Overview
Requests in reported speech use ask/request/beg + object + to-infinitive. Example: 'Could you help me?' → She asked me to help her. They differ from commands in politeness — 'ask' is used rather than 'tell' or 'order'. Negative requests use 'not to + infinitive'.
Requests → Reported
- Use ask + object + to-infinitive for polite requests.
- Direct'Could you help me?' she said.
- ReportedShe asked me to help her.
- Direct'Please close the door,' he said.
- ReportedHe asked me to close the door.
Requests vs Commands
- Requestask + to-infinitive (polite)
- Commandtell/order + to-infinitive (direct)
- RequestShe asked me to come early.
- CommandShe told me to come early.
Other Request Verbs
- begHe begged me to stay.
- urgeShe urged us to reconsider.
- inviteThey invited us to join them.
- requestHe requested us to be quiet.
When to use
Emails
She asked me to send the report by Friday.
Service
He asked the waiter to bring the bill.
Workplace
The client asked us to revise the proposal.
Social
She asked me to keep it a secret.