imperative in reported speech

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Direct & Indirect Speech

Reported Speech Imperatives

Reported speech imperatives differ in structure to other reported speech sentences.

Imperatives are:

Commands: Keep quiet!
Requests: Please close the window
Advice: Go and lie down
Suggestions: Take the test next year instead

This is the structure that we use:

Structure: reporting verb (e.g. ask, tell) + noun/pronoun + to infinitive

Example: She asked me to come later

Here are some further examples using the imperative sentences above, showing them in direct speech and indirect speech.

Direct Speech:

She said, "Keep quiet!"
"Please close the window", the teacher said
He told her, "Go and lie down"
She said, "Take the test next year instead"

Reported Speech:

She instructed me to keep quiet
The teacher asked me to close the window
He told her to go and lie down
She advised them to take the test next year instead

Reporting Verbs for Imperatives

In normal reported speech, the common reporting verbs are said and told . For instance:

She said she was tired
He told me I should come tomorrow

There are many more, however, that are used with reported speech imperatives. Some are for orders while others are for polite requests.

Polite Request

Here are some more examples of reported speech imperatives using these verbs:

Polite Requests

My doctor advised me to sleep more
The government urged the people to use less water
She asked me to join her on holiday
They reminded us to put our seat belts on
He requested the guests to vacate their rooms
He begs her to stay
John told his brother to change direction
My boss orders me to work harder
She instructed them to learn the alphabet
The general commanded his soldiers to obey
The sign forbade them to enter

Suggest / demand / insist as Reported Verbs

Suggest / demand / insist can be used as reported verb for imperatives; however, they do not follow the same pattern as above. That is because the structure for using them is as follows:

Suggest / demand / insis t + that + someone

So this is how reported speech with these verbs will look:

Direct Speech: She said, "Study harder to pass your test"
Reported Speech: She suggested that I study harder to pass my test
Direct Speech: He said, "Take a taxi home"
Reported Speech: He insisted that we take a taxi home

You can't say:

She suggested me to study harder X
He insisted us to take a taxi home X

Negative Imperatives in Reported Speech

When we want to make an imperative reported speech sentence negative, we simply add in not before the ' to infinitive ':

Negative Imperatives in Reported Speech

Structure: reporting verb + noun/pronoun + not + to infinitive

Example: She advised me not to come late

Here are some examples of direct speech changed into indirect speech using negative imperatives.

She said, "Don't keep talking!"
"Please don't study too hard", the teacher said
He told her, "Don't wait up for me"
The doctor said, "Don't over eat"
She instructed us not to keep keep talking
The teacher asked them not to study to hard
He urged me not to wait up for him
The doctor advised me not to over eat

More on Reported Speech:

Direct and Indirect Speech: The differences explained

Direct and indirect speech are different because in direct speech the exact words said are spoken, but in indirect or reported speech, we are reporting what was said, usually using the past tense.

Reported Speech Tenses Chart: How to convert tenses

Reported speech tenses may differ from the tense of the direct speech. The general rule for tenses in reported speech is that it changes to the past tense. This is called backshifting.

Examples of Direct and Indirect Speech

In these examples of direct and indirect speech you are given a sentence in direct speech which is then connected to indirect speech.

Reported Speech Quiz - Practice forming indirect speech

This reported speech quiz gives you the chance to practice converting direct speech to reported speech, also known as indirect speech. This involves backshifting with the tenses.

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Reported Speech: Imperatives

Imperatives in reported speech are a little different than sentences. Imperatives can be used when we give orders and we can also use them to make requests.

For imperatives, we use “ask/tell somebody to do something”.

Compare these two sentences and how they are used in reported speech.

Statement: “It is good.”

Reported Speech: He said that it is good.

Imperative: “Come here.”

Reported Speech: She told me to come here.

So, we use “ask/tell + to + verb” to report a command or imperative.

“Be quiet.” The teacher told the students to be quiet.
“Sit down.” My boss told me to sit down.
“Wake up early.” She told me to wake up early.
“Please stop it.” He asked her to please stop it.
“Bring it, please.” He asked her to bring it, please.

Note: Use “tell” for orders and use “ask” for polite requests.

For negative imperatives, we use “not to + verb”. However, you will often hear native speakers say “to + not + verb”.

“Don’t do that.” She told me not to do that.
“Do not talk.” She told us not to talk.
“Please do not be late.” She asked me not to be late.
“Don’t be noisy.” I told her not to be noisy.

Note: Did you see the difference with negative imperatives with adjectives? Look at the last two examples. We leave out the verb “do”.

Make sure that you understand this English grammar well. It is important to know if you want to speak English fluently.

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Reported Speech /

Imperative Reported Speech with Examples & Practise Exercises

Updated on
Jan 9, 2024

Imperative Reported Speech: When studying English grammar , the candidate needs to have all the knowledge about imperative reported speech. By doing so, they will be able to construct sentences in a much better way. Imperative sentences in reported speech are used to give commands. In this blog, you will read about imperative reported speech which will help you learn about this concept.

This Blog Includes:

What is an imperative sentence, what is imperative reported speech, imperative reported speech with verb from direct to indirect speech, imperative reported speech exercise 1, imperative reported speech exercise 2.

An imperative sentence is a type of sentence that gives commands or makes requests. These sentences usually take the form of the subjectless verb. The tone is often forceful, commanding and direct.

Also Read: Imperative Sentence Passive Voice

Imperative in reported speech is a little bit different from regular sentences. They are generally used when one gives orders and we can also use them to make requests.

In imperatives, we use “ask/tell somebody to do something.”

Reported speech imperatives differ in structure from other reported speech sentences. Some imperatives including examples are given here:

Commands : Keep low!

Requests : Please close the gate

Advice : Move and lie down

Suggestions : Take the pill the next day instead

Below given examples below show how imperative is used in reported speech.

Imperative: “Come here.”

Reported Speech: She told me to come here.

Also Read: Active and Passive Voice: Rules, Examples & Exercise

An imperative sentence always indicates a command, advice or a request. Therefore, we must use appropriate verbs according to advice, command or request. Here is a list of verbs used to change direct speech into indirect speech as provided in the table below:

Another main key point in ‘tell’ is often used to express a ‘command’, ‘order’ or ‘request’. Therefore, it is safe to use ‘tell’ in the indirect form when there is doubt about a proper word to introduce a reported speech.

Change the following sentences into indirect speech.

My brother said, “Would you like to have tea with me?”
He said to his teacher, “Please explain this poem to me.”
“Come quickly”, he shouted, “and help me as I am in grave danger.”
The saint said to the pupils, “Be quiet and listen to me carefully.”
“Be punctual from tomorrow,” my teacher said, “otherwise I will complain to the Principal.”

Also Read: Tenses Rules: Charts, Examples, Types [PDF Available]

Rewrite each sentence into reported speech.

Grandma said to me, “Please fetch my glasses.”
The librarian said to us, “Return the books in a month.”
I said to the agent, ”Please book two tickets for America.”
Andrew said, ”I’ll have a chicken sandwich and some coffee.”
He said, ”Fasten your seat belts.”

Check Your Answers:

Grandma asked me to kindly fetch her glasses.
The librarian told us to return the books in a month.
I requested the agent to book two tickets for America.
Andrew asked for a chicken sandwich and some coffee.
He asked us to fasten our seat belts.

Also Read: Direct and Indirect Speech Exercises For Class 8

More Blogs on Reported Speech!

An example of an imperative in a reported speech are: He instructed me to keep quiet. The driver asked me to close the window of the bus.

To report an imperative, one can do so by using an infinitive along with a reporting verb. These will include tell, order instruct, win or direct.

In imperative speech, the sentence that expresses an advice, request or order is called an imperative speech.

To advance your grammar knowledge and read more informative blogs, check out our Learn English page and don’t forget to follow Leverage Edu .

Malvika Chawla

Malvika is a content writer cum news freak who comes with a strong background in Journalism and has worked with renowned news websites such as News 9 and The Financial Express to name a few. When not writing, she can be found bringing life to the canvasses by painting on them.

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Reported Speech – Rules, Examples & Worksheet

| Candace Osmond

Candace Osmond

Candace Osmond studied Advanced Writing & Editing Essentials at MHC. She’s been an International and USA TODAY Bestselling Author for over a decade. And she’s worked as an Editor for several mid-sized publications. Candace has a keen eye for content editing and a high degree of expertise in Fiction.

They say gossip is a natural part of human life. That’s why language has evolved to develop grammatical rules about the “he said” and “she said” statements. We call them reported speech.

Every time we use reported speech in English, we are talking about something said by someone else in the past. Thinking about it brings me back to high school, when reported speech was the main form of language!

Learn all about the definition, rules, and examples of reported speech as I go over everything. I also included a worksheet at the end of the article so you can test your knowledge of the topic.

What Does Reported Speech Mean?

