Welcome to B2 Grammar! In upper-intermediate English, reporting what someone else said goes far beyond simply using "he said" or "she told me."
To sound professional—especially in hospitality or business—we use precise reporting verbs like advise, warn, and encourage. We also need to know how to shift modals (like changing can to could) to show that the ability or obligation happened in the past.
warning Professional Tip
When reporting a negative command, do not use the word "don't". Instead, use the structure: verb + object + not to + infinitive. Incorrect: The guide warned us don't touch the statues.
Correct: The guide warned us not to touch the statues.
Advanced Reporting Structures
Reporting Verb
Advise
To offer suggestions about the best course of action. Followed by: object + to + verb.
Direct: "You should book the tuk-tuk early."
Reported: The receptionist advised us to book the tuk-tuk early.
Reporting Verb
Warn
To inform someone of a possible danger or problem. Followed by: object + not to + verb.
Direct: "Don't feed the monkeys at the temple."
Reported: The guide warned the tourists not to feed the monkeys.
Reporting Verb
Encourage
To give support, confidence, or hope to someone. Followed by: object + to + verb.
Direct: "Try the spicy papaya salad, it's delicious!"
Reported: Sophea encouraged me to try the spicy papaya salad.
Reporting Verb
Order
To give an authoritative direction or instruction to do something.
Direct: "Clean the kitchen stations immediately."
Reported: The head chef ordered the staff to clean the stations.
Shifted Modal
Could
When reporting ability or permission, "can" shifts to "could".
Direct: "You can rent bicycles near the river."
Reported: The local said we could rent bicycles near the river.
Shifted Modal
Had to
When reporting a strong obligation, "must" shifts to "had to".
Direct: "You must wear a name tag during the tour."
Reported: The manager stated that we had to wear a name tag.
Knowledge Check
map Tour Guide Briefing
Direct speech: "Don't lose your entrance ticket."
How do you report this correctly?
How do you report this correctly?
(Hint: We need a structure using "not to".)
hotel Hotel Management
Direct speech: "Staff must arrive 10 minutes early."
Reported: The manager said that staff ______ arrive early.
Reported: The manager said that staff ______ arrive early.
(Hint: How do we report a strong obligation in the past?)
restaurant Recommending Food
Direct speech: "You should definitely try the Fish Amok."
Which reporting verb fits best here?
Which reporting verb fits best here?
(Hint: Which verb offers a suggestion or good idea?)
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Study Resources
Lesson Summary & Review
Let's review the key concepts covered in the interactive module above to ensure you are ready to report instructions and advice.
Using Precise Reporting Verbs
When reporting a command, request, or suggestion, do not just use "said." Use verbs that capture the specific intention:
- Advise: Used for offering suggestions. Followed by an object and an infinitive verb (e.g., "He advised me to wait.")
- Warn: Used for informing of danger. Followed by an object and an infinitive verb (e.g., "She warned us to be careful.")
- Encourage: Used for giving support. Followed by an object and an infinitive verb (e.g., "They encouraged him to apply.")
- Order: Used for giving an authoritative direction. Followed by an object and an infinitive verb (e.g., "The boss ordered them to stop.")
Shifting Modals
When you report something that happened in the past, modal verbs also shift to their past forms:
- Can shifts to Could.
- Must shifts to Had to.
