Reported Commands and Requests

Direct commands are simple. They are usually just the verb. Sit down! is a direct command. But reporting it is a bit different. You need a reporting verb. You also need an object. The object is the person receiving the command. Finally, you use a to-infinitive. This is the basic engine of the rule. You are essentially saying 'Who told who to do what'. It sounds more complex than it is. Think of it like a grammar traffic light. The reporting verb tells you the direction. The object tells you the target. The infinitive is the action itself. If the command is negative, just add not. Place it before the to. Don't move! becomes He told me not to move. It is like a tidy little package. You wrap the original command in a new structure. This keeps the meaning clear. It also keeps the conversation moving smoothly.

1. 1Choose your reporting verb. Use tell for general orders. Use ask for polite requests.
2. 2Identify the person being spoken to. This is your object. Use pronouns like me, him, or us.
3. 3Convert the original verb into a to-infinitive. Just add to before the base verb.
4. 4If the command is negative, add not. Put it right before the to.
5. 5Adjust any pronouns if needed. My might become his. Your might become my.
6. 6Shift time and place words. Here becomes there. Now becomes then.
7. 7Remove the exclamation marks or question marks. The sentence is now a statement.

Use this in the workplace constantly. Your manager says, Finish the report. You tell your colleague, She told me to finish the report. It is professional and clear. Use it when giving directions. Someone tells you, Turn left. You report, He told me to turn left. It is perfect for doctor appointments too. Take two pills, says the doctor. The doctor told me to take two pills, you tell your family. Use it for social requests. Please bring some wine, says your host. She asked me to bring some wine, you note. It is the bridge between what was said and the report. It works for warnings too. Don't touch the stove! becomes She warned me not to touch the stove. It is about relaying instructions accurately. It keeps everyone on the same page. Think of it as the 'relay race' of English. You are passing the baton of information.

Do not use this for general statements. If someone says, I like cake, do not use this. That is a reported statement, not a command. You would use He said that... instead. Avoid this pattern with the verb suggest. He suggested me to go is actually wrong. You should say He suggested that I go. Do not use it when the original speaker is just wondering. If they say I wonder if..., use reported questions. This rule is strictly for instructions and requests. Also, do not use it if you want to be very dramatic. Sometimes, direct speech is better for storytelling. He screamed, "Run!" is more exciting. He told me to run is more clinical. Choose your vibe carefully. Do not use it for advice that is not an instruction. If they say You should try this, use He advised me to.... But if they just say It is nice, just use said.

Forgeting the word to is a big one. He told me go sounds very broken. Always remember that to! Another classic is using said to. He said to me to stay is a no-go. Use told instead. It is much more natural. Placing not in the wrong spot is common too. He told me to not go is okay in casual speech. But He told me not to go is the gold standard. Do not forget to change the pronouns. If you say He told me to wash my car, but you mean his car, confusion happens! Also, avoid overusing ordered. It sounds very aggressive. Unless you are in the army, told or asked is better. Native speakers might use ordered for a joke. But in a job interview? Stick to asked. Think of it like a grammar fashion choice. You want to look sharp, not messy.

Compare this to reported statements. Statements use He said that.... Commands use He told me to.... The structure is totally different. Now look at reported questions. He asked if I was hungry vs He asked me to be quiet. One is about information. The other is about an action. Notice the reporting verb ask is used for both. This can be confusing! Look at the structure following it. If there is a to-infinitive, it is a request. If there is an if or wh- word, it is a question. It is like a fork in the road. You need to know which path to take. Also, compare it to make or let. He made me do it is very strong. He told me to do it is just a report. Let does not even use to. He let me go. Grammar loves these little exceptions. They keep us on our toes.