Reported (Indirect) Orders and Requests Exercise 20

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

A: Verb + Object + to Infinitive

Example:

Speaker’s Words “Get out of my room”. “Could you carry some bags, Mike?” “Would you like to have dinner with us?”

Reported Speech She told the man to get out of her room. I asked Mike to carry some bags. They invited me to have dinner with them.

B: Verb + Object + Not to Infinitive

“Don’t touch my camera.

He told me not to touch his camera.

Report these sentences using the to Infinitive form.

Example:

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

• “She promised to pay back the money.

1. “Harry up”. (He told me).

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

3. “Could you change the light bull 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 scrim to far out”/ (She told them).

9. “Could you please be quilt 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 21

Every summer there’s a ten-mile “Fun Run” around 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. Use tell or ask.

Examples:

• They asked us to arrive at the start between 1.45 and 2.15.

• They told us to be there 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 22

First read then report what 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. ______________________________________________________

3. ______________________________________________________

4. ______________________________________________________

5. ______________________________________________________

6. ______________________________________________________

7. ______________________________________________________

8. ______________________________________________________

9. ______________________________________________________

Exercise 23

The following sentences are direct speech:

Don’t wait for me if I’m late.

Will you marry me?

Can you open your bag, please?

Please slow down!

Hurry up!

Mind your own business.

Could you repeat what you said, please?

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 ______________________.

5. The customs officer looked at me suspiciously and __________.

6. 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 _______________.