• Grammar Exercises
  • Grammar Lessons
  • Grammar Quizzes
  • Mixed Tests
  • PDF Worksheets
  • Beginners Lessons
  • Easy Worksheets
  • Beginners Tests
  • Reading Exercises
  • Drag & Drop Grammar
  • English For Kids
  • Kids Word Games
  • Picture Vocabulary
  • Reading Tests
  • Short Dialogues
  • Short Sentences
  • Closest in Meaning
  • Irrelevant Sentence
  • ESL Paragraphs
  • GRE Reading
  • Text Completion
  • GRE Equivalence
  • SAT Sentence
  • Essay Writing
  • Vocabulary Exercises
  • Study Skills Tips
  • Drag & Drop Vocab

Reported Speech Imperatives Exercise

See the video exercise.

Try our Latest Video Exercises!

GrammarBank Video Lessons and Exercises

GrammarBank Video Exercises (New!)

GrammarBank YouTube Video Exercises

English Practice Downloadable PDF Grammar and Vocabulary Worksheets

Reported speech (b1).

  • RS013 - Reported Speech
  • RS012 - Reported Questions and Commands
  • RS011 - Reported Speech
  • RS010 - Reported Speech
  • RS009 - Reported Commands
  • RS008 - Reported Questions
  • RS007 - Reported Speech
  • RS006 - Reported Speech
  • RS005 - Reported Speech
  • RS004 - Reported Speech
  • RS003 - Reported Speech
  • RS002 - Reported Speech - Mixed Exercises
  • RS001 - Reported Speech - Mixed Exercises
  • Adjective - Adverb
  • Gerund and Infinitive
  • Modal Verbs
  • Reported Speech
  • Passive Voice
  • Definite and Indefinite Articles
  • Quantifiers
  • Relative Clauses
  • Prepositions
  • Questions and Negations
  • Question Tags
  • Language in Use
  • Word Formation
  • General Vocabulary
  • Topical Vocabulary
  • Key Word Transformation

News Articles

  • Letters and Emails
  • Blog Posts and Comments
  • Connectives and Linking Phrases
  • Phrasal Verbs
  • Collocations and Phrases

Listening Comprehension

Privacy policy.

reported speech imperative exercises pdf

45,000+ students realised their study abroad dream with us. Take the first step today

Meet top uk universities from the comfort of your home, here’s your new year gift, one app for all your, study abroad needs, start your journey, track your progress, grow with the community and so much more.

reported speech imperative exercises pdf

Verification Code

An OTP has been sent to your registered mobile no. Please verify

reported speech imperative exercises pdf

Thanks for your comment !

Our team will review it before it's shown to our readers.

Leverage Edu

  • Reported Speech /

Imperative Reported Speech with Examples & Practise Exercises

' src=

  • Updated on  
  • Jan 9, 2024

Imperative Reported Speech

Imperative Reported Speech: When studying English grammar , the candidate needs to have all the knowledge about imperative reported speech. By doing so, they will be able to construct sentences in a much better way. Imperative sentences in reported speech are used to give commands. In this blog, you will read about imperative reported speech which will help you learn about this concept. 

This Blog Includes:

What is an imperative sentence, what is imperative reported speech, imperative reported speech with verb from direct to indirect speech, imperative reported speech exercise 1, imperative reported speech exercise 2.

An imperative sentence is a type of sentence that gives commands or makes requests. These sentences usually take the form of the subjectless verb. The tone is often forceful, commanding and direct. 

Also Read: Imperative Sentence Passive Voice

Imperative in reported speech is a little bit different from regular sentences. They are generally used when one gives orders and we can also use them to make requests. 

In imperatives, we use “ask/tell somebody to do something.”

Reported speech imperatives differ in structure from other reported speech sentences. Some imperatives including examples are given here:  

Commands : Keep low!

Requests : Please close the gate

Advice : Move and lie down

Suggestions : Take the pill the next day instead

Below given examples below show how imperative is used in reported speech.

Imperative: “Come here.”

Reported Speech: She told me to come here.

Also Read: Active and Passive Voice: Rules, Examples & Exercise

An imperative sentence always indicates a command, advice or a request. Therefore, we must use appropriate verbs according to advice, command or request. Here is a list of verbs used to change direct speech into indirect speech as provided in the table below:

Request, Ask, beg, desire, entreat, pray, implore, solicit
Exhort, Urge, Persuade and Advice
Order, tell, command bid, change, require. (‘Forbid’) is the negative verb of command. 
Ask and tell

Another main key point in ‘tell’ is often used to express a ‘command’, ‘order’ or ‘request’. Therefore, it is safe to use ‘tell’ in the indirect form when there is doubt about a proper word to introduce a reported speech. 

Change the following sentences into indirect speech.

  • My brother said, “Would you like to have tea with me?”
  • He said to his teacher, “Please explain this poem to me.”
  • “Come quickly”, he shouted, “and help me as I am in grave danger.”
  • The saint said to the pupils, “Be quiet and listen to me carefully.”
  • “Be punctual from tomorrow,” my teacher said, “otherwise I will complain to the Principal.”

Also Read: Tenses Rules: Charts, Examples, Types [PDF Available]

Rewrite each sentence into reported speech.