Grammarist Article Graphic V3 2022 10 25T162134.388

Reported speech is a term we use when telling someone what another person said. You can do this while speaking or writing.

There are two kinds of reported speech you can use: direct speech and indirect speech. I’ll break each down for you.

A direct speech sentence mentions the exact words the other person said. For example:

Kryz said, “These are all my necklaces.”

Indirect speech changes the original speaker’s words. For example:

Kryz said those were all her necklaces.

When we tell someone what another individual said, we use reporting verbs like told, asked, convinced, persuaded, and said. We also change the first-person figure in the quotation into the third-person speaker.

Reported Speech Examples

We usually talk about the past every time we use reported speech. That’s because the time of speaking is already done. For example:

Direct speech: The employer asked me, “Do you have experience with people in the corporate setting?”

Indirect speech: The employer asked me if I had experience with people in the corporate setting.

Direct speech: “I’m working on my thesis,” I told James.

Indirect speech: I told James that I was working on my thesis.

Reported Speech Structure

A speech report has two parts: the reporting clause and the reported clause. Read the example below:

Harry said, “You need to help me.”

The reporting clause here is William said. Meanwhile, the reported clause is the 2nd clause, which is I need your help.

What are the 4 Types of Reported Speech?

Aside from direct and indirect, reported speech can also be divided into four. The four types of reported speech are similar to the kinds of sentences: imperative, interrogative, exclamatory, and declarative.

Reported Speech Rules

The rules for reported speech can be complex. But with enough practice, you’ll be able to master them all.

Choose Whether to Use That or If

The most common conjunction in reported speech is that. You can say, “My aunt says she’s outside,” or “My aunt says that she’s outside.”

Use if when you’re reporting a yes-no question. For example:

Direct speech: “Are you coming with us?”

Indirect speech: She asked if she was coming with them.

Verb Tense Changes

Change the reporting verb into its past form if the statement is irrelevant now. Remember that some of these words are irregular verbs, meaning they don’t follow the typical -d or -ed pattern. For example:

Direct speech: I dislike fried chicken.

Reported speech: She said she disliked fried chicken.

Note how the main verb in the reported statement is also in the past tense verb form.

Use the simple present tense in your indirect speech if the initial words remain relevant at the time of reporting. This verb tense also works if the report is something someone would repeat. For example:

Slater says they’re opening a restaurant soon.
Maya says she likes dogs.

This rule proves that the choice of verb tense is not a black-and-white question. The reporter needs to analyze the context of the action.

Move the tense backward when the reporting verb is in the past tense. That means:

Present simple becomes past simple.
Present perfect becomes past perfect.
Present continuous becomes past continuous.
Past simple becomes past perfect.
Past continuous becomes past perfect continuous.

Here are some examples:

The singer has left the building. (present perfect)

He said that the singers had left the building. (past perfect)

Her sister gave her new shows. (past simple)
She said that her sister had given her new shoes. (past perfect)

If the original speaker is discussing the future, change the tense of the reporting verb into the past form. There’ll also be a change in the auxiliary verbs.

Will or shall becomes would.
Will be becomes would be.
Will have been becomes would have been.
Will have becomes would have.

For example:

Direct speech: “I will be there in a moment.”

Indirect speech: She said that she would be there in a moment.

Do not change the verb tenses in indirect speech when the sentence has a time clause. This rule applies when the introductory verb is in the future, present, and present perfect. Here are other conditions where you must not change the tense:

If the sentence is a fact or generally true.
If the sentence’s verb is in the unreal past (using second or third conditional).
If the original speaker reports something right away.
Do not change had better, would, used to, could, might, etc.

Changes in Place and Time Reference

Changing the place and time adverb when using indirect speech is essential. For example, now becomes then and today becomes that day. Here are more transformations in adverbs of time and places.

This – that.
These – those.
Now – then.
Here – there.
Tomorrow – the next/following day.
Two weeks ago – two weeks before.
Yesterday – the day before.

Here are some examples.

Direct speech: “I am baking cookies now.”

Indirect speech: He said he was baking cookies then.

Direct speech: “Myra went here yesterday.”

Indirect speech: She said Myra went there the day before.

Direct speech: “I will go to the market tomorrow.”

Indirect speech: She said she would go to the market the next day.

Using Modals

Grammarist Article Graphic V3 2022 10 25T162624.255

If the direct speech contains a modal verb, make sure to change them accordingly.

Will becomes would
Can becomes could
Shall becomes should or would.
Direct speech: “Will you come to the ball with me?”

Indirect speech: He asked if he would come to the ball with me.

Direct speech: “Gina can inspect the room tomorrow because she’s free.”

Indirect speech: He said Gina could inspect the room the next day because she’s free.

However, sometimes, the modal verb should does not change grammatically. For example:

Direct speech: “He should go to the park.”

Indirect speech: She said that he should go to the park.

Imperative Sentences

To change an imperative sentence into a reported indirect sentence, use to for imperative and not to for negative sentences. Never use the word that in your indirect speech. Another rule is to remove the word please . Instead, say request or say. For example:

“Please don’t interrupt the event,” said the host.

The host requested them not to interrupt the event.

Jonah told her, “Be careful.”
Jonah ordered her to be careful.

Reported Questions

When reporting a direct question, I would use verbs like inquire, wonder, ask, etc. Remember that we don’t use a question mark or exclamation mark for reports of questions. Below is an example I made of how to change question forms.

Incorrect: He asked me where I live?

Correct: He asked me where I live.

Here’s another example. The first sentence uses direct speech in a present simple question form, while the second is the reported speech.

Where do you live?

She asked me where I live.

Wrapping Up Reported Speech

My guide has shown you an explanation of reported statements in English. Do you have a better grasp on how to use it now?

Reported speech refers to something that someone else said. It contains a subject, reporting verb, and a reported cause.

Don’t forget my rules for using reported speech. Practice the correct verb tense, modal verbs, time expressions, and place references.

Grammarist is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. When you buy via the links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you.

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Jun 25, 2023

Understanding Modals and Imperatives in Reported Speech: A Simple Guide

Reported speech is an essential aspect of English communication, allowing us to convey what someone else said. To accurately report what was said, we sometimes need to make changes to modals and imperatives from what was originally said.

In this blog post, we will explore the transformation of modals (such as "can," "could," and "may") and imperatives in reported speech. We will provide clear explanations and numerous examples to help you grasp these concepts effortlessly. Let's get started!

Part one: Modals in Reported Speech:

Modals are auxiliary verbs that express abilities, possibilities, or permissions. When reporting speech, we often need to change these modals to reflect the speaker's perspective.

Let's look at some examples:

1) "Can" in Reported Speech:

Direct speech: "Can you help me with my homework?"

Reported speech: She asked if I could help her with her homework.

Direct speech: "Can we go to the park?"

Reported speech: They asked if they could go to the park.

**can here is changed to “if” but it is not our only option, we can also say “they asked whether or not they could go to the park.”

2) "Could" in Reported Speech:

Direct speech: "Could you lend me some money?"

Reported speech: He asked if I could lend him some money.

Direct speech: "Could I use your phone?"

Reported speech: She asked if she could use my phone.

3) "May" in Reported Speech:

Direct speech: "May I open the window?"

Reported speech: He asked if he could open the window.

Direct speech: "May we leave early?"

Reported speech: They asked if they could leave early.

Part two: Imperatives in Reported Speech:

Imperatives are verb forms used to give commands, instructions, or advice. When reporting an imperative, we need to rephrase it accordingly.

Let's examine a few examples:

Positive Imperatives in Reported Speech:

Direct speech: "Clean your room."

Reported speech: She told me to clean my room.

Direct speech: "Be careful while crossing the road."

Reported speech : He advised me to be careful while crossing the road.

Negative Imperatives in Reported Speech:

Direct speech: "Don't touch the hot stove."

Reported speech: She warned me not to touch the hot stove.

Direct speech: "Don't forget to lock the door."

Reported speech: He reminded me not to forget to lock the door.

Polite Requests in Reported Speech:

Direct speech: "Please pass me the salt."

Reported speech: She politely asked me to pass her the salt.

Direct speech: "Kindly wait for your turn."

Reported speech: He requested that I kindly wait for my turn.

Mastering the transformation of modals and imperatives in reported speech is crucial for clear and accurate communication. By understanding how to change words like "can," "could," "may," and imperatives, you can effectively report what others have said. Remember to pay attention to the changes in verb forms and politeness levels. With practice, you'll become more confident in using reported speech in various contexts. Keep exploring and improving your language skills!

I hope this guide has provided you with a solid foundation for understanding the changes in modals and imperatives in reported speech. Practice using these transformations in your conversations and writing, and you'll soon become proficient in accurately reporting what others say. Happy learning!

Rewrite the following sentences in reported speech, changing the modals as necessary.

