice
How to Report a Directive
Is it a command or a request?
Is it negative (Don't...)?
Examples by Level
He told me to go.
She asked me to help.
The teacher told us to listen.
Mom told me to eat.
The doctor told him not to smoke.
I asked her to open the window.
He told them to be quiet.
She asked me not to tell anyone.
The police officer ordered the driver to stop.
My boss warned me not to be late again.
They begged us to stay for dinner.
The sign instructed visitors to keep off the grass.
The coach encouraged the players to keep trying.
She forbade her children to watch that movie.
The guide urged the tourists to stay together.
He reminded me to bring my passport.
The diplomat implored the nations to seek a peaceful resolution.
The court summoned the defendant to appear on Tuesday.
The board petitioned the CEO to reconsider the layoffs.
The general commanded the troops to retreat immediately.
The priest adjured the witness to tell the absolute truth.
The treaty enjoined the signatories to uphold human rights.
She was to be instructed to vacate the premises by dawn.
The king decreed his subjects to pay a new tax.
Easily Confused
Learners often use 'say' with an object and infinitive, which is incorrect.
Learners try to use 'suggest' with an object + infinitive.
Confusing the verb 'advise' with the noun 'advice' in reported speech.
Common Mistakes
He told to me go.
He told me to go.
She said me to wait.
She told me to wait.
He told me go.
He told me to go.
I asked him for help me.
I asked him to help me.
He told me to not smoke.
He told me not to smoke.
The teacher told that we sit down.
The teacher told us to sit down.
She asked to me to help.
She asked me to help.
He suggested me to go.
He suggested that I go.
They ordered to the soldiers to fire.
They ordered the soldiers to fire.
He demanded me to leave.
He demanded that I leave.
The law forbids to smoke here.
The law forbids smoking here / forbids people to smoke here.
Sentence Patterns
My boss ___ me to ___.
The doctor ___ him not to ___.
The authorities ___ the public to ___.
Real World Usage
Sarah told me to tell you to bring the snacks.
My previous supervisor encouraged me to take the lead on the project.
The specialist advised me not to lift anything heavy for a week.
The crew requested all passengers to fasten their seatbelts.
The officer ordered the driver to step out of the vehicle.
And then she literally asked me to delete the photo!
Choose the Right Verb
The 'That' Trap
Negative Placement
Politeness in Reporting
Smart Tips
Default to 'tell' for orders and 'ask' for requests. They are never wrong in neutral contexts.
Think of 'not to' as a single unit that cannot be separated.
Never use 'suggested me to'. Use 'suggested that I' or 'suggested -ing'.
Use 'instruct' or 'direct' to sound professional in emails.
Pronunciation
Stress on the Reporting Verb
The reporting verb (told, asked, warned) usually carries the most stress to emphasize the intent.
Reduction of 'to'
In natural speech, 'to' is often reduced to a schwa /tə/.
Falling intonation on the command
He told me to ↘wait.
Conveys the finality of the instruction.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Remember 'T.O.T': Tell + Object + To. It's the 'tot'al way to report a command!
Visual Association
Imagine a puppet master (the speaker) pulling strings (the reporting verb) to make a puppet (the object) perform an action (the to-infinitive).
Rhyme
When they say 'Go!', you say 'He told me to go.' / When they say 'No!', you say 'He told me not to go.'
Story
A king (Subject) gave a scroll (Reporting Verb) to a messenger (Object) with a map (to-infinitive) showing where to go. The messenger told the villagers to follow the map.
Word Web
Challenge
Look at three signs in your neighborhood (e.g., 'No Parking', 'Push', 'Wait here') and report them out loud using different verbs.
Cultural Notes
British speakers often use 'shall' or 'should' in reported directives to sound more polite or formal, e.g., 'He said that I should wait.'
American English frequently uses the mandative subjunctive for formal commands, especially with 'insist' or 'demand'.
In modern tech companies, direct commands are often reported as 'suggestions' or 'asks' to sound less hierarchical.
The use of the infinitive to report commands dates back to Old English, where the infinitive was used to express purpose or result after verbs of bidding or commanding.
Conversation Starters
What did your parents always tell you to do when you were a kid?
If you were a king or queen for a day, what would you order your subjects to do?
Tell me about a time a boss or teacher urged you to do something difficult.
What have the authorities recently instructed citizens to do regarding the environment?
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
She warned me ___ ___ ___ the stove.
Choose the best option:
Find and fix the mistake:
The boss suggested me to work late.
He told me...
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
A: What did the doctor say? B: He ___ me ___ more water.
Sort the verbs:
not / the / to / told / teacher / us / talk
Score: /8
Practice Exercises
8 exercisesShe warned me ___ ___ ___ the stove.
Choose the best option:
Find and fix the mistake:
The boss suggested me to work late.
He told me...
1. 'Get out!' 2. 'Could you help?' 3. 'Don't go there, it's dangerous.'
A: What did the doctor say? B: He ___ me ___ more water.
Sort the verbs:
not / the / to / told / teacher / us / talk
Score: /8
Practice Bank
11 exercisesThe librarian ___ me to keep quiet in the reading room.
The teacher told students to studying harder for the final.
Choose the correct sentence:
Translate into English: 'El jefe me dijo que enviara el email.'
Arrange these words into a sentence:
Match the direct commands with the start of their reported forms:
The sign ___ drivers ___ (slow) down.
Which of these sentences contains a grammatical error?
Choose the most polite option:
Translate into English: 'Nos aconsejó que no bebiéramos el agua.'
Rearrange the words to make a meaningful sentence:
Score: /11
FAQ (8)
Not directly with an infinitive. You can't say `He said me to go`. You must use `tell` or use a 'that' clause with `say`, like `He said that I should go`.
It's a 'split infinitive'. While common in casual English, it's technically better to say `not to go` in formal writing and exams.
Yes, for verbs like `tell`, `ask`, `order`, and `warn`, the person being spoken to must be mentioned.
`Ask` is neutral and common. `Request` is formal and often used in business or official contexts.
Use a plural object like `them` or `us`. Example: `The coach told them to run`.
Yes. `She forbade him to leave`. Note that `forbid` is quite formal and the past tense is `forbade`.
You can use a general object like `people` or `everyone`, or use a passive structure: `Visitors are instructed to wait`.
Yes. If you are reporting a past command, use `told`. If you are reporting a general rule, you can use `tells` or `instructs`.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
decir que + subjunctive
English uses an infinitive; Spanish uses the subjunctive.
dire de + infinitive
French requires the preposition 'de' before the infinitive.
sagen + zu + infinitive
German places the infinitive at the very end of the sentence.
youni iu
Japanese uses a completely different particle-based structure.
amara bi + infinitive / an + subjunctive
Arabic often requires a specific preposition depending on the reporting verb.
rang / jiao
Chinese has no 'to' particle and no tense changes.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
Learn These First
Boss Mode: Positive Commands (Imperative)
Overview Use these sentences to tell people what to do. It is for commands, requests, or advice. It is very simple and d...
Reporting What People Said (Tense Backshift)
Overview Reporting what someone said, also known as `reported speech` or `indirect speech`, is a fundamental aspect of E...
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