Reported Commands and Requests

In English requests and commands are formed using the to-infinitive (in statements) and  not to-infinitive (in negative statements). If we repeat somebody's commands, we use the word told. If it's a request, the word used in the main clause is asked.

Commands

"Go to bed!"

  • REPORTED SPEECH: He told me to go to bed.

"Don't go to bed!"

  • REPORTED SPEECH: He told me not to go to bed.

Requests

"Could you buy some eggs?"

  • REPORTED SPEECH: She asked me to buy some eggs

"Don't buy any eggs, please."

  • REPORTED SPEECH: She asked me not to buy any eggs

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