Indirect Speech – Imperatives

In English grammar, indirect speech (also known as reported speech) is used to convey what someone has said without quoting their exact words. When reporting commands, requests, or advice given by someone, we use indirect speech for imperatives.

What Is Indirect Speech for Imperatives?

When a command, request, or piece of advice is reported, it is converted into indirect speech. In such cases, we use specific reporting verbs, such as “ask,” “tell,” “advise,” “order,” “request,” or “command.” The imperative sentence in direct speech is restructured to fit the grammatical rules of indirect speech. Key Points:

• • The verb in the imperative form is changed to an infinitive (to + verb).
  • The reporting verb (e.g., ask, tell) depends on the nature of the command or request.
  • Quotation marks are removed, and the sentence is transformed into a statement.

How to Convert Imperatives into Indirect Speech

Rules to Follow:

1. Use of Reporting Verbs:

• • Use tell or order for commands.
  • Use ask, request, or beg for polite requests.
  • Use advice or urge for giving advice.

2. Change the Verb Form:

• • Replace the imperative verb with to + base verb.
    • Example: “Sit down.” → to sit down.

3. Pronoun and Time Changes:

• • Adjust pronouns and time expressions as needed to suit the context.

Structure:

• • Direct Speech: Reporting verb + “Imperative sentence”
  • Indirect Speech: Reporting verb + object + to + base verb

Examples of Indirect Speech for Imperatives

Commands:

1. Direct Speech: He said, “Close the door.”

• • • • Indirect Speech: He told me to close the door.

2. Direct Speech: The teacher said, “Finish your homework.”

• • • • Indirect Speech: The teacher ordered us to finish our homework.

3. Direct Speech: The officer said, “Stand in line.”

• • • • Indirect Speech: The officer commanded them to stand in line.

Requests:

1. Direct Speech: She said, “Please help me with my homework.”

• • • • Indirect Speech: She asked me to help her with her homework.

2. Direct Speech: The stranger said, “Could you show me the way to the station?”

• • • • Indirect Speech: The stranger requested me to show him the way to the station.

3. Direct Speech: He said, “Please don’t make noise.”

• • • • Indirect Speech: He asked us not to make noise.

Advice:

1. Direct Speech: The doctor said, “Drink plenty of water.”

• • • • Indirect Speech: The doctor advised me to drink plenty of water.

2. Direct Speech: My friend said, “You should exercise regularly.”

• • • • Indirect Speech: My friend urged me to exercise regularly.

3. Direct Speech: The teacher said, “Revise your lessons every day.”

• • • • Indirect Speech: The teacher advised us to revise our lessons every day.

Negative Imperatives:

1. Direct Speech: He said, “Don’t touch the wires.”
• Indirect Speech: He told me not to touch the wires.
2. Direct Speech: She said, “Don’t be late for school.”
• Indirect Speech: She advised me not to be late for school.
3. Direct Speech: The guide said, “Don’t feed the animals.”
• Indirect Speech: The guide warned us not to feed the animals.

Practice Exercise

Convert the following direct speech into indirect speech:

1. He said, “Leave the room immediately.”

2. She said, “Please bring me a glass of water.”

3. The doctor said, “Take this medicine twice a day.”

4. They said, “Don’t park your car here.”

5. The coach said, “Practice every morning.”

Answers:

1. He told me to leave the room immediately.

2. She requested me to bring her a glass of water.

3. The doctor advised me to take the medicine twice a day.

4. They warned me not to park my car there.

5. The coach urged us to practice every morning.

Frequently Asked Questions on Indirect Speech for Imperatives

Q1: What is indirect speech for imperatives?
Indirect speech for imperatives is when commands, requests, or advice are reported by converting the imperative verb into an infinitive (to + base verb).

Q2: What are some common reporting verbs for imperatives?
Common reporting verbs include “ask,” “tell,” “order,” “request,” “advise,” “urge,” and “command.”

Q3: How do you report negative imperatives?
To report negative imperatives, use “not” before the infinitive. For example: “Don’t go.” → He told me not to go.

Q4: Can indirect speech for imperatives include polite requests?
Yes, polite requests are often reported using verbs like “ask” or “request.” For example: “Please open the window.” → She asked me to open the window.