No, “reporting promises orders requests” is not a grammatically correct sentence. It is a phrase that appears to list three nouns—reporting, promises, orders, requests—without a verb or clear relationship. Most likely, you are asking about reported speech (also called indirect speech) and how it handles promises, orders, and requests. In grammar, reporting a promise, order, or request follows specific patterns: you use a reporting verb (like promise, order, or ask) followed by a that-clause or an infinitive, and you shift tenses and pronouns according to the rules of backshift.
What Is Reported Speech?
Reported speech is how we tell someone what another person said without using their exact words. Direct speech quotes verbatim (“I will help you”), while reported speech paraphrases (She said she would help me). The transformation involves changes in tense, pronouns, time expressions, and sometimes word order. For promises, orders, and requests, the reporting verb itself carries the meaning of the utterance, so the structure differs from simple statements.
Reporting Promises
To report a promise, use the verb promise followed by an infinitive (to + verb) or a that-clause. For example:
- Direct: “I will pay you back tomorrow.”
Reported: He promised to pay me back the next day. (infinitive) - Direct: “I’ll be there.”
Reported: She promised that she would be there. (that-clause)
When using the infinitive, the subject of the promise must be the same as the subject of the main clause. If the promise is made to someone else, you can add an object: He promised me to help (though this is less common; “He promised me that he would help” is clearer). Tense backshift applies: will becomes would, can becomes could, and present tenses shift to past.
Reporting Orders
Orders are reported with verbs like order, command, tell, or instruct. The structure is typically: reporting verb + object + infinitive. The object is the person who received the order.
- Direct: “Stand up!”
Reported: The teacher ordered the student to stand up. - Direct: “Don’t touch that!”
Reported: He told me not to touch that.
Negative orders use not before the infinitive. If the order is reported with a that-clause, it often uses a subjunctive or modal: He ordered that the door be closed (formal). In everyday speech, the infinitive structure is far more common.
Reporting Requests
Requests are softer than orders. Report them with verbs like ask, beg, or request. The structure is the same as orders: verb + object + infinitive.
- Direct: “Please open the window.”
Reported: She asked me to open the window. - Direct: “Could you help me?”
Reported: He asked if I could help him. (for yes/no questions) or He asked me to help him. (for a request)
Note the difference: if the direct speech is a question, you may report it as a question with if/whether or as a request with an infinitive. The choice depends on whether the speaker is seeking information or asking for action.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
One frequent error is forgetting to change the pronoun or time expression. For example, “He said he will come” should be “He said he would come” in formal reported speech (though some speakers keep the present tense if the situation is still true). Another mistake is using the wrong reporting verb: say cannot take an infinitive object (“He said me to go” is wrong; use told). Also, when reporting a request, do not use order unless the tone is authoritative—using ask preserves the politeness. Finally, remember that in reported speech, the tense backshift is not obligatory if the original statement is a general truth or still relevant, but for promises, orders, and requests, backshift is standard in formal writing.
Why Does This Matter in Writing and Speech?
Correct reported speech clarifies who said what and when. In journalism, academic writing, and legal contexts, precise reporting of promises, orders, and requests is essential for accuracy. For example, a news article reporting a politician’s promise must distinguish between “he promised to lower taxes” (direct commitment) and “he said he would consider lowering taxes” (hedged statement). In business communication, reporting a client’s request accurately prevents misunderstandings. Misusing reported speech can change the meaning entirely: “She said she will come” implies the future event is still planned, while “She said she would come” may imply a conditional or past intention. Thus, mastering these patterns improves clarity and credibility.
How to Practice Reported Speech
To internalize these rules, try transforming direct quotes into reported speech in your daily reading. For example, take a news quote and rewrite it as reported speech. Focus on the reporting verb and the structure that follows. You can also create your own examples: imagine a boss giving orders, a friend making a promise, and a stranger asking for directions. Write them down in direct speech, then convert them. Pay attention to pronoun changes (I → he/she, you → me/him/her), time expressions (today → that day, tomorrow → the next day), and tense shifts. Over time, the patterns become automatic. There are many online grammar exercises, but the key is consistent practice with real examples.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between ‘tell’ and ‘ask’ in reported speech?
Tell is used for orders or information and always takes an object: “She told me to wait.” Ask is used for requests or questions and can take an object or not: “She asked me to wait” (request) or “She asked if I was ready” (question). You cannot say “She said me to wait”—use told instead.
Do I always need to change the tense in reported speech?
No. If the original statement is a general truth or the situation is still true at the time of reporting, you can keep the present tense. For example, “He said the sun rises in the east” (not “rose”) because it is a fact. For promises, orders, and requests, backshift is standard but not mandatory if the action is still in the future: “She said she will help” is acceptable in informal speech, though “would help” is more formal.
How do I report a promise that was made to me?
You would say: “He promised me that he would help” or “He promised to help me.” The first uses a that-clause, the second an infinitive. Both are correct; the infinitive is more concise. If you want to emphasize the recipient, use the that-clause with an object pronoun.
Can I use ‘order’ for a polite request?
No. Order implies authority and force. For a polite request, use ask or request. Using order would change the tone and meaning. For example, “She ordered me to leave” sounds harsh, while “She asked me to leave” is polite.
What is the subjunctive in reported orders?
In formal English, orders and demands can be reported with a that-clause using the subjunctive (the base form of the verb). For example: “The judge ordered that the prisoner be released.” This is more common in legal or formal writing. In everyday speech, the infinitive structure (“The judge ordered the prisoner to be released”) is more natural.
How do I report a request that is a question?
If the request is phrased as a question (“Could you pass the salt?”), you can report it as a request with an infinitive: “She asked me to pass the salt.” Alternatively, you can report it as a question: “She asked if I could pass the salt.” Both are correct; the first emphasizes the action, the second the question form.
Related
- Native American Myths and Legends: A Real Overview
- Native American Myths and Legends: A Real Overview
- Ancient Flood Stories Worldwide: Origins
How pages are sourced and corrected: Sources and editorial policy.