Direct speech: "Can you help me with this assignment?"

Direct speech: "May I use your phone?"

Direct speech: "Could you please pass me the salt?"

Direct speech: "You must finish your homework by tomorrow."

Direct speech: "She said, 'I can attend the meeting.'"

Rewrite the following sentences in reported speech, changing the imperatives as necessary.

Direct speech: "Clean your room!"

Direct speech: "Be quiet during the exam."

Direct speech: "Don't forget to call me."

Direct speech: "Open the window, please."

Direct speech: "The teacher said, 'Don't be late.'"

Combine modal verbs and imperatives in reported speech to rewrite the following sentences.

Direct speech: "You can go to the party, but don't stay out too late."

Direct speech: "Please could you bring me a glass of water?"

Direct speech: "You must apologize for your mistake."

Direct speech: "Don't worry, everything will be fine."

Direct speech: "She said, 'You may leave early if you finish your work.'"

Reported speech: She asked if I could help her with that assignment.

Reported speech: She asked if she might use my phone.

Reported speech: She asked if I could pass her the salt.

Reported speech: She said that I had to finish my homework by the next day.

Reported speech: She said that she could attend the meeting.

Imperatives

Reported speech: She told me to be quiet during the exam.

Reported speech: She reminded me not to forget to call her.

Reported speech: She asked me to open the window, please.

Reported speech: The teacher told us not to be late.

Mixed Modals and Imperatives

Reported speech: She said, "You can go to the party, but don't stay out too late."

Reported speech: She asked, "Could you please bring me a glass of water?"

Reported speech: She told me that I had to apologize for my mistake.

Reported speech: She told me not to worry, and that everything would be fine.

Reported speech: She said, "You may leave early if you finish your work."

Imperatives in Reported Speech

Reported speech - lesson #4.

"Be quiet." The teacher told the students to be quiet.
"Sit down." My boss told me to sit down.
"Wake up early." She told me to wake up early.
"Please stop it." He asked her to please stop it.
"Bring it, please." He asked her to bring it, please.
"Don't do that." She told me not to do that.
"Do not talk." She told us not to talk.
"Please do not be late." She asked me not to be late.
"Don't be noisy." I told her not to be noisy.

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Reporting imperatives

reporting verb + somebody + to-infinitive

When we report an imperative sentence or a request, we usually use a to -infinitive structure:

Mother: Put away your toys, Johnny . Johnny's mother told him to put away his toys .

Teacher: Everybody, please stand up. The teacher asked the class to stand up .

Examiner: Could you speak a bit louder? The examiner asked me to speak louder .

Examples of reporting verbs used to report imperatives and requests:

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Reported speech.

How to use reported speech in english, structure and explanations., table showing tense changes - direct to reported speech..

This table (right column) shows the verb tense or modal verb we use after we change from direct speech to reported speech.

Learn more about the tenses and modals in this list...

What is reported speech?

Reported speech is a structure used to repeat what somebody has said before (direct speech):

John: "My name is John" (direct speech) He said (that*) his name was John (reported speech)

* that can be omitted.

Note that after the verb said , which is in past tense, it is natural to continue the rest of the sentence in the past: "...his name was John". This does not mean that John is now not his name; we use the past for agreement of the verbs in the sentence: said and was .

However, if John is still John, we cannot reject the present tense. So that...

He said that his name is John.

...is also correct.

Let's consider a sentence said a week ago:

Mary: "I am going to Madrid."

If, a week later, we repeat what Mary said, we must now use the verb in past tense because the action cannot refer to the present but to seven days before :

Mary said that she was going to Madrid.

A tense one step further in the past.

We can see that I'm going in direct speech changes to I was going in reported speech. All tenses change to one step further in the past. In the above example, present continuous to past continuous .

In this next example, we can see how present perfect changes to past perfect :

Dave: I have seen that film. Dave said that he had seen that film.

In the case where we can not go further into the past, we repeat the same tense:

Mike: I had been there. He said that he had been there.

Other words that change.

Let's now look at other words that can change in reported speech if we refer to past actions:

I'm going tomorrow . He said he was going the next day (o " the following day ").

I'm playing football next week . He said he was playing football the following week .

I went last week . He said he had gone the week before .

If we have also moved in space, in other words, we are not in the same place where the direct speech was said, words referring to place must also change:

I like it here . He said that he liked it there .

Reported speech and modal auxiliary verbs.

Modal auxiliary verbs, in some cases, have also got a past tense form which is used in reported speech:

I can speak English. He said that he could speak English.

I 'll see you next week. She said that she would see him the following week.

See table above for full list of modals that change...

Reported speech and closed questions.

Let's now consider this question:

Is your name John?

A question in reported speech that requires the answer yes or no (closed question) must include if . In other words, we want to know if the answer is yes or no :

She asked him if his name was John.

Open questions and inversion.

Open questions which do not require a yes or no , for example, questions with words like: what?, when?, why?, who?, which?, how?, whose?, where?, how much? , what time?, etc. usually take inversion between the subject and auxiliary (or verb to be) in direct speech but no inversion in reported speech:

What is your name ? She asked what his name was (and not, ... what was his name ).

How much are the potatoes ? They asked how much the potatoes were (and not, ... how much were the potatoes ).

Where can we go? He asked where they could go (and not, ... where could they go ).

When did you see that film? She asked when he had seen that film (and not, ... where had he seen that film).

Reported speech and the imperative.

We will now look at sentences in the imperative. In these cases, it is common to use told + indirect object . Also note that the following verb is in the infinitive with to :

Go away! She told him to go away.

Sit down and be quiet! She told the child to sit down and (to) be quiet. Please take these things into the kitchen. She told him to take the things into the kitchen.

Exercises on reported speech...

Reported Speech

Perfect english grammar.

Reported Statements

Here's how it works:

We use a 'reporting verb' like 'say' or 'tell'. ( Click here for more about using 'say' and 'tell' .) If this verb is in the present tense, it's easy. We just put 'she says' and then the sentence:

Direct speech: I like ice cream.
Reported speech: She says (that) she likes ice cream.

We don't need to change the tense, though probably we do need to change the 'person' from 'I' to 'she', for example. We also may need to change words like 'my' and 'your'. (As I'm sure you know, often, we can choose if we want to use 'that' or not in English. I've put it in brackets () to show that it's optional. It's exactly the same if you use 'that' or if you don't use 'that'.)

But , if the reporting verb is in the past tense, then usually we change the tenses in the reported speech:

Reported speech: She said (that) she liked ice cream.

* doesn't change.

Direct speech: The sky is blue.
Reported speech: She said (that) the sky is/was blue.

Click here for a mixed tense exercise about practise reported statements. Click here for a list of all the reported speech exercises.

Reported Questions

So now you have no problem with making reported speech from positive and negative sentences. But how about questions?

Direct speech: Where do you live?
Reported speech: She asked me where I lived.
Direct speech: Where is Julie?
Reported speech: She asked me where Julie was.
Direct speech: Do you like chocolate?
Reported speech: She asked me if I liked chocolate.

Click here to practise reported 'wh' questions. Click here to practise reported 'yes / no' questions. Reported Requests

There's more! What if someone asks you to do something (in a polite way)? For example:

Direct speech: Close the window, please
Or: Could you close the window please?
Or: Would you mind closing the window please?
Reported speech: She asked me to close the window.
Direct speech: Please don't be late.
Reported speech: She asked us not to be late.

Reported Orders

Direct speech: Sit down!
Reported speech: She told me to sit down.
Click here for an exercise to practise reported requests and orders.
Click here for an exercise about using 'say' and 'tell'.
Click here for a list of all the reported speech exercises.

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B1-B2 grammar

Reported speech

Daisy has just had an interview for a summer job.

Instructions

As you watch the video, look at the examples of reported speech. They are in red in the subtitles. Then read the conversation below to learn more. Finally, do the grammar exercises to check you understand, and can use, reported speech correctly.

Sophie: Mmm, it’s so nice to be chilling out at home after all that running around.

Ollie: Oh, yeah, travelling to glamorous places for a living must be such a drag!

Ollie: Mum, you can be so childish sometimes. Hey, I wonder how Daisy’s getting on in her job interview.

Sophie: Oh, yes, she said she was having it at four o’clock, so it’ll have finished by now. That’ll be her ... yes. Hi, love. How did it go?

Daisy: Well, good I think, but I don’t really know. They said they’d phone later and let me know.

Sophie: What kind of thing did they ask you?

Daisy: They asked if I had any experience with people, so I told them about helping at the school fair and visiting old people at the home, that sort of stuff. But I think they meant work experience.

Sophie: I’m sure what you said was impressive. They can’t expect you to have had much work experience at your age.

Daisy: And then they asked me what acting I had done, so I told them that I’d had a main part in the school play, and I showed them a bit of the video, so that was cool.

Sophie: Great!

