Reported Speech

Reported Speech

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.


Statements


- When transforming statements, check whether you have

to change:


* pronouns

* present tense verbs (3rd person singular)

* place and time expressions

* tenses (backshift)



*direct speech

“I speak English.”


- reported speech (no backshift)

He says that he speaks English.


- reported speech(backshift)

He said that he spoke English .



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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


*Questions with interrogative



* direct speech

“Why don’t you speak English?”


- reported speech

He asked me why I didn’t speak English.



*Questions without interrogative



* direct speech

“Do you speak English?”


- reported speech

He asked me whether / if I spoke English .


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Requests



- When 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 .

Good luck with your study