What are the rules for changing reported speech into reported commands?

When changing reported speech into reported commands, there are several rules to follow. These rules help to accurately convey the original command while maintaining the appropriate tense and structure. Here are the key guidelines:

1. Remove the imperative verb: In reported commands, the imperative verb is usually changed to an infinitive verb. For example, if the original command is "Close the door," it would be changed to "He told me to close the door."

2. Use an appropriate reporting verb: Introduce the reported command with a reporting verb such as "tell," "order," "command," or "ask." This helps to indicate that the statement is a command. For instance, "He ordered me to clean my room."

3. Change pronouns and possessive adjectives: Adjust the pronouns and possessive adjectives in the reported command to match the subject of the reporting verb. For example, if the original command is "You should finish your homework," it would be changed to "He told me that I should finish my homework."

4. Change time and place references: Modify time and place references in the reported command to reflect the time and place of reporting. For instance, if the original command is "Come here tomorrow," it would be changed to "He told me to go there the next day."

5. Use reporting verbs in the appropriate tense: The reporting verb should be in the past tense to indicate that the command was given in the past. For example, if the original command is "Do your homework," it would be changed to "He told me to do my homework."

6. Use reporting verbs in the appropriate mood: If the original command is in the imperative mood, the reporting verb should be in the subjunctive mood. For example, if the original command is "Be quiet," it would be changed to "He ordered me to be quiet."

7. Use reporting verbs in the appropriate voice: If the original command is in the active voice, the reporting verb should be in the passive voice. For instance, if the original command is "Open the window," it would be changed to "He asked for the window to be opened."

It is important to note that these rules may vary depending on the context and the specific command being reported. Therefore, it is crucial to carefully analyze the original command and apply the appropriate changes while maintaining the intended meaning.