Reported commands and request

In direct speech, we use the imperative to give commands an make requests. When this is changed to reported speech, we use the following structures:

Commands: tell + object + infinitive (with to).

• "Watch the door!" : The lawyer told the court to watch the door.

Requests: ask + object + infinitive (with to).

• "Please can you explain?" : The lawyer asked the judge to explain.

If we want to make a negative command or request in reported speech, we put not before the infinitive (with to):

Subject + verb + object + not + infinitive (with to).

• "Don't touch anything!" : The detective told us not to touch anything.

• "Please don't send my client to prison." : The lawyer asked the judge not to send his client to prison.

There are other verbs that we can use to give commands and make requests in reported speech. For example: advise, ask, encourage, invite, order, persuade, remind, tell, warn.

• "You should tell the police" : My friend advised me to tell the police.