Indirect Speech - Change in Advice or Command Statement

Change in Advise or Command Statement:

In command and request statements the imperative verb of the direct command (which is the same as the bare infinitive) is changed to a to-infinitive in the indirect command. We use words expressing command or request such as ordered, commanded, shouted, demanded etc. You also often change the saying verb to tell:

"Listen carefully", said the teacher.(Direct Command)

The teacher told the students to listen carefully. (Indirect Command)

The verb tell needs an object, and this is sometimes given in the direct command:

Mary said, "Be quite, children." (Direct Command)

Mary told the children to be quite. (Indirect Command)

Reema said," Water the plants." (Direct Command)

Reema ordered the gardner to water the plants. (Indirect Command)

Changing Narration : Imperatives : - Sentences expressing command, order, advice, request etc, are usually called imperative sentences. Imperative sentences have two characteristics :

First, imperative sentences make a command or request.

Second, imperative sentences do not end with a question mark or mark of exclamation etc. Rather, they end with a period (full stop).

Rules for Changing Imperative Sentences into Indirect Speech : -

Use conjunction 'to' instead of 'that' Negative commands, requests etc, are reported by + infinitive' (example 4 below).

In Indirect speech, expressions of commonds, requests, advice are usually expressed by a 'verb of command / request / advice + object + infinitive' (example 2 below). Verb such as advice, ask, beg, command, encourage, entreat, forbid, implore, invite, recommend, remind, request, tell, urge, warn etc. are normally used to express the nations of command, order, request, advice. (We do not use 'say' or 'said' in such sentences.)

If a sentences contains words like please, kindly, etc, these are not mentioned in the indirect speech (example 1 below), as the notion is well expressed by the reporting verb 'request' in such case.

Look at the following examples :

He said to Ramu, "Please bring my papers". Direct

He requested Ramu to bring his papers. (conjunction - 'to') Indirect

2. She said to me, "Have a glass of juice". Direct

She asked me to have a glass of juice. Indirect

3. Ram said to Sita, " Take medicines properly." Direct

Ram advised Sita to take medicines properly. Indirect

4. She said to me, "Don't pluck the flowers." Direct

She warned not to pluck the flowers Indirect

Sample Questions

(More Questions for each concept available in Login)

Question : 1

Change the following sentence into Indirect speech . 1. My manager said, "I think we should examine the budget carefully at this meeting." 2. You said, "I don't think you have time to see the dentist this week."
A. 1. My manager propose that we examine the budget carefully at the meeting. 2. You suggested postpone my visit to the dentist.
B. 1. My manager proposed we examine the budget carefully at the meeting. 2. You suggested postponing you visit to the dentist.
C. 1. My manager proposed that we examine the budget carefully at the meeting. 2. You suggested postponing my visit to the dentist.
D. 1. My manager proposed that we examines the budget carefully at the meeting. 2. You suggested postpones my visit to the dentist.
Right Option : C
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Question : 2

Change the following sentence into Indirect speech . 1. She said , " Be quiet and listen to my words ". 2. The police officer said to a culprit , " Don't try to be over clever " .
A. 1. She urged them to be quiet and listen to her words. 2. The The police officer order a culprit not to try to be over clever.
B. 1. She urges them to be quiet and listen to his words. 2. The The police officer orders a culprit not to try to be over clever.
C. 1. She urge them to be quiet and listens to his words. 2. The The police officer order a culprit to try to be over clever.
D. 1. She urged them to be quiet and listen to his words. 2. The The police officer ordered a culprit not to try to be over clever.
Right Option : D
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