“Don’t sleep” (reported speech)

When reporting commands or prohibitions, the structure changes from direct imperative to an infinitive phrase, often preceded by a reporting verb that reflects the nature of the command.

• Correct Option (C): "He ordered not to sleep." For negative commands, "not to" + infinitive is the correct structure. "Ordered" is an appropriate reporting verb for a direct command like "Don't sleep."
• Distractor (A): "He advised to not sleep." The placement of "not" is incorrect; it should be "not to sleep."
• Distractor (B): "He said to not sleep." "Said" is too neutral for a command, and "to not sleep" is grammatically awkward.
• Distractor (D): "He instructed not to sleep." While "instructed" is plausible, "ordered" often conveys a stronger, more direct command, fitting the imperative "Don't sleep" more precisely.