Reported Speech

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If we report what another person has said, we usually do not use the speaker’s exact words (direct speech), but reported (indirect) speech. So, you need to learn how to transform direct speech into reported speech.
StatementsWhen transforming statements, check whether you have to change:
- pronouns
- present tense verbs (3rd person singular)
- place and time expressions
- tenses

direct speech “I speak English.”
reported speech
He said that he spoke English


QuestionsWhen transforming questions, check whether you have to change:

- pronouns
- present tense verbs (3rd person singular)
- place and time expressions
- tenses
Also note that you have to:

- transform the question into an indirect question
- use the interrogative or if / whether

with interrogative direct speech “Why don’t you speak English?”
reported speech He asked me why I didn’t speak English.
without interrogative direct speech “Do you speak English?”
reported speech He asked me whether / if I spoke English.

RequestsWhen transforming questions, check whether you have to change:

- pronouns
- place and time expressions

direct speech “Carol, speak English.“
reported speech He told Carol to speak English.


Exercises