Table of Contents
Introduction
In English, we often report what others said using indirect speech. This includes statements, questions, offers, requests, suggestions, and commands.
Can you identify the correct reported version of each sentence in the exercise below? Try the quiz to test your skills!
Reported Offers, Requests, Suggestions, and Commands Exercise
Recap: How to Report Offers, Requests, Suggestions, and Commands
Use this quick guide to help you understand the correct structure of reported speech for different types of communication:
1. Reported Requests
- Use: ask + object + to + verb
- “Please help me,” she said → She asked me to help her.
2. Reported Commands
- Use: tell + object + to + verb
- “Sit down,” he said → He told me to sit down.
3. Reported Offers
- Use: offer + to + verb
- “Shall I carry that?” he said → He offered to carry that.
4. Reported Suggestions
- Use:
- suggest + -ing
- suggest that + clause
- “Let’s go out,” she said → She suggested going out.
- She suggested that we go out.
More on the meaning of reported speech.
Conclusion
Understanding how to report offers, requests, suggestions, and commands is essential for mastering indirect speech in English. Each type of expression follows a specific pattern, and using the right reporting verb helps you communicate more accurately and politely.
Practice is key — so review the examples, take the quiz, and try forming your own reported sentences based on real conversations.
Key Takeaways:
- Use “ask + to” for polite requests.
e.g., She asked me to help her. - Use “tell + to” for commands.
e.g., He told me to sit down. - Use “offer + to” for offers.
e.g., She offered to carry the bags. - Use “suggest + -ing” or “suggest that…” for suggestions.
e.g., He suggested going out.
He suggested that we go out.