Daisy: Oh, and they also asked if I spoke any foreign languages.

Sophie: Languages?

Daisy: Yeah, because I might have to talk to tourists, you know.

Sophie: Oh, right, of course.

Daisy: So that was it really. They showed me the costume I’ll be wearing if I get the job. Sending it over ...

Ollie: Hey, sis, I heard that Brad Pitt started out as a giant chicken too! This could be your big break!

Daisy: Ha, ha, very funny.

Sophie: Take no notice, darling. I’m sure you’ll be a marvellous chicken.

We use reported speech when we want to tell someone what someone said. We usually use a reporting verb (e.g. say, tell, ask, etc.) and then change the tense of what was actually said in direct speech.

So, direct speech is what someone actually says? Like 'I want to know about reported speech'?

Yes, and you report it with a reporting verb.

He said he wanted to know about reported speech.

I said, I want and you changed it to he wanted .

Exactly. Verbs in the present simple change to the past simple; the present continuous changes to the past continuous; the present perfect changes to the past perfect; can changes to could ; will changes to would ; etc.

She said she was having the interview at four o’clock. (Direct speech: ' I’m having the interview at four o’clock.') They said they’d phone later and let me know. (Direct speech: ' We’ll phone later and let you know.')

OK, in that last example, you changed you to me too.

Yes, apart from changing the tense of the verb, you also have to think about changing other things, like pronouns and adverbs of time and place.

'We went yesterday.' > She said they had been the day before. 'I’ll come tomorrow.' > He said he’d come the next day.

I see, but what if you’re reporting something on the same day, like 'We went yesterday'?

Well, then you would leave the time reference as 'yesterday'. You have to use your common sense. For example, if someone is saying something which is true now or always, you wouldn’t change the tense.

'Dogs can’t eat chocolate.' > She said that dogs can’t eat chocolate. 'My hair grows really slowly.' > He told me that his hair grows really slowly.

What about reporting questions?

We often use ask + if/whether , then change the tenses as with statements. In reported questions we don’t use question forms after the reporting verb.

'Do you have any experience working with people?' They asked if I had any experience working with people. 'What acting have you done?' They asked me what acting I had done .

Is there anything else I need to know about reported speech?

One thing that sometimes causes problems is imperative sentences.

You mean like 'Sit down, please' or 'Don’t go!'?

Exactly. Sentences that start with a verb in direct speech need a to + infinitive in reported speech.

She told him to be good. (Direct speech: 'Be good!') He told them not to forget. (Direct speech: 'Please don’t forget.')

OK. Can I also say 'He asked me to sit down'?

Yes. You could say 'He told me to …' or 'He asked me to …' depending on how it was said.

OK, I see. Are there any more reporting verbs?

Yes, there are lots of other reporting verbs like promise , remind , warn , advise , recommend , encourage which you can choose, depending on the situation. But say , tell and ask are the most common.

Great. I understand! My teacher said reported speech was difficult.

And I told you not to worry!

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Cambridge Dictionary +Plus

Reported speech: indirect speech

Indirect speech focuses more on the content of what someone said rather than their exact words. In indirect speech , the structure of the reported clause depends on whether the speaker is reporting a statement, a question or a command.

Indirect speech: reporting statements

Indirect reports of statements consist of a reporting clause and a that -clause. We often omit that , especially in informal situations:

The pilot commented that the weather had been extremely bad as the plane came in to land. (The pilot’s words were: ‘The weather was extremely bad as the plane came in to land.’ )

I told my wife I didn’t want a party on my 50th birthday. ( that -clause without that ) (or I told my wife that I didn’t want a party on my 50th birthday .)

Indirect speech: reporting questions

Reporting yes-no questions and alternative questions.

Indirect reports of yes-no questions and questions with or consist of a reporting clause and a reported clause introduced by if or whether . If is more common than whether . The reported clause is in statement form (subject + verb), not question form:

She asked if [S] [V] I was Scottish. (original yes-no question: ‘Are you Scottish?’ )

The waiter asked whether [S] we [V] wanted a table near the window. (original yes-no question: ‘Do you want a table near the window? )

He asked me if [S] [V] I had come by train or by bus. (original alternative question: ‘Did you come by train or by bus?’ )

Questions: yes-no questions ( Are you feeling cold? )

Reporting wh -questions

Indirect reports of wh -questions consist of a reporting clause, and a reported clause beginning with a wh -word ( who, what, when, where, why, how ). We don’t use a question mark:

He asked me what I wanted.

Not: He asked me what I wanted?

The reported clause is in statement form (subject + verb), not question form:

She wanted to know who [S] we [V] had invited to the party.

Not: … who had we invited …

Who , whom and what

In indirect questions with who, whom and what , the wh- word may be the subject or the object of the reported clause:

I asked them who came to meet them at the airport. ( who is the subject of came ; original question: ‘Who came to meet you at the airport?’ )

He wondered what the repairs would cost. ( what is the object of cost ; original question: ‘What will the repairs cost?’ )

She asked us what [S] we [V] were doing . (original question: ‘What are you doing?’ )

Not: She asked us what were we doing?

When , where , why and how

We also use statement word order (subject + verb) with when , where, why and how :

I asked her when [S] it [V] had happened (original question: ‘When did it happen?’ ).

Not: I asked her when had it happened?

I asked her where [S] the bus station [V] was . (original question: ‘Where is the bus station?’ )

Not: I asked her where was the bus station?

The teacher asked them how [S] they [V] wanted to do the activity . (original question: ‘How do you want to do the activity?’ )

Not: The teacher asked them how did they want to do the activity?

Questions: wh- questions

Indirect speech: reporting commands

Indirect reports of commands consist of a reporting clause, and a reported clause beginning with a to -infinitive:

The General ordered the troops to advance . (original command: ‘Advance!’ )

The chairperson told him to sit down and to stop interrupting . (original command: ‘Sit down and stop interrupting!’ )

We also use a to -infinitive clause in indirect reports with other verbs that mean wanting or getting people to do something, for example, advise, encourage, warn :

They advised me to wait till the following day. (original statement: ‘You should wait till the following day.’ )

The guard warned us not to enter the area. (original statement: ‘You must not enter the area.’ )

Verbs followed by a to -infinitive

Indirect speech: present simple reporting verb

We can use the reporting verb in the present simple in indirect speech if the original words are still true or relevant at the time of reporting, or if the report is of something someone often says or repeats:

Sheila says they’re closing the motorway tomorrow for repairs.

Henry tells me he’s thinking of getting married next year.

Rupert says dogs shouldn’t be allowed on the beach. (Rupert probably often repeats this statement.)

Newspaper headlines

We often use the present simple in newspaper headlines. It makes the reported speech more dramatic:

JUDGE TELLS REPORTER TO LEAVE COURTROOM

PRIME MINISTER SAYS FAMILIES ARE TOP PRIORITY IN TAX REFORM

Present simple ( I work )

Reported speech

Reported speech: direct speech

Indirect speech: past continuous reporting verb

In indirect speech, we can use the past continuous form of the reporting verb (usually say or tell ). This happens mostly in conversation, when the speaker wants to focus on the content of the report, usually because it is interesting news or important information, or because it is a new topic in the conversation:

Rory was telling me the big cinema in James Street is going to close down. Is that true?

Alex was saying that book sales have gone up a lot this year thanks to the Internet.

‘Backshift’ refers to the changes we make to the original verbs in indirect speech because time has passed between the moment of speaking and the time of the report.

In these examples, the present ( am ) has become the past ( was ), the future ( will ) has become the future-in-the-past ( would ) and the past ( happened ) has become the past perfect ( had happened ). The tenses have ‘shifted’ or ‘moved back’ in time.

The past perfect does not shift back; it stays the same:

Modal verbs

Some, but not all, modal verbs ‘shift back’ in time and change in indirect speech.

We can use a perfect form with have + - ed form after modal verbs, especially where the report looks back to a hypothetical event in the past:

He said the noise might have been the postman delivering letters. (original statement: ‘The noise might be the postman delivering letters.’ )

He said he would have helped us if we’d needed a volunteer. (original statement: ‘I’ll help you if you need a volunteer’ or ‘I’d help you if you needed a volunteer.’ )

Used to and ought to do not change in indirect speech:

She said she used to live in Oxford. (original statement: ‘I used to live in Oxford.’ )

The guard warned us that we ought to leave immediately. (original statement: ‘You ought to leave immediately.’ )

No backshift

We don’t need to change the tense in indirect speech if what a person said is still true or relevant or has not happened yet. This often happens when someone talks about the future, or when someone uses the present simple, present continuous or present perfect in their original words:

He told me his brother works for an Italian company. (It is still true that his brother works for an Italian company.)

She said she ’s getting married next year. (For the speakers, the time at the moment of speaking is ‘this year’.)

He said he ’s finished painting the door. (He probably said it just a short time ago.)