  • Grandma said to me, “Please fetch my glasses.”
  • The librarian said to us, “Return the books in a month.”
  •  I said to the agent, ”Please book two tickets for America.”
  •  Andrew said, ”I’ll have a chicken sandwich and some coffee.”
  • He said, ”Fasten your seat belts.”

Check Your Answers:

  • Grandma asked me to kindly fetch her glasses.
  • The librarian told us to return the books in a month.
  • I requested the agent to book two tickets for America.
  • Andrew asked for a chicken sandwich and some coffee.
  • He asked us to fasten our seat belts.

Also Read: Direct and Indirect Speech Exercises For Class 8 

More Blogs on Reported Speech!

An example of an imperative in a reported speech are: He instructed me to keep quiet. The driver asked me to close the window of the bus.

To report an imperative, one can do so by using an infinitive along with a reporting verb. These will include tell, order instruct, win or direct.

In imperative speech, the sentence that expresses an advice, request or order is called an imperative speech.

To advance your grammar knowledge and read more informative blogs, check out our Learn English page and don’t forget to follow Leverage Edu .

' src=

Malvika Chawla

Malvika is a content writer cum news freak who comes with a strong background in Journalism and has worked with renowned news websites such as News 9 and The Financial Express to name a few. When not writing, she can be found bringing life to the canvasses by painting on them.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Contact no. *

reported speech imperative exercises pdf

Leaving already?

8 Universities with higher ROI than IITs and IIMs

Grab this one-time opportunity to download this ebook

Connect With Us

45,000+ students realised their study abroad dream with us. take the first step today..

reported speech imperative exercises pdf

Resend OTP in

reported speech imperative exercises pdf

Need help with?

Study abroad.

UK, Canada, US & More

IELTS, GRE, GMAT & More

Scholarship, Loans & Forex

Country Preference

New Zealand

Which English test are you planning to take?

Which academic test are you planning to take.

Not Sure yet

When are you planning to take the exam?

Already booked my exam slot

Within 2 Months

Want to learn about the test

Which Degree do you wish to pursue?

When do you want to start studying abroad.

January 2024

September 2024

What is your budget to study abroad?

reported speech imperative exercises pdf

How would you describe this article ?

Please rate this article

We would like to hear more.

Have something on your mind?

agendaweb.org

Reported speech - 1

Reported speech - 2

Reported speech - 3

Worksheets - handouts

Reported speech

Exercises: imperatives.

The teacher told us ...
"Close the door."
... the door
"Be quiet!"
... quiet.
"Don't make noise here."
... noise there.
"Do your work in pairs".
... our work in pairs.
"Open your books".
... our books.
"Don't talk to each other".
... to each other.
"Come here".
... there.
"Don't run in the corridor!"
... in the corridor.
"Say it in English".
... it in English.
"Don't go to the playground".
... to the playground.
  
  • Phrases and Clauses
  • Parts of a Sentence
  • Modal Verbs
  • Relative Clauses
  • Confusing Words
  • Online Grammar Quizzes
  • Printable Grammar Worksheets
  • Courses to purchase
  • Grammar Book
  • Grammar Blog
  • Direct & Indirect Speech

Reported Speech Imperatives

Reported speech imperatives differ in structure to other reported speech sentences.

Imperatives are:

  • Commands: Keep quiet!
  • Requests: Please close the window
  • Advice: Go and lie down
  • Suggestions: Take the test next year instead

This is the structure that we use:

Structure: reporting verb (e.g. ask, tell)   + noun/pronoun +  to infinitive 

Example: She asked me   to come  later

Reported Speech Imperatives

Here are some further examples using the imperative sentences above, showing them in direct speech and indirect speech.

Direct Speech:

  • She said, "Keep quiet!"
  • "Please close the window", the teacher said
  • He told her, "Go and lie down"
  • She said, "Take the test next year instead"

Reported Speech:

  • She instructed me to keep quiet
  • The teacher asked me to close the window
  • He told her to go and lie down
  • She advised them to take the test next year instead

Reporting Verbs for Imperatives

In normal reported speech, the common reporting verbs are said and told . For instance:

  • She said she was tired
  • He told me I should come tomorrow

There are many more, however, that are used with reported speech imperatives. Some are for orders while others are for polite requests.

Polite Request

Here are some more examples of reported speech imperatives using these verbs:

Polite Requests

  • My doctor  advised  me to sleep more
  • The government  urged  the people to use less water
  • She asked me to join her on holiday
  • They  reminded  us to put our seat belts on
  • He  requested  the guests to vacate their rooms
  • He begs her to stay
  • John told his brother to change direction
  • My boss  orders  me to work harder
  • She instructed them to learn the alphabet
  • The general  commanded his  soldiers to obey
  • The sign  forbade  them to enter

Suggest / demand / insist as Reported Verbs

Suggest  / demand / insist can be used as reported verb for imperatives; however, they do not follow the same pattern as above. That is because the structure for using them is as follows:

  • Suggest  /  demand / insis t  + that + someone

So this is how reported speech with these verbs will look:

  • Direct Speech: She said, "Study harder to pass your test"
  • Reported Speech: She suggested that I study harder to pass my test
  • Direct Speech:  He said, "Take a taxi home"
  • Reported Speech:  He insisted that we take a taxi home

You can't say:

  • She suggested me to study harder X
  • He insisted us to take a taxi home X

Negative Imperatives in Reported Speech

When we want to make an imperative reported speech sentence negative, we simply add in not before the ' to infinitive ': 

Negative Imperatives in Reported Speech

Structure: reporting verb  + noun/pronoun + not +  to infinitive 

Example: She advised me   not  to come late

Here are some examples of direct speech changed into indirect speech using negative imperatives.

