To report an order, request or piece of advice we use reporting verb + person + (not) to + base verb. There is no backshift and no “that”. The verb chosen (tell, ask, order, warn, advise, remind) shows the strength of the message.
Form
| Structure | Example |
|---|---|
| told + person + to + base verb | "Sit down!" → He told me to sit down. |
| asked + person + to + base verb | "Please help." → She asked me to help. |
| told + person + not to + base verb | "Don't touch." → He told me not to touch it. |
When to use it
- Orders: The teacher told us to be quiet.
- Requests: She asked me to open the window.
- Advice and warnings: He advised me to see a doctor. They warned us not to swim.
- Negative: not to + verb: He told me not to worry.
Examples
- "Close the door." → She told me to close the door.
- "Please wait here." → He asked us to wait there.
- "Don't be late." → She told him not to be late.
- "Stop!" → The officer ordered him to stop.
- "Can you help me?" → She asked me to help her.
- "Be careful." → My mother warned me to be careful.
Common mistakes
- “That” clause: He told me that I sit down → He told me to sit down.
- Missing the person: She asked to help → She asked me to help.
- Don't + verb: He told me don't go → not to go.