How do you share what someone else said without using their exact words? Reported speech is how we become storytellers, passing on conversations, news, and information. Mastering this skill is key to being a great communicator and sharing experiences with others. 🗣️
Function & Usage
We use reported (or indirect) speech to tell someone what another person said. When we do this, the verb tense often takes one step back into the past. We also change pronouns and time words to fit the new perspective.
- Reporting Statements: To share information or a statement someone made.
Direct: “I am tired.” → Reported: He said that he was tired. - Reporting Questions: To share a question someone asked. The reported question is not a real question, so the word order changes to a normal statement.
Direct: “Where do you live?” → Reported: She asked where I lived.
The Structure (Form)
The key is the “tense backshift.” Present becomes past, will becomes would, etc. For questions, the question word stays, but the grammar changes.
| Direct Speech | Reported Speech |
|---|---|
| “I am happy.” (Present Simple) | He said he was happy. (Past Simple) |
| “We are studying.” (Present Cont.) | They said they were studying. (Past Cont.) |
| “I will call you.” (Future with will) | She said she would call me. (Future with would) |
| “What is your name?” (Question) | He asked what my name was. (Statement order) |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Forgetting the tense shift: The most common error is keeping the original verb tense. Incorrect: “He said that he is busy.” Correct: “He said that he was busy.”
- Keeping the question word order: Remember, a reported question is a statement. Incorrect: “She asked where do I live.” Correct: “She asked where I live” or “She asked where I lived.”
Let’s see it in action! 🎬
Maria (on Monday): “I am going to the cinema tonight.”
You (on Tuesday): Maria said she was going to the cinema last night.
Stranger: “What time is it?”
You (later): A man asked me what time it was.
John: “I have finished my work.”
You (reporting to your boss): John said that he had finished his work.
Check Your Understanding! ✅
Direct: “I am happy.” → He said he happy.
Direct: “We will be there.” → They said they be there.
Direct: “I live in this city.” → She said she in that city.
Direct: “Where is the post office?” → He asked where the post office .
Direct: “I can swim.” → She said she swim.
Direct: “What are you doing?” → He asked me what I ___ doing.
Direct: “I have seen this movie.” → She said she ___ this movie.
Direct: “Do you like pizza?” → He asked me ___ I liked pizza.
Direct: “My brother is a doctor.” → He said that his brother ___ a doctor.
Direct: “I finished the project yesterday.” → She said she had finished the project ___.