  • She said, "Don't keep talking!"
  • "Please don't study too hard", the teacher said
  • He told her, "Don't wait up for me"
  • The doctor said, "Don't over eat" 
  • She instructed us not to keep keep talking
  • The teacher asked them  not to study to hard
  • He urged me not to wait up for him
  • The doctor advised me not to over eat

More on Reported Speech:

In these examples of direct and indirect speech you are given a sentence in direct speech which is then connected to indirect speech.

Examples of Direct and Indirect Speech

In these examples of direct and indirect speech you are given a sentence in direct speech which is then connected to indirect speech.

Direct and indirect speech are different because in direct speech the exact words said are spoken, but in indirect or reported speech, we are reporting what was said, usually using the past tense.

Direct and Indirect Speech: The differences explained

Direct and indirect speech are different because in direct speech the exact words said are spoken, but in indirect or reported speech, we are reporting what was said, usually using the past tense.

This reported speech quiz gives you the chance to practice converting direct speech to reported speech, also known as indirect speech. This involves backshifting with the tenses.

Reported Speech Quiz - Practice forming indirect speech

This reported speech quiz gives you the chance to practice converting direct speech to reported speech, also known as indirect speech. This involves backshifting with the tenses.

Reported speech tenses may differ from the tense of the direct speech. The general rule for tenses in reported speech is that it changes to the past tense. This is called backshifting.

Reported Speech Tenses Chart: How to convert tenses

Reported speech tenses may differ from the tense of the direct speech. The general rule for tenses in reported speech is that it changes to the past tense. This is called backshifting.

New! Comments

Any questions or comments about the grammar discussed on this page?

Post your comment here.

reported speech imperative exercises pdf

Sign up for free grammar tips, quizzes and lessons, straight into your inbox

Grammar Rules

Subscribe to grammar wiz:, grammar ebook.

English Grammar Book

This is an affiliate link

Recent Articles

Gerund or infinitive quiz.

Aug 11, 24 04:34 AM

Use of the Bare Infinitive

Aug 09, 24 01:59 AM

Future Continuous Tense Quiz: Yes/No Questions

Jun 29, 24 11:04 AM

Important Pages

Online Quizzes Grammar Lessons Courses Blog

Connect with Us

Youtube

Search Site

Privacy Policy  / Disclaimer  / Terms of Use

89,367 English ESL worksheets pdf & doc

ktregh

My English Path

  • My English Path

Online resources for English teachers and students

  • Reported Speech (Imperatives) Quiz

Try this quiz to test your understanding of reported speech of imperative sentences.

Choose the best answers to complete the following sentences.

Download quiz with answers in printable PDF.

More resources on the Site:

Reported Speech (Statements) Quiz

Reported Speech (Questions) Quiz

Reported Speech

  • Grammar Explanations

Search Our Site

  • Google Slides for Teachers
  • Grammar FAQs
  • Best Grammar Websites for English Language Learners
  • Privacy Policy

Join our newsletter!

Grammar explanations, quizzes, and tips in your inbox

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form. Name: * Email: * Enter a valid email Submit

We respect your privacy.

Approach English Grammar CBSE ICSE WBBSE

Home / English Grammar / Direct and Indirect Speech of Imperative Sentences

Direct and Indirect Speech of Imperative Sentences

Direct and Indirect Speech of Imperative Sentences

Discover how to change the direct and indirect speech of Imperative sentences  into statements while  maintaining proper punctuation. In addition,  the use of  reporting verbs ,  changing word orde r, and at the same time using appropriate tone to convey the meaning of the original sentence for the direct and indirect speech of Imperative sentences.

Imperative Sentence

An imperative sentence is a type of sentence that gives a command or makes a request. It typically takes the form of a subjectless verb , and the tone is often forceful, direct, and commanding.

For examples,

  • “Close the door.” 
  • “Please pass the salt.”

People also Search:

direct to indirect Speech to Change Direct to Indirect Speech
direct to indirect Speech
direct to indirect Speech
direct to indirect Speech

Imperative Sentences of Direct Speech and Indirect Speech.

(a) Basically, the subject will be “you” and it is not written in the sentence, but it remains in understood condition. 

(b) On the other hand, such sentences imply someone to advise, to order, or to request.

Examples: 

  • Direct: Mother said to me,  “(You) Don’t run in the sun.”
  • Indirect: Mother advised me not to run in the sun.
  • Direct :  Bina said to me, “Bina said to me go and fetch a glass of water.”
  • Indirect: Bina told ( asked/ordered/requested ) me to go and fetch a glass of water.

Reporting Verbs for Imperative Sentences Direct and Indirect Speech.

An imperative sentence always indicates a command, request, or advise. In order that we have to use appropriate Verbs according to command, request, or advise. A list of verbs used to change direct speech into indirect speech provides in the table below:

tell, order, command, change, bid, require. (‘Forbid’) is the negative verb of command.
ask, request, desire, beg, solicit, beseech, pray, entreat, implore.   
advice, exhort, urge, persuade.
Tell and ask.

