Introduction
Reported speech is used to convey what someone else has said, transforming direct quotes into indirect statements. This allows for more flexibility in communication and is essential for relaying information accurately.
Structure
Direct Speech
- He said, "I am going to the store."
Reported Speech
- He said that he was going to the store.
Key Rules
- Tense Shift: When transforming direct speech into reported speech, the verb tense usually shifts back one tense.
- Present Simple → Past Simple
- Direct: She said, "I work here."
- Reported: She said (that) she worked here.
- Present Continuous → Past Continuous
- Direct: He said, "I am playing soccer."
- Reported: He said (that) he was playing soccer.
- Present Perfect → Past Perfect
- Direct: They said, "We have finished the project."
- Reported: They said (that) they had finished the project.
- Past Simple → Past Perfect
- Direct: She said, "I visited Paris."
- Reported: She said (that) she had visited Paris.
- Past Continuous → Past Perfect Continuous
- Direct: He said, "I was watching TV."
- Reported: He said (that) he had been watching TV.
- Past Perfect → Past Perfect (No Change)
- Direct: She said, "I had eaten breakfast."
- Reported: She said (that) she had eaten breakfast.
- Future Simple → "Would" + Base Verb
- Direct: She said, "I will call you."
- Reported: She said (that) she would call me.
- Pronoun Change: Pronouns often need to be changed to match the perspective of the reported speech.
- Time and Place Expressions: Time and place expressions may also need to be adjusted.
- Reporting Verbs: Common reporting verbs include "say" and "tell." Use "tell" when the listener is specified.
Examples
| Direct Speech | Reported Speech |
|---|---|
| "I have a meeting now," she said. | She said (that) she had a meeting then. |
| "We will travel tomorrow," they said. | They said (that) they would travel the next day. |
| "You must finish your homework," he told me. | He told me (that) I had to finish my homework. |
Common Time Expression Changes
| Direct Speech | Reported Speech |
|---|---|
| now | then |
| today | that day |
| tomorrow | the next day |
| yesterday | the day before |
| last week | the week before |
| next month | the following month |
| ago | before |
| here | there |
| this | that |
| these | those |
Practice Exercises
Transform the following sentences into reported speech:
- She said, "I can't find my keys."
- John said, "I'll meet you at the cafe."
- They told us, "We have never been to New York."
- Mary said, "I'm reading a great book."
- Tom said, "We are leaving now."
Exercise Answers
- She said (that) she couldn't find her keys.
- John said (that) he would meet me at the cafe.
- They told us (that) they had never been to New York.
- Mary said (that) she was reading a great book.
- Tom said (that) they were leaving then.
Conclusion
Reported speech is a powerful tool in English, allowing speakers to convey what others have said with accuracy and clarity. By following the rules of tense shifts, pronoun changes, and adjusting time expressions, you can effectively transform direct quotes into indirect statements.