Reported questions and commands
Report questions with statement word order and report instructions with tell or ask plus an infinitive.
Learning goal: Reported questions and commands
Transform basic questions and commands without retaining question word order.
In a nutshell
Report questions with statement word order and report instructions with tell or ask plus an infinitive.
When do we use it?
Transform basic questions and commands without retaining question word order.
Pattern
Form
Use asked + if/question word + statement order and told/asked + object + to-infinitive.
- She asked where I lived.
- He asked if I was ready.
- They told us to wait.
Examples
Key contrast
Read the whole context and identify the time, meaning, noun type or sentence structure before choosing.
Watch out
Common mistakes
She asked where did I live.→ She asked where I lived.He told to me wait.→ He told me to wait.
Key takeaway
Remember
Report questions with statement word order and report instructions with tell or ask plus an infinitive.
Self-check
Quick check
- Find the grammar clue.
- Check the subject and verb form.
- Confirm that the answer fits both structure and meaning.
Put it into practice
Ready to test Reported questions and commands?
A short interactive practice session with instant feedback — about 10 questions calibrated to C1 Advanced.
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