Statements vs. Questions vs. Commands

Statements, questions, and commands all change slightly differently when reported — can you tell them apart?

Notice

  • Statement: “I am tired.” → She said (that) she was tired.
  • Question: “Are you tired?” → She asked if I was tired.
  • Command: “Rest now.” → She told me to rest.

Rule

Quick summary: Statements use said/told + (that) + clause. Questions use asked + if/whether/wh-word + statement word order. Commands use told/asked + object + (not) to + base verb. Keep them straight by asking: was it a fact, a question, or an instruction?

Practice

  1. “I live in London,” she said. (statement) →
    Answer: She said (that) she lived in London.
  2. “Do you live in London?” she asked. (question) →
    Answer: She asked if I lived in London.
  3. “Wait for me,” she said. (command) →
    Answer: She told me to wait for her.
  4. “What is your name?” he asked. (question) →
    Answer: He asked what my name was.
  5. “Don’t worry,” she said. (command) →
    Answer: She told me not to worry.

Connect

Mix statements, questions, and commands in one quick check.

Try Grammar Quiz →

CEFR: Writing — accurately report what was said in a note, email, or message.

Azizul Hakim
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