Another key point is that ‘Tell ’ may often be used to express a ‘request’, ‘order, or ‘command’. As a result, it is often safer to use ‘ tell ’ in the indirect form when there is doubt about the proper word to introduce the Reported Speech.

Rules: Direct and Indirect Speech of Imperative Sentences.

In indirect narration imperative sentence rules , the introductory or the Reporting Verb of an Imperative sentence expressing command, request, or desire transforms into an appropriate verb that expresses the intended meaning – tell, ask, request, order, command, beg, entreat, advise, implore.

First, look at the sentence given in the reported speech under Direct Narration.

Direct and Indirect Speech of Imperative Sentences

In Indirect Narration, the Verb of the Reported Speech in an Imperative Sentence is changed into the Infinitive [ to + V( Base Form ) ]

Changes of Verbs for Imperative Sentences Direct and Indirect Speech.

Rule 3: 

If the Reported Speech is Negative, the word “ not ” is used in Indirect Narration before the Infinitive ( not + to )

Direct and Indirect Speech of Imperative Sentences Negative Forms

Expressions like ‘Please, Sir, Madam, etc are omitted in Indirect Narration, and their sense is expressed by adding adverbs like ‘politely’, ‘kindly’, ‘respectfully’, etc.

Direct and Indirect Speech of Imperative Sentences for Polite Expression

A Nominative of Address or a Vocative is omitted in indirect narration. The verb is followed by the person addressed and the Infinitive.

Direct and Indirect Speech of Imperative Sentences for Nominative or Vocative Sentences

When “Let” in the Direct Speech expresses a Proposal or Suggestion we may use “Should” or “Let” and change the Reporting Verb into proposing or suggest. [ It indicates Proposal or Suggestion]

When the Plural Form of Pronouns ( us etc ) is used after “Let”, [ Infinitive ( to + V)] is not used in Imperative Sentences beginning with “ Let.”

Direct and Indirect Speech of Imperative Sentences Proposal or Suggestion

Rule 7: 

But when “ Let ” does not express a proposal, it should be changed into might or might be allowed to or into some other form and the Reporting Verb in Indirect Speech might be a wish, request, told, ordered, say, etc. according to the meaning or sense of the sentence. 

[ It  does not indicate Proposal or Suggestion When Singular Form of Pronoun ( me, him, etc ) is used after “Let” ] [ Infinitive ( to + V) is not used in Imperative Sentence beginning with “ Let.”

Direct and Indirect Speech of Imperative Sentences expressing wish

Changes of Persons in indirect narration have already been discussed on the previous page. Should be carefully studied.

Changes in Reporting Verb in Indirect Narration and the Verb of the reported speech in indirect narration also have been discussed in the General Rules section on the previous page. Should be carefully studied.

Direct and Indirect Speech Imperative Sentences Examples 2024

Note carefully the Changes in Imperative Sentences from Direct Speech to Indirect Speech.

Direct: Father said to me, “Go home at once.”

Indirect: Father ordered me to go home at once.

Direct: The teacher said to me, “Don’t come here.”

Indirect: The teacher ordered me not to go there. Or, The teacher forbade me to go there.

Direct: He said to me, ‘Please open the door.”

Indirect: He requested me to open the door. Or, He told me politely to open the door.

Direct: He said to me, ‘Please wait here till I return.”

Indirect: He requested me to wait there till he returned.

Direct: I said to him, “Please explain the passage.”

Indirect: I requested him to explain the passage.

Direct: mother said to him, “Don’t run in the sun.”

Indirect: The mother advised him not to run in the sun. Or. Mother forbade him to run in the sun.

Direct: He said, “Ram, go there.”

Indirect: He told Ram to go there.

Direct: He said, “Friends, lend me your ears.”

Indirect: Addressing them as friends, he requested them to lend him their ears.

Direct: He shouted, “Stop, you villain !”

Indirect : He shouted to the villain to stop.  Or,  He ordered the villain to stop.  Or,  Calling the man a villain, he ordered him to stop.

Narration of imperative sentences exercise and Answers

Change the narration from direct to indirect speech.

Direct: “Shut the window,” she commanded. Indirect: She commanded to shut the window.

Direct: “Please bring me a glass of water,” he requested. Indirect: He requested to bring him a glass of water.

Direct: “Don’t touch that,” she warned. Indirect: She warned not to touch that.

Direct: “Help me with this assignment,” he asked. Indirect: He asked for help with that assignment.

Direct: “Pass me the salt,” she said. Indirect: She asked to pass her the salt.

Direct: “Please don’t disturb him,” she requested. Indirect: She requested not to disturb him.

Direct: “Open the door,” he ordered. Indirect: He ordered to open the door.

Direct: “Don’t be late for the meeting,” she advised. Indirect: She advised not to be late for the meeting.

Direct: “Pass me the book,” he requested. Indirect: He requested to pass him the book.

Direct: “Don’t forget to call me tomorrow,” she reminded. Indirect: She reminded not to forget to call her the next day.

Imperative Sentences Narration Change Examples with ‘Let’

Direct: “Let’s go to the park,” he suggested. Indirect: He suggested going to the park.

Direct: “Let her finish the presentation,” she proposed. Indirect: She proposed that she finish the presentation.

Direct: “Let’s not waste any more time,” he insisted. Indirect: He insisted on not wasting any more time.

Direct: “Let me help you with that,” she offered. Indirect: She offered to help with that.

