Reporting requests and instructions with ask and tell

The idea

Use ask/tell + person + to + base verb. Put not before to for a negative instruction: told me not to unplug it. Pronouns identify the real speaker and listener. Ask presents a request; tell presents an instruction.

Examples

• Alex asked me to hold the fabric steady.
• The manager told us to leave the corridor clear.
• Leo told me not to unplug the router.
• The porter asked the guests to show their tickets.
• I asked him to repeat the street name.
• She asked whether I could lift the box.

Watch out

A could you question may request an action or genuinely ask about ability. Choose asked me to lift it for the request, or asked whether I could lift it for the ability question. Didn't tell me to go means no such instruction, not an instruction to stay.

Try it yourself

1. Choose the correct option. Alex asked me ___ the fabric steady. (to hold / holding)

   Show answer or example answer

   to hold

   After asked me, the requested action uses to hold. Holding does not fit this object-plus-infinitive pattern.

2. Choose the correct option. The manager told us ___ this entrance. (not to use / do not use)

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   not to use

   Not to use reports the negative instruction. Do not use is the direct imperative, not this reported complement.

3. Choose the correct option. Leo told ___ not to unplug the router. (me / I)

   Show answer or example answer

   me

   Me is the object of told and identifies who received the instruction; I is a subject form.

Use it today

Write one request and one negative instruction for setting up an exhibition. Report both, identifying who should act and preserving the original degree of authority.