Reporting Actions
We don't use typical reported speech rules (shifting tenses back) for commands or requests.
Instead, we use:
Verb + Object + (not) to + Infinitive
Commands 👮
Requests 🙏
Advice & Warnings 💡
Negative Commands 🚫
Do not use "suggest + object + to infinitive". This is a common B2 error!
He suggested seeing a doctor. ✅
(suggest + V-ing)
He suggested that I see a doctor. ✅
(suggest + that clause)
We do not use "say" + object + to infinitive for commands.
He told me to leave. ✅
Mastery Check ⚡
"Please open the window," she said to me.
"Don't be late!" he said to us.
"You should rest," the doctor said to me.
Mission 🎯
Mission 🎯
Mission 🎯
Reporting Orders
Watch & Learn: Pay attention to how Teacher Sopheak drops the "Please" when changing a direct request into a reported request. The reporting verb "asked" or "begged" already shows it was a request!
Ask a Question 🙋♂️
Advanced Q&A
Excellent B2 question, Sovan! It might *sound* correct, but it is grammatically wrong in English. The verb "suggest" is very strict. It must be followed by a gerund (-ing) OR a "that" clause. Example: "She suggested going" OR "She suggested that we go." Never "She suggested us to go." 📝
What if there is no object? Like, "The commander ordered to shoot." Is that okay?
Another great question. For verbs like 'tell', 'order', and 'ask' (when used as a command), you generally MUST have an object. You need to say who is receiving the order. "The commander ordered **his soldiers** to shoot." 🎯
What is the exact difference between 'tell' and 'ask' in reported speech?
"Ask" is used for requests (when someone says "please"). "Tell" is used for commands or instructions (when someone just tells you what to do without asking nicely). Example: "Please sit" -> She asked me to sit. "Sit down!" -> She told me to sit. 🪑
Teacher, if I use "suggest", why can't I use the "to + infinitive" structure? It sounds correct to me!