Direct: “Let’s have dinner together,” he suggested. Indirect: He suggested having dinner together.

Direct: “Let’s not forget to send the email,” she reminded. Indirect: She reminded not to forget to send the email.

Direct: “Let him borrow your book,” he suggested. Indirect: He suggested allowing him to borrow your book.

Direct: “Let’s finish the project by Friday,” she urged. Indirect: She urged to finish the project by Friday.

Direct: “Let’s try a different approach,” he proposed. Indirect: He proposed trying a different approach.

Direct: “Let’s take a break,” she suggested. Indirect: She suggested taking a break.

Workout Examples of Imperative Sentences

Direct: I said to him, “Excuse me, sir.”

Indirect: I begged him to excuse me.

Direct: I said to him, “Let us have some music.”

Indirect: I proposed or suggested to him that we should have some music.

Direct: He said to his companions, “Let us not miss this chance.”

Indirect: He proposed (suggested) to his companions that they should not miss that chance.

Direct: We said, “Let him tell the story.”

Indirect: We said that he might (or might be allowed to) tell the story.

Direct: She said, Let him eat whatever he likes.”

Indirect: She said that he might (or might be allowed to) eat whatever he liked.

Direct: He said, “Let me come in.”

Indirect: He requested that he might be allowed to come in.

Exercises : Direct and Indirect Speech of Imperative Sentences

Change the following from Direct to Indirect Speech of Imperative Sentence 

1. He said to me. “Put out the light.”

2. Mother said, “Don’t idle away your time.”

3. The beggar said to the man, “Please help me with money.”

4. The teacher said, “Boys, don’t make noise in the class.”

5. “Be not afraid, noble prince”, said the philosopher.

6. The old man said, “Take care of yourself, little girl.”

7. He said to me, “Let me do my work.” 

8. He said, “Lie down, Tom.” 

9. He said, “Oil your own machine.”

10. The general said to his troops, “Capture the fort.”

11. The teacher said to me, “Don’t read so fast.”

12. The girl said to the woman, “Please excuse me, madam.”

13. Kaberi said to Raman, “Let me live in peace.”

14. He said, “Let me have my own way.”

15. The thirsty man said to the woman, “Bring me a glass of water.”

16. Mother said to the boy, “Come here soon.”

17. You said to me, “Follow me cautiously.”

18. He said to you, “Don’t look behind.”

19. Madam said to Della, “Take off your hat.”

20. Father said to Casabianca, “Do not leave the deck till I come back,”

Worksheet Imperative Sentence

Turn the following sentences into Indirect Speech :

(1) Father said, My son, “Don’t give up hope.”

(2) Mother said to the daughter, “Get ready to receive the guests.”

(3) The sergeant said to the constables, “Run after the miscreants.”

(4) The boy said to the pedestrian, “Please help me to get out of the trap.”

(5) The teacher said to the boys, “Read silently.”

(6) The secretary of the club said to the members, “Let us raise a fund to help flood victims.”

(7) The students said, “Let us play a friendly football match.”

(8) The grandmother said to the grandchildren, “Let me tell you a folk tale.”

(9) He said, “Let me do this sum.”

(10) You said to me, “Let me go with you.”

(11) She said, “Let me try it again.”

(12) They said, “Let us pray for Mother Teresa.”

(13) The monk said to us, “Give up bad habits.”

(14) Father said to me, “Do not tell a lie.”

(15) The master said to the servant, “Pack up the things in the bag.”

(16) The girl said to her mother, “Please forgive me for my misbehavior.”

(17) You said to me, “Let us take a holy dip in the Ganges.”

Related Posts:

Phrasal Verbs Meaning and Examples with Sentences

Notification Bell

Reported speech (imperative)

Profile picture for user YOSOYELSA

ELSA HERNANDEZ LOPEZ

Report the following orders.

Loading ad...

  • Google Classroom
  • Microsoft Teams
  • Download PDF

Reported speech  (imperative)

Reported Speech – Rules, Examples

Photo of author

| Candace Osmond

Photo of author

Candace Osmond

Candace Osmond studied Advanced Writing & Editing Essentials at MHC. She’s been an International and USA TODAY Bestselling Author for over a decade. And she’s worked as an Editor for several mid-sized publications. Candace has a keen eye for content editing and a high degree of expertise in Fiction.

They say gossip is a natural part of human life. That’s why language has evolved to develop grammatical rules about the “he said” and “she said” statements. We call them reported speech.

Every time we use reported speech in English, we are talking about something said by someone else in the past. Thinking about it brings me back to high school, when reported speech was the main form of language!

Learn all about the definition, rules, and examples of reported speech as I go over everything. I also included a worksheet at the end of the article so you can test your knowledge of the topic.

What Does Reported Speech Mean?

Grammarist Article Graphic V3 2022 10 25T162134.388

Reported speech is a term we use when telling someone what another person said. You can do this while speaking or writing.

There are two kinds of reported speech you can use: direct speech and indirect speech. I’ll break each down for you.

A direct speech sentence mentions the exact words the other person said. For example:

  • Kryz said, “These are all my necklaces.”

Indirect speech changes the original speaker’s words. For example:

  • Kryz said those were all her necklaces.

When we tell someone what another individual said, we use reporting verbs like told, asked, convinced, persuaded, and said. We also change the first-person figure in the quotation into the third-person speaker.

