Reported (Indirect) Orders and Requests

We often report orders, requests, warnings and invitations using the structures.

I.

Verb + Object + to Infinitive

Example:

Direct Speech	Reported (Indirect) Speech
“Get out of my room.”	She told the man to get outof her room.
“Could you carry some bags, Mike?”	I asked Mike to carrysome bags.
“Would you like to have dinner with us?”	They invited me to havedinner with them.

II.

Verb + Object + Not + to Infinitive

Example:

Direct Speech	Reported (Indirect) Speech
“Don’t touch my camera."	He told me not to touchhis camera.

Exercise 27

Report these sentences using the to Infinitive form.

Example:

• “I’ll pay back the money.” (She promised).

• “She promised to pay backthe money.

1. “Hurry up.” (He told me).

2. “I’ll phone the police.” (She threatened).

3. “Could you charge the light bill for me?” (He asked me).

4. “Don’t be stupid.” (She told me).

5. “Would you like to come to my party?” (He invited her).

6. “I won’t forget the shopping.” (I promised).

7. “Don’t leave the door unlocked.” (She warned them).

8. “Don’t smoke." (She told them).

9. “Could you please be quiet for a moment?” (She begged them).

10. “Do not feed the animals.” (They were warned).

11. “Stop that noise in the classroom!” (The teacher told us).

12. “Turn to the right.” (The sergeant ordered his men).

13. “Please do not leave during the performance.” (The management

requested the spectators).

14. “All the students should be inoculated.” (The medical authorities

demanded that all students should).

15. “Books must not be taken from the reading-room.” (Readers are

forbidden).

Exercise 28

Every summer there’s A Ten-MileFun Runaround Milchester for people who want to keep fit. Last year the organizers gave all the runners a list of rules. Sarah did the run last year, and she’s telling a friend what the rules were. Look at the rules and give Sarah’s words. Usetellorask.

Examples:

• They askedusto arriveat the start between 1.45 and 2.15.

• They toldusto bethere by 2.30 at the latest.

Milchester Fun Run Rules for runners

☼ Please arrive at the start between 1.45 and 2.15.

☼ You must be there by 2.30 at the latest.

☼ Please do not park in the center of Milchester.

☼ You must show your ticket.

☼ You must wear your number on your shirt.

☼ Please wear running shoes.

☼ You must not carry any bags or bottles during the run.

☼ You must follow the correct route.

☼ Please do not leave litter.

Exercise 29

First read then report what the flight attendant told the passengers before takeoff.

1. “Do not smoke in non-smoking areas or in the toilets.”

2. “Please fasten your safety belts before takeoff.”

3. “Put your bags in the overhead lockers.”

4. “Please keep your seats upright during takeoff.”

5. “Do not run in the aisles.”

6. “Please do not leave your seats during takeoff or landing.”

7. “Do not use stereo equipment.”

8. “Press the button to call a flight attendant.”

9. “Please do not obstruct the emergency exits.”

1. She told them not to smoke in non-smoking areas or in the toilets.

2. _________________________________________________________

4. _________________________________________________________

5. _________________________________________________________

6. _________________________________________________________

7. _________________________________________________________

8. _________________________________________________________

9. _________________________________________________________

Exercise 30

The following sentences are Direct speech:

a."Don’t wait for me if I’m late." b."Will you marry me?" c."Can you open your bag, please?" d."Don't worry!" e."Could you repeat what you said, please?"

f."Hurry up!" g."Mind your own business." h."Please slow down!" i. "Will you do me a favour?” j."Do you think you could give me a hand, Tom?"

Now choose one of these to complete each sentence below. Use Reported Speech.

1. Bill was taking a long time to get ready, so I told him to hurry up.

2. Mary was driving too fast, so I asked ____________________________.

3. Sue was very pessimistic about the situation. I told _________________.

4. I couldn’t move the piano alone, so I ____________________________.

3. The customs officer looked at me suspiciously and _________________.

4. I had difficulty understanding him, so I ___________________________.

7. I didn’t want to delay Ann, so I _________________________________.

8. John was very much in love with Mary, so he _____________________.

9. He started asking me personal questions, so ______________________.

10. He asked me _____________________________________________.