REPORTED SPEECH

We use reported speech to say what someone

said. In reported speech the verb usually
goes one tense back.
- Present simple
Past simple

Eg.: Direct Speech:

You look
fabulous! Sue told John.
Indirect Speech: Sue told John (that)
he looked fabulous.
- Present continuous

Past continuous

REPORTED SPEECH
- Present perfect
- Past simple

Past perfect
Past perfect
- Past perfect
Past perfect
- Present perfect continuous.
Past
perfect cont.

Eg.: D.S.: John, I have been studying

English for three years! Mary said.
R.S.: Mary said to John (that) she had
been studying English for three years.

REPORTED SPEECH
- will/can
- Am/is/are going to
- Would/could
- Should/ought to

would/could
was/were going to
would/could
should/ought to

Reported Speech
In reported statements, other words can also
change, such as pronouns, places and time
references.
- Here
there
- This
that
- Last week
the week before
- Tomorrow
the next day, the day
after, the following day

Reported Speech
If something is reported which is always true,
the tense usually stays the same. To report
statements we usually use say and tell. These
verbs are often followed by that, though
optionally.
E.g.: The doctor told me (that) I was

stressed.
To report questions we usually use ask: She
asked me my name.

Reported Speech
To report requests we use ask + object + to
infinitive.

E.g.: Observe your neighbours, please.

They asked me to observe my neighbours.
To report commands we usually use tell +
object + to infinitive.
E.g.: Leave right now!
They told me to leave immediately.

Reported Speech
Now study these examples:
Ill buy a new bike. (D.S.)

He promised to buy a new bike. (I.S.)

No, I wont go. (D.S.)
She refused to go. (I.S.)
You ought to stay in bed. (D.S.)
He advised me to stay in bed. (I.S.)
Sources: CLANDFIELD, L. & BENNE, R. Global. Intermediate Coursebook. Macmillan.
(adapted)
HARMER, J. How to teach English. Oxford Univ. Press. (adapted)