Reported speech: commands & request, reporting verbs

Reported speech: commands & request, reporting verbs

1. Reported commands and request

   • Reported Commands and Requests are formed using the to-infinitive and not to-infinitive.
   • We use tell to report commands. We use an object after tell
   • We use ask to report requests. We use an object after ask.
   • Examples
     • She asked him to keep a secret
     • She asked me not to tell anyone
     • I advised her to change bank.
     • We invited them to dinner.

2. Reporting verbs

   • The “simplest” way to understand how indirect-style verbs (reporting verbs) work is to classify them into different categories according to the structure that follows the verb.
     • 4.-Reporting verbs followed by "(sb.) (That) + clause"
       • It is the easiest, since these verbs follow the regular rules of the indirect style of intermediate level. That is, the verb say works the same.
         • My boss promised (me) that he would have a word with him.
     • 3.-Reporting verbs followed by “sb. + to + infinitive "
       • In this case, we have verbs followed by an infinitive but also with an obligatory object
         • He warned me to do as he said
     • 1.-Reporting verbs followed by "(s.o.) + (preposition) + verb-ing"
       • In this category we have verbs that are followed by a gerund (verb-ing) and, optionally, by an object and / or a preposition.
         • He advised me against driving through the city centre.
     • 5.-Reporting verbs followed by “(that) + (past) subjunctive” or “(that) + should”
       • This last category is the rarest of all, since it includes a series of verbs that are followed by a clause with the verb in the subjunctive mood or with should. The problem is that, as you already know, in English there is no specific verb form for the subjunctive mood, so we usually use the infinitive or the past simple, as we will see in some examples later.
         • My parents suggested that I should apply for the job again.
     • 2.-Reporting verbs followed by "to + infinitive"
       • In this category are the reporting verbs that are followed by an infinitive simply.
         • He offered to give me a hand with the bags.
   • Reporting Verbs not only communicate a message, but also an intention, feeling, idea, etc.
   • They are verbs that we use to communicate ideas, actions or intentions of people at a given moment. These verbs, as their name suggests, are indirect style verbs, exactly like the say, tell or ask verbs, which are widely used in the indirect style in English.
     • Example
       • You stole my wallet

3. Bibliography

   • G. (2021c, marzo 1). Reported Commands and Requests in English •. 7ESL. https://7esl.com/reported-commands-and-requests/
   • Luis @ KSE Academy. (2019, 22 noviembre). Reporting Verbs. KSE Academy®. https://kseacademy.com/reporting-verbs/