Reported Speech Examples

We usually talk about the past every time we use reported speech. That’s because the time of speaking is already done. For example:

  • Direct speech: The employer asked me, “Do you have experience with people in the corporate setting?”

Indirect speech: The employer asked me if I had experience with people in the corporate setting.

  • Direct speech: “I’m working on my thesis,” I told James.

Indirect speech: I told James that I was working on my thesis.

Reported Speech Structure

A speech report has two parts: the reporting clause and the reported clause. Read the example below:

  • Harry said, “You need to help me.”

The reporting clause here is William said. Meanwhile, the reported clause is the 2nd clause, which is I need your help.

What are the 4 Types of Reported Speech?

Aside from direct and indirect, reported speech can also be divided into four. The four types of reported speech are similar to the kinds of sentences: imperative, interrogative, exclamatory, and declarative.

Reported Speech Rules

The rules for reported speech can be complex. But with enough practice, you’ll be able to master them all.

Choose Whether to Use That or If

The most common conjunction in reported speech is that. You can say, “My aunt says she’s outside,” or “My aunt says that she’s outside.”

Use if when you’re reporting a yes-no question. For example:

  • Direct speech: “Are you coming with us?”

Indirect speech: She asked if she was coming with them.

Verb Tense Changes

Change the reporting verb into its past form if the statement is irrelevant now. Remember that some of these words are irregular verbs, meaning they don’t follow the typical -d or -ed pattern. For example:

  • Direct speech: I dislike fried chicken.

Reported speech: She said she disliked fried chicken.

Note how the main verb in the reported statement is also in the past tense verb form.

Use the simple present tense in your indirect speech if the initial words remain relevant at the time of reporting. This verb tense also works if the report is something someone would repeat. For example:

  • Slater says they’re opening a restaurant soon.
  • Maya says she likes dogs.

This rule proves that the choice of verb tense is not a black-and-white question. The reporter needs to analyze the context of the action.

Move the tense backward when the reporting verb is in the past tense. That means:

  • Present simple becomes past simple.
  • Present perfect becomes past perfect.
  • Present continuous becomes past continuous.
  • Past simple becomes past perfect.
  • Past continuous becomes past perfect continuous.

Here are some examples:

  • The singer has left the building. (present perfect)

He said that the singers had left the building. (past perfect)

  • Her sister gave her new shows. (past simple)
  • She said that her sister had given her new shoes. (past perfect)

If the original speaker is discussing the future, change the tense of the reporting verb into the past form. There’ll also be a change in the auxiliary verbs.

  • Will or shall becomes would.
  • Will be becomes would be.
  • Will have been becomes would have been.
  • Will have becomes would have.

For example:

  • Direct speech: “I will be there in a moment.”

Indirect speech: She said that she would be there in a moment.

Do not change the verb tenses in indirect speech when the sentence has a time clause. This rule applies when the introductory verb is in the future, present, and present perfect. Here are other conditions where you must not change the tense:

  • If the sentence is a fact or generally true.
  • If the sentence’s verb is in the unreal past (using second or third conditional).
  • If the original speaker reports something right away.
  • Do not change had better, would, used to, could, might, etc.

Changes in Place and Time Reference

Changing the place and time adverb when using indirect speech is essential. For example, now becomes then and today becomes that day. Here are more transformations in adverbs of time and places.

  • This – that.
  • These – those.
  • Now – then.
  • Here – there.
  • Tomorrow – the next/following day.
  • Two weeks ago – two weeks before.
  • Yesterday – the day before.

Here are some examples.

  • Direct speech: “I am baking cookies now.”

Indirect speech: He said he was baking cookies then.

  • Direct speech: “Myra went here yesterday.”

Indirect speech: She said Myra went there the day before.

  • Direct speech: “I will go to the market tomorrow.”

Indirect speech: She said she would go to the market the next day.

Using Modals

Grammarist Article Graphic V3 2022 10 25T162624.255

If the direct speech contains a modal verb, make sure to change them accordingly.

  • Will becomes would
  • Can becomes could
  • Shall becomes should or would.
  • Direct speech: “Will you come to the ball with me?”

Indirect speech: He asked if he would come to the ball with me.

  • Direct speech: “Gina can inspect the room tomorrow because she’s free.”

Indirect speech: He said Gina could inspect the room the next day because she’s free.

However, sometimes, the modal verb should does not change grammatically. For example:

  • Direct speech: “He should go to the park.”

Indirect speech: She said that he should go to the park.

Imperative Sentences

To change an imperative sentence into a reported indirect sentence, use to for imperative and not to for negative sentences. Never use the word that in your indirect speech. Another rule is to remove the word please . Instead, say request or say. For example:

  • “Please don’t interrupt the event,” said the host.

The host requested them not to interrupt the event.

  • Jonah told her, “Be careful.”
  • Jonah ordered her to be careful.

Reported Questions

When reporting a direct question, I would use verbs like inquire, wonder, ask, etc. Remember that we don’t use a question mark or exclamation mark for reports of questions. Below is an example I made of how to change question forms.

  • Incorrect: He asked me where I live?

Correct: He asked me where I live.

Here’s another example. The first sentence uses direct speech in a present simple question form, while the second is the reported speech.

  • Where do you live?

She asked me where I live.

