the verb explain, swindler vs. cheat and some other questions

[silviasabater_2000]

Hi there,

I would like to know if the verb explain has to take always an indirect object or if it is possible to say sentences such as: The book explains the story of a boy.

-What is the difference between a swindler and a cheat?

Are these sentences right?
He acts as an adult towards his brother
He tried to kill himself swelling the gas in his car
He offered whisky to Mark or He offered Mark whisky
He said the truth to me
The teacher banned me to speak in class
He is very sure
Is ist make or ask a question?

Thanks!!!

[Tdol]

Explain- doesn't always have to have an indirect object
Cheat- has a wider reference than swindler- whenever you deliberately deceive or break rules, etc, for your interest, you are cheating. You could be a cheat in an exam. However, a swindler is normally someone who gets money out of people by lying.

He acts as an adult towards his brother- This depends. Is he an adult? If so, then your sentence is correct, but if he behaves in a way that is adult, though younger, use 'like'
He tried to kill himself swelling the gas in his car- If you mean gasoline here, he'd swallow it. If it is the gas coming from the exhaust, he'd inhale the fumes.
He offered whisky to Mark or He offered Mark whisky- Both are fine
He said the truth to me- 'told me the truth/told the truth to me' sound more natural
The teacher banned me to speak in class- from speaking
Make a question- has the idea of formulating it Ask a question is fine.