She promised she ’ll help us. (The promise applies to the future.)

Indirect speech: changes to pronouns

Changes to personal pronouns in indirect reports depend on whether the person reporting the speech and the person(s) who said the original words are the same or different.

Indirect speech: changes to adverbs and demonstratives

We often change demonstratives ( this, that ) and adverbs of time and place ( now, here, today , etc.) because indirect speech happens at a later time than the original speech, and perhaps in a different place.

Typical changes to demonstratives, adverbs and adverbial expressions

Indirect speech: typical errors.

The word order in indirect reports of wh- questions is the same as statement word order (subject + verb), not question word order:

She always asks me where [S] [V] I am going .

Not: She always asks me where am I going .

We don’t use a question mark when reporting wh- questions:

I asked him what he was doing.

Not: I asked him what he was doing?

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Direct and Indirect Speech of Imperative Sentences

Discover how to change Direct and Indirect speech of Imperative sentences into statements, maintaining proper punctuation. In addition, get the use of reporting verbs , change word orde r, and at the same time use appropriate tone to convey the meaning of the original sentence for the direct and indirect speech of Imperative sentences.

Imperative Sentence

An imperative sentence is a type of sentence that gives a command or makes a request. It typically takes the

form of a subjectless verb , and the tone is often forceful, direct, and commanding. For examples,

“Close the door.”
“Please pass the salt.”

Identify Imperative Sentences to Change Direct Speech to Indirect Speech.

(a) Basically, the subject will be “you” and it is not written in the sentence, but it remains in understood condition.

(b) On the other hand, such sentences imply someone to advise, to order, or to request.

Direct: Mother said to me, “(You) Don’t run in the sun.”
Indirect: Mother advised me not to run in the sun.
Direct : Bina said to me, “Bina said to me go and fetch a glass of water.”
Indirect: Bina told (asked/ordered/requested) me to go and fetch a glass of water.

Verbs with Imperative Sentences from Direct to Indirect Speech.

An imperative sentence always indicates a command, request, or advise. In order that we have to use appropriate Verbs according to command, request, or advise. A list of verbs used to change direct speech into indirect speech provides in the table below:

Another key point is that ‘Tell ’ may often be used to express a ‘request’, ‘order, or ‘command’. As a result, it is often safer to use ‘ tell ’ in the indirect form when there is doubt about the proper word to introduce the Reported Speech.

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Rules: Direct and Indirect Speech of Imperative Sentences.

In indirect narration imperative sentence rules , the introductory or the Reporting Verb of an Imperative sentence expressing command, request, or desire transforms into an appropriate verb that expresses the intended meaning – tell, ask, request, order, command, beg, entreat, advise, implore.

First, look at the sentence given in the reported speech under Direct Narration.

Direct and Indirect Speech of Imperative Sentences

In Indirect Narration, the Verb of the Reported Speech in an Imperative Sentence is changed into the Infinitive [ to + V( Base Form ) ]

Changes of verbs for Direct and Indirect Speech of Imperative Sentences

If the Reported Speech is Negative, the word “ not ” is used in Indirect Narration before the Infinitive ( not + to )

Direct and Indirect Speech of negative imperative Sentences

Expressions like ‘Please, Sir, Madam, etc are omitted in Indirect Narration, and their sense is expressed by adding adverbs like ‘politely’, ‘kindly’, ‘respectfully’, etc.

Direct and Indirect Speech of Imperative Sentences with 'please', 'sir', 'madam'

A Nominative of Address or a Vocative is omitted in indirect narration. The verb is followed by the person addressed and the Infinitive.

Imperative sentences Nominative or Vocative case

When “Let” in the Direct Speech expresses a Proposal or Suggestion we may use “Should” or “Let” and change the Reporting Verb into proposing or suggest. [ It indicates Proposal or Suggestion]

When the Plural Form of Pronouns ( us etc ) is used after “Let”, [ Infinitive ( to + V)] is not used in Imperative Sentences beginning with “ Let.”

But when “ Let ” does not express a proposal, it should be changed into might or might be allowed to or into some other form and the Reporting Verb in Indirect Speech might be a wish, request, told, ordered, say, etc. according to the meaning or sense of the sentence.

[ It does not indicate Proposal or Suggestion When Singular Form of Pronoun ( me, him, etc ) is used after “Let” ] [ Infinitive ( to + V) is not used in Imperative Sentence beginning with “ Let.”

Changes of Persons in indirect narration have already been discussed on the previous page. Should be carefully studied.

Changes in Reporting Verb in Indirect Narration and the Verb of the reported speech in indirect narration also have been discussed in the General Rules section on the previous page. Should be carefully studied.

Direct and Indirect Speech Imperative Sentences Examples 2024

Note carefully the Changes in Imperative Sentences from Direct Speech to Indirect Speech.

Direct: Father said to me, “Go home at once.”

Indirect: Father ordered me to go home at once.

Direct: The teacher said to me, “Don’t come here.”

Indirect: The teacher ordered me not to go there. Or, The teacher forbade me to go there.

Direct: He said to me, ‘Please open the door.”

Indirect: He requested me to open the door. Or, He told me politely to open the door.

Direct: He said to me, ‘Please wait here till I return.”

Indirect: He requested me to wait there till he returned.

Direct: I said to him, “Please explain the passage.”

Indirect: I requested him to explain the passage.

Direct: mother said to him, “Don’t run in the sun.”

Indirect: The mother advised him not to run in the sun. Or. Mother forbade him to run in the sun.

Direct: He said, “Ram, go there.”

Indirect: He told Ram to go there.

Direct: He said, “Friends, lend me your ears.”

Indirect: Addressing them as friends, he requested them to lend him their ears.

Direct: He shouted, “Stop, you villain !”

Indirect : He shouted to the villain to stop. Or, He ordered the villain to stop. Or, Calling the man a villain, he ordered him to stop.

Narration of imperative sentences exercise and Answers

Change the narration from direct to indirect speech.

Direct: “Shut the window,” she commanded. Indirect: She commanded to shut the window.

Direct: “Please bring me a glass of water,” he requested. Indirect: He requested to bring him a glass of water.

Direct: “Don’t touch that,” she warned. Indirect: She warned not to touch that.

Direct: “Help me with this assignment,” he asked. Indirect: He asked for help with that assignment.

Direct: “Pass me the salt,” she said. Indirect: She asked to pass her the salt.

Direct: “Please don’t disturb him,” she requested. Indirect: She requested not to disturb him.

Direct: “Open the door,” he ordered. Indirect: He ordered to open the door.

Direct: “Don’t be late for the meeting,” she advised. Indirect: She advised not to be late for the meeting.

Direct: “Pass me the book,” he requested. Indirect: He requested to pass him the book.

Direct: “Don’t forget to call me tomorrow,” she reminded. Indirect: She reminded not to forget to call her the next day.

Imperative Sentences Narration Change Examples with ‘Let’

Direct: “Let’s go to the park,” he suggested. Indirect: He suggested going to the park.

Direct: “Let her finish the presentation,” she proposed. Indirect: She proposed that she finish the presentation.

Direct: “Let’s not waste any more time,” he insisted. Indirect: He insisted on not wasting any more time.

Direct: “Let me help you with that,” she offered. Indirect: She offered to help with that.

Direct: “Let’s have dinner together,” he suggested. Indirect: He suggested having dinner together.

Direct: “Let’s not forget to send the email,” she reminded. Indirect: She reminded not to forget to send the email.

Direct: “Let him borrow your book,” he suggested. Indirect: He suggested allowing him to borrow your book.

Direct: “Let’s finish the project by Friday,” she urged. Indirect: She urged to finish the project by Friday.

Direct: “Let’s try a different approach,” he proposed. Indirect: He proposed trying a different approach.

Direct: “Let’s take a break,” she suggested. Indirect: She suggested taking a break.

Workout Examples of Imperative Sentences

Direct: I said to him, “Excuse me, sir.”

Indirect: I begged him to excuse me.

Direct: I said to him, “Let us have some music.”

Indirect: I proposed or suggested to him that we should have some music.

Direct: He said to his companions, “Let us not miss this chance.”

Indirect: He proposed (suggested) to his companions that they should not miss that chance.

Direct: We said, “Let him tell the story.”

Indirect: We said that he might (or might be allowed to) tell the story.

Direct: She said, Let him eat whatever he likes.”

Indirect: She said that he might (or might be allowed to) eat whatever he liked.

Direct: He said, “Let me come in.”

Indirect: He requested that he might be allowed to come in.

Exercises : Direct and Indirect Speech of Imperative Sentences

Change the following from Direct to Indirect Speech of Imperative Sentence

1. He said to me. “Put out the light.”

2. Mother said, “Don’t idle away your time.”

3. The beggar said to the man, “Please help me with money.”

4. The teacher said, “Boys, don’t make noise in the class.”

5. “Be not afraid, noble prince”, said the philosopher.

