Reported Commands and Requests helps you communicate about retelling instructions, commands and polite requests. Start with the meaning, notice the pattern, and then use it in complete sentences.
By the end of this lesson, you can
- I can report commands and requests using infinitive structures.
- Recognise and build the form: told/asked + object + (not) to-infinitive.
- Use the pattern accurately in a meaningful sentence.
Meaning and use
Use Reported Commands and Requests for retelling instructions, commands and polite requests. Always read the whole situation before choosing the form: grammar expresses a meaning, not only a pattern.
The teacher told us to be quiet.
Report an affirmative command with 'told + object + to-infinitive'.
She asked me to close the window.
Report a request with 'asked + object + to-infinitive'.
The doctor told him to stop smoking.
Use a to-infinitive after 'told him' to report the instruction.
told/asked + object + (not) to-infinitiveKeep this pattern visible while you study the examples. Then cover it and rebuild one example from memory.
Key rules to notice
These rules explain why the form is correct. Focus on the subject, auxiliary, verb form, word order and time or meaning clues.
- Report an affirmative command with 'told + object + to-infinitive'.
- Report a request with 'asked + object + to-infinitive'.
- Use a to-infinitive after 'told him' to report the instruction.
- A negative reported command uses 'not to + base verb'.
- 'Remind + object + to-infinitive' reports a reminder.
Common mistakes
Not:The teacher told us be quiet.
Use:The teacher told us to be quiet.
Report an affirmative command with 'told + object + to-infinitive'.
Not:She asked me close the window.
Use:She asked me to close the window.
Report a request with 'asked + object + to-infinitive'.
Not:The doctor told him stop smoking.
Use:The doctor told him to stop smoking.
Use a to-infinitive after 'told him' to report the instruction.
Check before you practise
Complete each sentence mentally, then reveal the answer.
They warned us ____ the water.
not to drink
A negative reported command uses 'not to + base verb'.
Mum reminded me ____ my keys.
to take
'Remind + object + to-infinitive' reports a reminder.
The guard ordered everyone ____ the building.
to leave
'Order + object + to-infinitive' reports a strong command.