Reported speech. Grammar

Topics
Definition
Important Notes
Verb Tense Change
Place Changes
Time Changes
Possesive Pronoun Changes
Examples
Reporting Questions

DEFINITION
When we are telling someone what another person said or thought, but do not use their exact words.
For example
Mark said that he wanted to live in London.

IMPORTANT NOTES
Quotation marks are not used in reported speech.
Verb tenses, pronouns and some “time” and “place” words may change because the time, place and speaker may be different.
When we report a statement, we use reported verbs such as say, tell, explain, inform, answer, decide, etc. often followed by that.

In reported –wh questions, we use the wh- word + the subject + the verb.
We do not use the interrogative form of the verb – do, does or did.
We do not use the interrogative form of the verb – do, does or did.
When we report requests, orders, advice or warnings we use verbs such as advice, ask, beg, tell, order, etc, followed by an infinitive.

Verb Tense Change
Direct speech
Reported speech
PRESENT SIMPLE PAST SIMPLE
PAST SIMPLE PAST PERFECT

PLACE CHANGES

TIME CHANGES

POSSESIVE PRONOUN CHANGES

EXAMPLES
Direct Speech Reported Speech
Tom says, «I am very tired» Tom said that he was very tired.
She said «Jane is ill» She said that Jane was ill.
Ali said «I worked hard» Ali said he had worked hard.
Jane said « I was a nurse» Jane said she had been a nurse.

REPORTING QUESTIONS

REPORTING QUESTIONS

REPORTING QUESTIONS