6. The old man said, “Take care of yourself, little girl.”

7. He said to me, “Let me do my work.”

8. He said, “Lie down, Tom.”

9. He said, “Oil your own machine.”

10. The general said to his troops, “Capture the fort.”

11. The teacher said to me, “Don’t read so fast.”

12. The girl said to the woman, “Please excuse me, madam.”

13. Kaberi said to Raman, “Let me live in peace.”

14. He said, “Let me have my own way.”

15. The thirsty man said to the woman, “Bring me a glass of water.”

16. Mother said to the boy, “Come here soon.”

17. You said to me, “Follow me cautiously.”

18. He said to you, “Don’t look behind.”

19. Madam said to Della, “Take off your hat.”

20. Father said to Casabianca, “Do not leave the deck till I come back,”

Worksheet Imperative Sentence

Turn the following sentences into Indirect Speech :

(1) Father said, My son, “Don’t give up hope.”

(2) Mother said to the daughter, “Get ready to receive the guests.”

(3) The sergeant said to the constables, “Run after the miscreants.”

(4) The boy said to the pedestrian, “Please help me to get out of the trap.”

(5) The teacher said to the boys, “Read silently.”

(6) The secretary of the club said to the members, “Let us raise a fund to help flood victims.”

(7) The students said, “Let us play a friendly football match.”

(8) The grandmother said to the grandchildren, “Let me tell you a folk tale.”

(9) He said, “Let me do this sum.”

(10) You said to me, “Let me go with you.”

(11) She said, “Let me try it again.”

(12) They said, “Let us pray for Mother Teresa.”

(13) The monk said to us, “Give up bad habits.”

(14) Father said to me, “Do not tell a lie.”

(15) The master said to the servant, “Pack up the things in the bag.”

(16) The girl said to her mother, “Please forgive me for my misbehavior.”

(17) You said to me, “Let us take a holy dip in the Ganges.”

Active to Passive Imperative Sentences with Examples

Reported speech - 1

Reported speech - 2

Reported speech - 3

Worksheets - handouts

Reported speech

Exercises: imperatives.

English Grammar
Reported Speech

Reported Speech - Definition, Rules and Usage with Examples

Reported speech or indirect speech is the form of speech used to convey what was said by someone at some point of time. This article will help you with all that you need to know about reported speech, its meaning, definition, how and when to use them along with examples. Furthermore, try out the practice questions given to check how far you have understood the topic.

Definition of reported speech, rules to be followed when using reported speech, table 1 – change of pronouns, table 2 – change of adverbs of place and adverbs of time, table 3 – change of tense, table 4 – change of modal verbs, tips to practise reported speech, examples of reported speech, check your understanding of reported speech, frequently asked questions on reported speech in english, what is reported speech.

Reported speech is the form in which one can convey a message said by oneself or someone else, mostly in the past. It can also be said to be the third person view of what someone has said. In this form of speech, you need not use quotation marks as you are not quoting the exact words spoken by the speaker, but just conveying the message.

Now, take a look at the following dictionary definitions for a clearer idea of what it is.

Reported speech, according to the Oxford Learner’s Dictionary, is defined as “a report of what somebody has said that does not use their exact words.” The Collins Dictionary defines reported speech as “speech which tells you what someone said, but does not use the person’s actual words.” According to the Cambridge Dictionary, reported speech is defined as “the act of reporting something that was said, but not using exactly the same words.” The Macmillan Dictionary defines reported speech as “the words that you use to report what someone else has said.”

Reported speech is a little different from direct speech . As it has been discussed already, reported speech is used to tell what someone said and does not use the exact words of the speaker. Take a look at the following rules so that you can make use of reported speech effectively.

The first thing you have to keep in mind is that you need not use any quotation marks as you are not using the exact words of the speaker.
You can use the following formula to construct a sentence in the reported speech.
You can use verbs like said, asked, requested, ordered, complained, exclaimed, screamed, told, etc. If you are just reporting a declarative sentence , you can use verbs like told, said, etc. followed by ‘that’ and end the sentence with a full stop . When you are reporting interrogative sentences, you can use the verbs – enquired, inquired, asked, etc. and remove the question mark . In case you are reporting imperative sentences , you can use verbs like requested, commanded, pleaded, ordered, etc. If you are reporting exclamatory sentences , you can use the verb exclaimed and remove the exclamation mark . Remember that the structure of the sentences also changes accordingly.
Furthermore, keep in mind that the sentence structure , tense , pronouns , modal verbs , some specific adverbs of place and adverbs of time change when a sentence is transformed into indirect/reported speech.

Transforming Direct Speech into Reported Speech

As discussed earlier, when transforming a sentence from direct speech into reported speech, you will have to change the pronouns, tense and adverbs of time and place used by the speaker. Let us look at the following tables to see how they work.

Here are some tips you can follow to become a pro in using reported speech.

Select a play, a drama or a short story with dialogues and try transforming the sentences in direct speech into reported speech.
Write about an incident or speak about a day in your life using reported speech.
Develop a story by following prompts or on your own using reported speech.

Given below are a few examples to show you how reported speech can be written. Check them out.

Santana said that she would be auditioning for the lead role in Funny Girl.
Blaine requested us to help him with the algebraic equations.
Karishma asked me if I knew where her car keys were.
The judges announced that the Warblers were the winners of the annual acapella competition.
Binsha assured that she would reach Bangalore by 8 p.m.
Kumar said that he had gone to the doctor the previous day.
Lakshmi asked Teena if she would accompany her to the railway station.
Jibin told me that he would help me out after lunch.
The police ordered everyone to leave from the bus stop immediately.
Rahul said that he was drawing a caricature.

Transform the following sentences into reported speech by making the necessary changes.

1. Rachel said, “I have an interview tomorrow.”

2. Mahesh said, “What is he doing?”

3. Sherly said, “My daughter is playing the lead role in the skit.”

4. Dinesh said, “It is a wonderful movie!”

5. Suresh said, “My son is getting married next month.”

6. Preetha said, “Can you please help me with the invitations?”

7. Anna said, “I look forward to meeting you.”

8. The teacher said, “Make sure you complete the homework before tomorrow.”

9. Sylvester said, “I am not going to cry anymore.”

10. Jade said, “My sister is moving to Los Angeles.”

Now, find out if you have answered all of them correctly.

1. Rachel said that she had an interview the next day.

2. Mahesh asked what he was doing.

3. Sherly said that her daughter was playing the lead role in the skit.

4. Dinesh exclaimed that it was a wonderful movie.

5. Suresh said that his son was getting married the following month.

6. Preetha asked if I could help her with the invitations.

7. Anna said that she looked forward to meeting me.

8. The teacher told us to make sure we completed the homework before the next day.

9. Sylvester said that he was not going to cry anymore.

10. Jade said that his sister was moving to Los Angeles.

What is reported speech?

What is the definition of reported speech.

What is the formula of reported speech?

You can use the following formula to construct a sentence in the reported speech. Subject said that (report whatever the speaker said)

Give some examples of reported speech.

Given below are a few examples to show you how reported speech can be written.

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Reported Speech Imperatives Exercise

See the Video Exercise

Reported imperatives exercises

Practise how to report orders, commands, polite requests in online exercises.

Intermediate level

Sentence & word composition

Reporting imperative sentences

Try our “total recall” course.

How can we report imperative mood? To transfer somebody’s order or request form direct to indirect speech, we use the expression “tell somebody to do something” or “ask somebody to do something” depending on the context. The exercises on this page will help you practise reported imperative. If you are only starting to study reported speech, we recommend to cover reported statements and questions first. The links are in the related topics block below.

Indirect Speech of Imperative Sentences

You might know that an imperative sentence expresses ideas such command, request, advice, suggestion, allowance etc. To change such sentences into indirect speech we use to- infinitive or that clause and instead of the reporting verb ‘said’ we use the following reporting verbs:

Advise, command, request, suggest, threaten, order, forbid, decree, propose, entreat, prompt, counsel, pardon, beg, persuade, instruct etc. Depending upon the nature of imperative sentence in reported speech.

Direct speech: He said to me, “Leave India.”

Indirect speech: RP + to + Verb 1 + ROTS

He told me to leave India.
He ordered me to leave India.
He advised me to leave India.
He threatened me to leave India.
He warned me to leave India.
He informed me to leave India.
He notified me to leave India.
He begged me to leave India.
He requested me to leave India.

Indirect Speech of Negative Imperatives

Direct speech: He said to me, “Don`t stay here anymore.”

Indirect speech: RP + not to + Verb1 + ROTS

He ordered me not to stay there anymore.
He advised me not to stay there anymore.
He threatened me not to stay there anymore.
He warned me not to stay there anymore.
He informed me not to stay there anymore.
He notified me not to stay there anymore.

