Overview
Commands in reported speech use tell/order/instruct/warn + object + to-infinitive. Negative commands use 'not to'. Example: 'Sit down' → She told him to sit down. 'Don't move' → He ordered them not to move. The tense does not backshift in reported commands.
Commands → Reported
- Use tell/order/instruct/command + object + to-infinitive.
- Direct'Sit down,' he said.
- ReportedHe told me to sit down.
- Direct'Don't talk in the exam,' she said.
- ReportedShe told us not to talk in the exam.
Reporting Verbs for Commands
- tellHe told me to leave.
- orderShe ordered them to stop.
- instructHe instructed us to wait.
- commandThe officer commanded them to halt.
Negative Commands
- Negative: use not to + infinitive.
- Direct'Don't open the window.'
- ReportedShe told us not to open the window.
- ⚠️NOT: told us don't open / told us to not open.
When to use
Classroom
The teacher told the students to put away their phones.
Workplace
The manager instructed the team to complete the report.
Medical
The doctor told her to rest for a week.
Legal
The judge ordered the witness to answer the question.