Wrapping Up Reported Speech

My guide has shown you an explanation of reported statements in English. Do you have a better grasp on how to use it now?

Reported speech refers to something that someone else said. It contains a subject, reporting verb, and a reported cause.

Don’t forget my rules for using reported speech. Practice the correct verb tense, modal verbs, time expressions, and place references.

Grammarist is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. When you buy via the links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you.

2024 © Grammarist, a Found First Marketing company. All rights reserved.

reported speech imperative exercises pdf

Reported Speech Exercise 3

Perfect english grammar.

reported speech imperative exercises pdf

  • Review reported orders and requests here
  • Download this quiz in PDF here
  • More reported speech exercises here

Seonaid Beckwith

Hello! I'm Seonaid! I'm here to help you understand grammar and speak correct, fluent English.

method graphic

Read more about our learning method

Phenomenal English

Solution destination to your problems.

  • Direct Indirect

Imperative Sentences

Definition:-  Such sentences in which command, order or advice is found are called Imperative Sentences.

Model Sentences

Direct Speech Indirect Speech
1. The teacher said to the students,"Open your note books and revise your lesson." The teacher ordered the students to open their notebooks and write their lesson.  
2. He said to the boys,"Don't misbehave with your parents." He advised the boys not to misbehave with their parents.  
3. Principal of our college said to me,"Do not waste your time." Principal of our college forbade me to waste my time.
OR
Principal of our college advised me not to waste my time.
4. The teacher said to me,"Please don't elaborate your answers unnecessarily." The teacher requested me not to elaborate my answers unnecessarily.    
5. Father said to his son,"Don't quarrel." Father advised his son not to quarrel.
6. He said to me,"Wait here till I return." He ordered me to wait here till he returned.

Rules of Conversion:-  To convert these sentences into indirect narration following instructions must be observed.

  • Change said into ordered , requested , forbade , warned , threatened , urged , begged , implore or advised according to the sense of sentence.
  • Write 'to' in the place of inverted commas .
  • Change pronouns of reported speech according to rules stated in change of pronouns lesson.
  • Do not change tense of reported speech.
  • Change 'Do not' into 'not to' in reported speech in negative sentences.

Exercise No.8

Change the voice..

  • He said to me,"Don't stay here anymore."
  • The poor man said to me,"Please help me."
  • The teacher said to the students,"Respect elders"."
  • He said to the customer,"Come in please"."
  • The superintendent of jail said to the prisoners,"Do not fight in the prison."
  • Class Representative(CR) said to the class fellows,"Do not make a noise."
  • The teacher said to Ali,"Stand up on the bench."
  • She said to her friend,"Please speak truth."
  • Seema said to her husband,"Do not tell a lie."
  • She said to Arisha,"Please give me a glass of water."
  • Faizan said to Neha,"Have a glass of milk."
  • Captain said,"Follow me."
  • The gardener said to children,"Don't play hockey and football in the garden again."
  • Neelam said to her group lead,"Please grant me leave for three days and salary in advance. "
  • Dietician said to a patient,"Change your life style, eating habits and follow my diet plan."

Advance exercise No.9

  • Ali said to me,"Take care of yourself and write me off and on."
  • Policemen said to the rioters,"Finish your protest otherwise we shall have to enforce law."
  • Mother said to him,"Shut the main door as it is raining heavily outside."
  • He said to the boy,"Do not lose my leather jacket which I gave you in Murree."
  • Teachers said to the boys,"Be there at five because I like punctuality"."
  • The doctor wrote for patients in his pamphlet,"Clean your teeth twice a day regularly."
  • I said to him,"Please be quiet in the class' "
  • Mother said to you,"Please look at the door and feed the beggar."
  • Asim said to me,"Please wait for me here as long as I return."
  • Teacher said to me,"Make strictly sure at every cost that you have completed your classwork."
  • The invigilator instructed the students,"Please write fast, do not cheat and finish your paper on time."
  • The saint said to the poeple,"Please be cruel to the dishonest, be good to honest, be gentle to the children and be kind to the old."
  • The principal said to the student,"Complete your summer vacation task by 20th July otherwise you will have to pay fine."
  • My beautician said to me,"Wear your gold bracelet, earrings and nose ring with this make up and dress for the party."
  • Owner said to the servant,"Stop feeding your puppies from my kitchen and keep them inyour house."

Irritating Concepts of Grammar

  • Why we don't add s or es in verbs with singular subjects in Present Indefinite Tense
  • Why we use HAVE with I despite I is a singular subject
  • What is difference between He-She and That, It and This, These-Those and They
  • Strong and weak verbs
  • Finite and non-finite verbs

Phenomenal English consists of a group of several english language trainers who are serving local community for TWENTY years. Now they are ready to deliver in E-World.