Indirect Speech of Suggestions

Direct speech: She said, “let`s watch a movie.”
Indirect speech: She encouraged me to watch a movie with her.
Direct speech: She said, “let`s eat out tonight.”
Indirect speech: She suggested eating out that night.
Direct speech: He said, “let`s sing a song together.”
Indirect speech: He proposed that we should sing a song together.

Note: If the reporting verb is ‘suggested’ we use verb + ing or that clause not an infinitive.

Indirect Speech of Exclamatory sentences

Direct speech: She said, “Wow! Pakistan won the cricket game.”
Indirect speech: She was so excited about Pakistan winning the cricket game. Or
She exclaimed with happiness that Pakistan had won the cricket game.
Direct speech: He said, “Ops! Something went wrong with the internet.”
Indirect speech: He exclaimed with sorrow that something had gone wrong with the internet.

Note: The verb forbid itself coveys a negative sense. Therefore, we don’t need to use not in indirect speech.

Direct speech: I said to the students, ‘Do not make a noise.’
Indirect speech: I forbade the students to make a noise. (Not I forbade the students no to make noise.)

IMPORTANT: In order to change an imperative sentence into indirect speech we choose the reporting verb according to the nature of imperative sentence in direct speech. Therefore, you have to be careful when choosing a reporting verb.

The poor man said to me, ‘Please help me.’
The poor man requested me to help him.
The teacher said to the students,’ respect elders.’
The teacher advised the students to respect elders.
He said to the customer, ‘ come in, please.’
He allowed/ asked the customer to come in.
The policeman said to the prisoner,’ Do not fight in the prison.’
The policeman warned the prisoner not to fight in the prison.

Morehouse faculty set to vote next week on whether to award Biden an honorary degree

ATLANTA — A group of Morehouse College faculty members are pushing to stop the school from conferring an honorary doctorate on President Joe Biden at its commencement ceremony on May 19.

Morehouse President David Thomas met virtually with faculty members Wednesday to discuss the issue.

“A majority of the comments were opposed to an honorary degree, but there were a couple of very strong defenses,” a faculty member who was on the call said.

Those against the decision criticized Biden’s policies on policing and mass incarceration, his handling of the conflict in Gaza and his more recent comments around student protests . Those in favor of the honorary degree called attacks against Biden’s handling of the war in Gaza “unwarranted," according to the person on the call.

Still, it’s unclear exactly how widespread the dissatisfaction is. The first real test will come next week.

Though Morehouse announced last month that Biden would be awarded an honorary doctorate, procedurally, faculty must still vote on it. That vote is scheduled to take place on Thursday — three days before commencement — during a regularly scheduled faculty meeting, according to the faculty member.

Cedric Richmond, a Morehouse alumnus who is a co-chair of Biden’s re-election campaign, said Biden had“earned an honorary degree.”

“You reduce Black child poverty by 50% in one year. You put the first African American woman on the Supreme Court in the history of the United States. You put more African American women on the courts of appeal than all other presidents put together. You close the racial wealth gap to the lowest it’s ever been, Black unemployment is the lowest it’s ever been. … All of those things are very instrumental in the African American community,” Richmond told NBC News.

In a statement, Morehouse College acknowledged some disagreements but said that the reason there will be a vote on the honorary degree was simply because of a procedural snafu.

"It is imperative to clarify that the recent decision to convene to vote to award Biden an honorary degree is not in question because of current political affairs," the statement read. "The decision to call for a faculty vote is due to a mistaken oversight in the process, which traditionally includes a faculty vote that usually takes place in September. To honor the correct process and ensure the inclusion of the faculty voice, Morehouse leadership called for a faculty meeting to pose a vote, which will then go to the Board of Trustees for final approval."

"During the faculty meeting, in true Morehouse fashion, the full range of perspectives was expressed — those of support and concern, not unlike the national societal discussion," it added.

In the run-up to Biden's speech, some faculty members have also started circulating a letter to express their “collective dissent” against honoring Biden .

“We, the undersigned faculty members of Morehouse College, write to express our collective dissent regarding the invitation extended to President Joseph R. Biden to deliver the Commencement address at this year’s graduation ceremony, and we certainly do not assent to granting him an honorary Morehouse degree,” read the letter, which was shared with NBC News.

Three Morehouse faculty members read the letter out loud during a rally on Morehouse’s campus Wednesday morning.

“His continued supplying and supporting of the IDF and its genocidal campaign against not Hamas, but 35,000 Palestinians including 15,000 children according to most credible news accounts is grounds for him standing before the International Court of Justice not before a class of graduating Men of Morehouse,” the letter continued, also condemning Biden’s “callous support for the dictatorial Kagame regime and its proxy war in the Democratic Republic of Congo.”

The objections underscore the frustrations with Biden on many college campuses, which have dealt with pro-Palestinian protests this spring . Biden will be the commencement speaker at one other school, the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.

A White House source said the president remains excited to speak at Morehouse and emphasized that despite divisions on campus, no effort has been made by Morehouse leadership to rescind his invitation to speak, adding that “there has been no discussions to backtrack in either direction.”

“We are happy to focus on the students and also use this opportunity to have the president speak directly to the students to address their concerns,” the White House source said, adding that Biden is not “dissuaded” by the prospect of protest.

Dissatisfaction at Morehouse began even before the school officially announced that Biden would deliver the commencement speech.

Faculty members and school administrators have urged the White House to participate in some form of " direct engagement " prior to the commencement address. Now, some faculty members are also advocating that the president receive a “peace council” rather than serve as commencement speaker when he comes to the campus.

“It’s an attempt to kind of reverse the direction of communication,” the faculty member, who is also circulating the letter, said. “Typically, you know, the commencement speaker speaks at us from a position of moral authority and kind of gives advice to the graduating class. I think the idea is to kind of reverse that line of communication and compel the president to listen to the message coming from the Morehouse community.”

Ahead of the faculty meeting Wednesday, a group of roughly 50 students and faculty members across both Morehouse College and Spelman College gathered to protest “against the war on Gaza” — which began after the Hamas attacks on Israel on Oct. 7 — with many specifically calling on Biden to cancel his graduation plans. Several students characterized Biden’s visit as being political in nature, and a bid to garner support among young Black voters.

Malik Pool, a junior software engineering student, pointed to the fact that although the school invited Biden to be its commencement speaker in September, he didn’t accept it until April, a little over a week after former President Donald Trump visited a Chick-Fil-A miles away from Morehouse’s campus.

“It is so obvious that it’s just about the presidential campaign, and under normal circumstances, Joseph R. Biden would not be on our campus,” Pool said.

Richmond called that idea that Biden’s visit was rooted in electoral politics “patently false.”

“Look at the history of it. He does an HBCU every year, and we did Howard, he did Delaware State. And he’s doing Morehouse,” Richmond said. “But if you only do one a year, one is always going to fall in an election year.”

Lonnie White, a junior sociology and film student, predicted protests when Biden visits.

“The student body is not going for this. We do not want Biden on our campus and we will make that known,” he said. “We will make that known for sure.”

Nnamdi Egwuonwu is a 2024 NBC News campaign embed.

OpenAI unveils GPT-4o: From excitement, worry, warnings & memes — Here's how the Internet reacted to the AI conversation

C hatGPT parent OpenAI on May 13 showcased its latest AI model, GPT-4o, with a demo featuring voice interaction across text and images. This could keep the company "ahead of the race" in the global artificial intelligence landscape, Reuters reported.

Realistic Voice Conversations

The GPT-4o boasts advanced audio capabilities, allowing users to engage in real-time conversations without delays and even interrupt the AI during its speech—a significant milestone in replicating natural human interaction, the report said. OpenAI researchers showcased these features during a livestream event, likening the experience to dialogue straight from the movies.

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman expressed his enthusiasm in a blog post, highlighting the newfound naturalness in conversing with computers, a feat previously considered challenging. "It feels like AI from the movies ... Talking to a computer has never felt really natural for me; now it does," Altman wrote.

Competition and Expansion

Backed by Microsoft, OpenAI faces mounting competition and the imperative to broaden the user base of its popular chatbot, ChatGPT , the report noted.

During the livestream, researchers demonstrated ChatGPT's enhanced voice assistant capabilities. In one demonstration, the AI guided a researcher through solving a mathematical problem, leveraging its vision and voice functionalities. Another showcased the model's prowess in real-time language translation.

Sci-Fi Reality

The demonstrations bordered on "science fiction", the report added. It noted playful exchanges between ChatGPT and its human counterpart, where at one point, a researcher stated he was demonstrating "how useful and amazing you are", to which the chatbot replied with: "Oh stop it! You're making me blush!"

Mira Murati , OpenAI's Chief Technology Officer, announced that the GPT-4o model would be provided free of charge, citing its superior cost-effectiveness compared to previous iterations. Paid users will enjoy expanded capacity limits, offering enhanced capabilities.

