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Reported speech (indirect speech) is used to tell someone what another person said, without quoting their exact words. It often involves changing pronouns, verb tenses, and word order, especially when reporting statements or questions.
To report a statement, use the formula: subject + reporting verb (e.g., said, told) + (that) + reported clause. For example: He said (that) he was tired. The word that is optional.
With a past reporting verb, backshift is usual when reporting from a later perspective: am/is/are → was/were, Present Simple → Past Simple, Present Perfect or Past Simple → Past Perfect, will → would, can → could. Direct: She said, "I am hungry". Reported: She said she was hungry. Backshift is not always necessary when the information remains true.
To report a yes/no question, use a reporting phrase such as asked, add if or whether, and use statement word order: He asked if I was coming. Do not retain the direct-question inversion or auxiliary do/does/did.
Start with a reporting verb like asked or wanted to know, keep the Wh- word (what, where, when), and use statement word order: Direct: She asked, 'Where do you live?' Reported: She asked where I lived.
If the reporting verb is present/future (says, will say), or the information is still true, you can keep the original tense: He says he needs help.
Pronouns and time expressions need to shift perspective: he, she, they; today → that day, tomorrow → the next day, etc. Direct: I will call you tomorrow. Reported: He said he would call me the next day.
In direct speech, quote the exact words: She said, 'I want tea.' In reported speech, change wording and make tense, pronoun, and adverbial adjustments: She said she wanted tea.
that is optional.if and statement word order.told used with object.can to could. Negative.told only with an object (person), not before that.to after ask. Change can to could with past reporting verbs.tell with an object (person): told me not said me.Answer a question using what you just learned and receive a suggested correction.
Start speakingWrite a few English sentences using what you just learned. Get an estimated level for your sample, explanations of key errors and a suggested revision.
Write about a conversation you overheard at a café yesterday. Report what two people said to each other, including at least one yes/no question and one Wh- question. Use correct tense backshifting, appropriate pronouns, and reporting verbs as discussed.
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