Reported Speech 0
Reported Speech 0
Reported Speech 0
If we report what another person has said, we usually do not use the speaker’s exact words (direct
speech), but reported (indirect) speech. Therefore, you need to learn how to transform direct
speech into reported speech. The structure is a little different depending on whether you want to
transform a statement, question or request.
1. Statements
Type Example
direct speech “I speak English.”
reported speech He says that he speaks English.
(no backshift)
reported speech He said that he spoke English.
(backshift)
Pronouns
In reported speech, you often have to change the pronoun depending on who says what.
Example
She says, “My mum doesn’t have time today.” – She says that her mum doesn’t have time today.
Tenses
No backshift
Do not change the tense if the introductory clause is in Simple Present (e. g. He says). Note,
however, that you might have to change the form of the present tense verb (3rd person singular).
Example
He says, “I speak English.” – He says that he speaks English.
Backshift
You must change the tense if the introductory clause is in Simple Past (e. g. He said). This is
called backshift.
Example
He said, “I am happy.” – He said that he was happy.
Therefore you always have to think which place and time expressions are logical in a certain
situation.
REPORTED /INDIRECT SPEECH 4th ESO
In the following table, you will find ways of transforming place and time expressions into reported
speech.
Direct Speech Reported Speech
today that day
now then
yesterday the day before
… days ago … days before
last week the week before
next year the following year
tomorrow the next day / the following day
here there
this that
these those
2.Questions
When transforming questions, check whether you have to change:
-pronouns
-present tense verbs (3rd person singular)
-place and time expressions
-tenses (backshift)
Also note that you have to:
-transform the question into an indirect question
-use the interrogative or if / whether
Type Example
direct speech “Carol, speak English.“
reported speech He told/ordered Carol to speak English.
For pronouns and place / time expressions see statements in reported speech. Tenses are not
relevant for requests – simply use ‚to‘ + infinite verb.
REPORTED /INDIRECT SPEECH 4th ESO
Example:
She said, “Say hello to your mum.“ – She asked me to say hello to my mum.
For negative requests, use ‚not to‘ + infinite verb.
Example:
He said, “Don’t give up, Bob.“ – He advised Bob not to give up.
B) REQUESTS
Type Example
direct speech “Carol, speak English, please.“
“Carol, can you speak English, please?”
reported speech He asked Carol to speak English.
EXERCISES
1) Reported Speech without backshift
Helen is in front of the class holding a presentation on London. As Helen is rather shy, she speaks
with a very low voice. Your classmate Gareth does not understand her, so you have to repeat every
sentence to him.
Complete the sentences in reported speech (no backshift). Note the change of pronouns and verbs.
Helen: I want to tell you something about my holiday in London.
Gareth: What does she say?
You: She says that
Helen: I went to London in July.
Gareth: What does she say?
You: She says that
Helen: My parents went with me.
Gareth: What does she say?
You: She says that
Helen: We spent three days in London.
Gareth: What does she say?
You: She says that
Helen: London is a multicultural place.
Gareth: What does she say?
You: She says that
Helen: I saw people of all colours.
Gareth: What does she say?
You: She says that
Helen: Me and my parents visited the Tower.
Gareth: What does she say?
You: She says that
Helen: One evening we went to see a musical.
Gareth: What does she say?
You: She says that
Helen: I love London.
Gareth: What does she say?
You: She says that
Helen: The people are so nice there.
Gareth: What does she say?
You: She says that
REPORTED /INDIRECT SPEECH 4th ESO
2) Backshift
Rewrite the sentences in reported speech. Change pronouns and time expressions where
necessary.
She said, "I am reading."
→ She said that
They said, "We are busy."
→ They said that
He said, "I know a better restaurant."
→ He said that
She said, "I woke up early."
→ She said that
He said, "I will ring her."
→ He said that
They said, "We have just arrived."
→ They said that
He said, "I will clean the car."
→ He said that
She said, "I did not say that."
→ She said that
She said, "I don't know where my shoes are."
→ She said that
He said: "I won't tell anyone."
→ He said that
backshift and Place expressions
Imagine you want to repeat sentences that you heard two weeks ago in another place. Rewrite the
sentences in reported speech. Change pronouns and expressions of time and place where
necessary.
They said, "This is our book."
→ They said
She said, "I went to the cinema yesterday."
→ She said
He said, "I am writing a test tomorrow."
→ He said
You said, "I will do this for him."
→ You said
She said, "I am not hungry now."
→ She said
They said, "We have never been here before."
→ They said
They said, "We were in London last week."
→ They said
He said, "I will have finished this paper by tomorrow."
→ He said
He said, "They won't sleep."
→ He said
She said, "It is very quiet here."
→ She said
Questions - Exercise 1
Complete the sentences in reported speech. Note the change of pronouns and tenses.
"Where is my umbrella?" she asked.
→ She asked
"How are you?" Martin asked us.
→ Martin asked us
REPORTED /INDIRECT SPEECH 4th ESO