The GPT-4o model is slated for integration into ChatGPT in the coming weeks.

So, How Did The Internet React?

There was a range of reactions to the GPT-4o demo , from those who expressed excitement and welcomed the technology.

And those who shared potential use-case applications for the tool.

Others were excited by the "futuristic" and "sci-fi" aspect of the tech.

But excitement also gave way to some caution. Privacy and copyright — a long-time criticism of AI training models made its presence known.

There was also the usual wonder at the tech leap, but worry for the future of human jobs as AI advances.

Some even verged on warnings, calling into question the legality of AI training models.

And others picturing doomsday scenarios.

Besides all this, there was as usual, the memes that made an appearance.

(With inputs from Reuters)

File image: OpenAI has introduced a new artificial intelligence model. It says it works faster than previous versions and can reason across text, audio and video in real time.

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164 Reported Speech-Imperatives
Reported Speech Imperative
Reported Speech Imperatives: Reporting commands in indirect speech
Reported speech. Intermediate level
30 imperative sentences in English

VIDEO

Reported Speech
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Imperative Sentences Direct Indirect Speech

COMMENTS

Reported Speech Imperatives
Suggest / demand / insist as Reported Verbs. Suggest / demand / insist can be used as reported verb for imperatives; however, they do not follow the same pattern as above. That is because the structure for using them is as follows:. Suggest / demand / insist + that + someone; So this is how reported speech with these verbs will look:
Reported Speech
For imperatives, we use "ask/tell somebody to do something". Compare these two sentences and how they are used in reported speech. Statement: "It is good.". Reported Speech: He said that it is good. Imperative: "Come here.". Reported Speech: She told me to come here. So, we use "ask/tell + to + verb" to report a command or ...
REPORTED SPEECH
Learn how to REPORT IMPERATIVES in REPORTED SPEECH - English grammar. Exercises ⬇️Can you report these imperative sentences?1) Go away!2) Put the books away ...
Imperative Reported Speech with Examples & Practise Exercises
Imperative Reported Speech with Verb from Direct to Indirect Speech. An imperative sentence always indicates a command, advice or a request. Therefore, we must use appropriate verbs according to advice, command or request. Here is a list of verbs used to change direct speech into indirect speech as provided in the table below:
Reported Speech
To change an imperative sentence into a reported indirect sentence, use to for imperative and not to for negative sentences. Never use the word that in your indirect speech. Another rule is to remove the word please. Instead, say request or say. For example: "Please don't interrupt the event," said the host.
Understanding Modals and Imperatives in Reported Speech: A Simple Guide
Reported speech is an essential aspect of English communication, allowing us to convey what someone else said. To accurately report what was said, we sometimes need to make changes to modals and imperatives from what was originally said. In this blog post, we will explore the transformation of modals (such as "can," "could," and "may") and imperatives in reported speech. We will provide clear ...
Imperatives in Reported Speech
For imperatives, we use "ask/tell somebody to do something". Compare these two sentences and how they are used in reported speech. Statement: "It is good." Reported Speech: He said that it is good. Imperative: "Come here." Reported Speech: She told me to come here. So, we use "ask/tell + to + verb" to report a command or imperative.
Reported speech
Reported speech - English Grammar Today - a reference to written and spoken English grammar and usage - Cambridge Dictionary
Imperative in reported speech
When you change an imperative sentence from direct to indirect (reported) speech, you don't change the tense in the reported speech; you keep the present tense. What you should do is that you change the reporting speech into should or to-infinitive clause as follows: Mom told me that I shouldn't trust strangers or.
Reporting imperatives
Reporting imperatives. reporting verb + somebody + to-infinitive. When we report an imperative sentence or a request, we usually use a to -infinitive structure: Mother: Put away your toys, Johnny. Johnny's mother told him to put away his toys. Teacher: Everybody, please stand up. The teacher asked the class to stand up.
Reported speech and direct speech
Reported speech and the imperative. We will now look at sentences in the imperative. In these cases, it is common to use told + indirect object. Also note that the following verb is in the infinitive with to: Go away! She told him to go away. Sit down and be quiet! She told the child to sit down and (to) be quiet. Please take these things into ...
Reported Speech
Watch my reported speech video: Here's how it works: We use a 'reporting verb' like 'say' or 'tell'. ( Click here for more about using 'say' and 'tell' .) If this verb is in the present tense, it's easy. We just put 'she says' and then the sentence: Direct speech: I like ice cream. Reported speech: She says (that) she likes ice cream.
Reported speech
Yes, and you report it with a reporting verb. He said he wanted to know about reported speech. I said, I want and you changed it to he wanted. Exactly. Verbs in the present simple change to the past simple; the present continuous changes to the past continuous; the present perfect changes to the past perfect; can changes to could; will changes ...
Reported speech: indirect speech
Reported speech: indirect speech - English Grammar Today - a reference to written and spoken English grammar and usage - Cambridge Dictionary
Direct and Indirect Speech of Imperative Sentences
Rule 2: In Indirect Narration, the Verb of the Reported Speech in an Imperative Sentence is changed into the Infinitive [ to + V ( Base Form) ] Rule 3: If the Reported Speech is Negative, the word " not " is used in Indirect Narration before the Infinitive ( not + to ) Rule 4: Expressions like 'Please, Sir, Madam, etc are omitted in ...
Reported Speech Imperatives Exercise
Reported Speech In Imperatives / Commands Video Exercise with answers and detailed explanations for students and teachers-- First we review reported speech i...
Reported speech
Reported speech exercises: reported commands and requests. Direct and indirect speech. Intermediate exercises esl.
Reported Speech
Reported Speech: In this article, you will be introduced to reported speech, its meaning and definition, how and when to use it. You can also check out the examples given for a much better understanding of reported speech. ... In case you are reporting imperative sentences, you can use verbs like requested, commanded, pleaded, ordered, etc.
Reported Speech Imperatives Exercise
Reported Speech Imperatives Exercise. Watch on. Convert the sentences below from direct to indirect speech (reported speech). 1. Mother to daughter: "Put on your shoes." 2. The teacher to me: "Open your notebook." 3.
Reported imperatives
To transfer somebody's order or request form direct to indirect speech, we use the expression "tell somebody to do something" or "ask somebody to do something" depending on the context. The exercises on this page will help you practise reported imperative. If you are only starting to study reported speech, we recommend to cover ...
Indirect speech
Questions and imperatives in indirect speech. Download full-size image from Pinterest. We use the normal order of words in reported questions: subject + verb. We don't use an auxiliary verb like do or did. When we report an order or instruction, we use the form ask or tell someone to do something. Pronoun changes in indirect speech
Indirect speech
Indirect speech: She ordered me to stop talking. When we change a negative imperative from direct speech into indirect speech we must also use the verbs told, ordered or commanded and put the word not before the infinitive. For example: Direct speech: Don't close your books! Indirect speech: The teacher told the students not to close their books.
Indirect Speech of Imperative Sentences
Direct speech: I said to the students, 'Do not make a noise.' Indirect speech: I forbade the students to make a noise. (Not I forbade the students no to make noise.) IMPORTANT: In order to change an imperative sentence into indirect speech we choose the reporting verb according to the nature of imperative sentence in direct speech. Therefore, you have to be careful when choosing a ...
Morehouse faculty set to vote next week on whether to award Biden an
That vote is scheduled to take place on Thursday — three days before commencement — during a regularly scheduled faculty meeting, according to the faculty member. Cedric Richmond, a Morehouse ...
Indirect Speech for Imperative & Exclamatory Sentences
Indirect Speech for Imperative Sentence: A sentence that expresses a request, advice, or order is called an imperative sentence. Examples: Please help me. (request) Respect the elders. (advice) Open the door. (order) The imperative sentence expresses a request, advice or order. Therefore, to convert them into indirect speech, some specific ...
OpenAI unveils GPT-4o: From excitement, worry, warnings & memes
Realistic Voice Conversations. The GPT-4o boasts advanced audio capabilities, allowing users to engage in real-time conversations without delays and even interrupt the AI during its speech—a ...
Ukraine-Russia war: Kharkiv high-rise hit by Russian airstrike
Blinken in Ukraine to assure US support amid new Russian offensive. Ukraine is struggling with troop shortages as it tries to repel an advancing Russian offensive on Kharkiv, its top general has ...

Reported Speech Imperatives

Direct Speech:

Reported Speech:

Reporting Verbs for Imperatives

Polite Request

Polite Requests

Suggest / demand / insist as Reported Verbs

Negative Imperatives in Reported Speech

Negative Imperatives in Reported Speech

More on Reported Speech:

Direct and Indirect Speech: The differences explained

Reported Speech Tenses Chart: How to convert tenses

Examples of Direct and Indirect Speech

Reported Speech Quiz - Practice forming indirect speech

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