1. Lesson Overview
In this lesson, you will learn:
- How to report commands
- How to report requests
- How to report advice
- How to report suggestions
- Use of reporting verbs
- Infinitive structures (to + verb)
- Negative commands
- Common transformation mistakes
Unlike statements and questions, these forms use infinitives.
2. Reporting Commands
Direct:
The teacher said, “Close the door.”
Indirect:
The teacher told me to close the door.
Structure
Reporting verb + object + to + base verb
Common reporting verbs:
told • ordered • instructed • commanded
3. Reporting Requests
Direct:
She said, “Please help me.”
Indirect:
She asked me to help her.
Structure:
asked + object + to + verb
“Please” is removed.
4. Reporting Advice
Direct:
The doctor said, “Exercise regularly.”
Indirect:
The doctor advised me to exercise regularly.
Common verbs:
advised • encouraged • warned
Structure:
advised + object + to + verb
5. Reporting Negative Commands
Direct:
The teacher said, “Do not talk.”
Indirect:
The teacher told the students not to talk.
Structure:
object + not to + verb
6. Reporting Suggestions
Direct:
She said, “Let’s start the meeting.”
Indirect:
She suggested starting the meeting.
OR
She suggested that we start the meeting.
Common suggestion verbs:
suggested • proposed • recommended
Important:
Do NOT use “to” after suggest in the standard structure.
Incorrect:
She suggested to start.
Correct:
She suggested starting.
7. Reporting Verb + That-Clause (Alternative)
Sometimes we use:
Reporting verb + that + subject + should + verb
She suggested that we should begin early.
Formal structure.
8. Summary of Structures
|
Direct Type |
Indirect Structure |
|
Command |
told + object + to + verb |
|
Request |
asked + object + to + verb |
|
Advice |
advised + object + to + verb |
|
Negative command |
told + object + not to + verb |
|
Suggestion |
suggested + gerund |
|
Suggestion |
suggested that + clause |
9. Common Errors
⚠ Using “to” after suggest
Incorrect: She suggested to leave.
Correct: She suggested leaving.
⚠ Forgetting the object in commands
Incorrect: She told to leave.
Correct: She told me to leave.
⚠ Forgetting “not” placement
Incorrect: She told me to not leave. (less formal)
Better: She told me not to leave.
10. End of Lesson Check
You should now be able to:
✅Report commands correctly
✅Report requests and advice
✅Use infinitive structures
✅Report suggestions accurately
✅Avoid structural errors