Home About Us Disclaimer Privacy Policy Our Mission

1180 Kimson Estate Williamson Park NNS - 11232 Ph: +92 0300-3615045

IMAGES

  1. English Grammar Exercises Online Reported Speech

    reported speech imperative exercises pdf

  2. Reported Speech Imperative Exercise

    reported speech imperative exercises pdf

  3. Reported speech esl exercises pdf

    reported speech imperative exercises pdf

  4. The Imperative

    reported speech imperative exercises pdf

  5. Imperative Sentences Exercises : The Four Types Of Sentences

    reported speech imperative exercises pdf

  6. Reported Speech

    reported speech imperative exercises pdf

VIDEO

  1. Direct And Indirect Speech/Narration Imperative Sentence Definition and Rules

  2. Reported Speech Imperative Sentence || The easiest way to learn Reported Speech

  3. Reported Speech: Interrogative sentence || The Easiest Tips || For All Grammar Learner

  4. Reported Speech: Imperative Sentences; Requests

  5. Reported Speech: Imperative is changed into Infinitive🤗watch👍

  6. Reported speech/ Imperative Sentences/ Rule/ Exercise 8/ english grammar

COMMENTS

  1. Reported speech

    Reported speech - Worksheets pdf

  2. Reported Speech Imperatives Exercise

    Reported speech imperatives exercise with answers-- Change the commands/imperatives from direct to indirect speech. GrammarBank.com. GrammarBank.com. GrammarBank PDF eBooks Click here. GrammarBank Exercises eBook $7.95 - Children's English eBook $6.45 ...

  3. Reported Speech (B1)

    Reported Speech (B1) - PDF Worksheets

  4. Imperative Reported Speech with Examples & Practise Exercises

    Imperative Reported Speech Exercise 2. Rewrite each sentence into reported speech. Grandma said to me, "Please fetch my glasses.". The librarian said to us, "Return the books in a month.". I said to the agent, "Please book two tickets for America.". Andrew said, "I'll have a chicken sandwich and some coffee.".

  5. PDF Unit 12A Grammar: Reported Speech(1

    Lesson 35 - Reported Speech (PDF)

  6. Reported speech

    Reported speech exercises: reported commands and requests. Direct and indirect speech. Intermediate exercises esl.

  7. PDF Reported speech

    Key with answers: www.e-grammar.org/reported-speech-exercises-pdf/ Reported speech Exercise 2. Choose the correct option. _____ "I wish you were with me."

  8. PDF Direct & Reported Speech Grammar Practice Worksheets ESL Library

    A. Direct Speech cont. Position of Quoted Speech. Instructions. Examples. split by the subject and the verb. Begin with the first set of quotation marks. Capitalize the first letter of the sentence. At the end of the first part of the quote, place a comma and quotation marks. Insert the subject and reporting verb, and follow the verb with a comma.

  9. Reported Speech Imperatives

    Suggest / demand / insist can be used as reported verb for imperatives; however, they do not follow the same pattern as above. That is because the structure for using them is as follows: Suggest / demand / insist + that + someone. So this is how reported speech with these verbs will look: Direct Speech: She said, "Study harder to pass your test".

  10. 3 Reported speech imperatives English ESL worksheets pdf

    3 Reported speech imperatives English ESL worksheets pdf & doc. SORT BY. Most popular. TIME PERIOD. All-time. vikoca79. Garfield reported sp. The students have to. 11159 uses. antonella8. Reported Speech Prac. The above downloadab. 384 uses. kifissia. KEY:Reported Speech . Nightmare on Elm Str.

  11. Reported Speech Exercises

    Reported Speech Exercises

  12. Reported speech

    Direct and indirect speech Exercises with answers and grammar rules. Reported speech worksheets PDF exercises with answers. Reported questions, commands and requests Exercises and grammar rules. Reported speech - brief summary. In the reported speech we usually change tenses (one tense back), pronouns, time and place. "I admire you," said Sarah.

  13. Reported Speech (Imperatives) Quiz

    Grammar. Quizzes. Reported Speech (Imperatives) Quiz. Try this quiz to test your understanding of reported speech of imperative sentences. Click here to review the lesson! Choose the best answers to complete the following sentences. Download quiz with answers in printable PDF.

  14. Direct and Indirect Speech of Imperative Sentences

    Imperative Sentences of Direct Speech and Indirect Speech. (a) Basically, the subject will be "you" and it is not written in the sentence, but it remains in understood condition. (b) On the other hand, such sentences imply someone to advise, to order, or to request. Examples: Direct: Mother said to me, " (You) Don't run in the sun.".

  15. Reported speech (imperative)

    Reported speech (imperative) worksheets by ELSA HERNANDEZ LOPEZ .Reported speech (imperative) worksheet Live Worksheets Liveworksheets transforms your traditional printable worksheets into self-correcting interactive exercises that the students can do online and send to the teacher.

  16. Reported Speech Exercises (With Printable PDF)

    Reported Speech Exercises (With Printable PDF) In English grammar, reported speech is used to tell someone what another person said. It takes another person's words (direct speech) to create a report of what they said (indirect speech.) With the following direct and indirect speech exercises, it will be easier to understand how reported ...

  17. Reported speech exercises PDF

    Reported speech exercises PDF

  18. Reported Speech

    Reported Speech - Perfect English Grammar ... Reported Speech

  19. Reported Speech

    There are two kinds of reported speech you can use: direct speech and indirect speech. I'll break each down for you. A direct speech sentence mentions the exact words the other person said. For example: Kryz said, "These are all my necklaces.". Indirect speech changes the original speaker's words. For example: Kryz said those were all ...

  20. Reported Speech Exercise 3

    Reported Speech Exercise 3

  21. Indirect speech

    Indirect speech - reported speech

  22. Direct and indirect speech exercises PDF

    Direct and indirect speech exercises PDF

  23. Imperative Sentences with Practice Exercise- Phenomenal English

    Imperative Sentences with Practice Exercise