When converting offers and suggestions into indirect speech, we use the verbs to offer and to suggest. There is a difference between these two verbs: the person who makes an offer intends to do the action himself, and the action is an act of kindness.
A suggestion may also be an act of kindness, but not necessarily; the person who makes a suggestion may or may not intend to do the action himself.
| Direct Speech | Indirect Speech |
|---|---|
| He said to her, “Shall I fetch you a glass of water?” She said, “Do, please.” (“No, don’t trouble.”) | He offered to fetch her a glass of water and she accepted the offer (declined the offer). |
| He said to her, “Suppose we go there together?” She said, “Very well.” (“No, I would rather you went alone.”) | He suggested that they should go there together and she agreed (refused). |
NOTE: If the verb to suggest is followed by a subordinate clause. The predicate of the subordinate clause is expressed by a verb in the analytical form of the Subjunctive Mood with the auxiliary should.
Sentences expressing advice are converted into indirect speech by means of the verb to advise.
| Direct Speech | Indirect Speech |
|---|---|
| He said to them, “You had better take a taxi, you may be late.” | He advised them to take a taxi, as otherwise, they might be late. |