Reported (indirect) speech relays what someone said without quoting the exact words: \(\to\)

The backshift of tenses

When the reporting verb is past (), tenses usually move one step back:

@L5.6cmL6.4cm@ Direct & Reported
present simple: & past simple:
present progressive: & past progressive:
past simple: & past perfect:
present perfect: & past perfect:
: & :
: & :
: & :
(obligation): & :

Past perfect, do not change further.

No backshift is needed when the statement is still true or the reporting verb is present: Backshifting in such cases () is also correct and slightly more detached.

Changes of person, time, and place

Pronouns and pointers shift with the new perspective:

\(\to\) \(\to\)
\(\to\) \(\to\)
\(\to\) \(\to\)
\(\to\) \(\to\)

\(\to\)

Reported questions

Reported questions use statement word order, with no -support and no question mark: \(\to\) Yes/no questions use or : \(\to\)

\(\to\)
\(\to\)

The same order applies to in polite requests: ()

Reported commands and requests

Use -infinitive: \(\to\) \(\to\) Note the position of : + verb.

Reporting verbs and their patterns

Move beyond and — richer verbs summarize the speech act:

@L5.4cmL6.8cm@ Pattern & Verbs and examples
verb + -infinitive & :
verb + object + -inf. & :
verb + gerund & :
verb + preposition + gerund & :
verb + -clause & :

vs. : needs a person object; does not. \(\to\) \(\to\)
: \(\to\)

Exercises

Report the statements Put into reported speech with a past reporting verb.

  1. “I’m leaving tomorrow,” Marta said.

  2. “We haven’t seen this film,” they said.

  3. “I can’t find my glasses,” Grandpa said.

  4. “The results will be published next week,” the professor said.

  5. “I didn’t touch your phone,” my brother said.

Report the questions and commands

  1. “Where is the nearest bank?” (She asked…)

  2. “Did you enjoy the concert?” (He wanted to know…)

  3. “Don’t open the window,” the guard said to us.

  4. “How long have you been waiting?” (They asked me…)

  5. “Please check your booking details again.” (The airline advised…)

Choose the reporting verb Rewrite each quotation using the verb given.

  1. “Yes, it was me — I broke the vase.” (admit)

  2. “I’ll definitely pay you back on Monday.” (promise)

  3. “Why don’t we take the coastal road?” (suggest)

  4. “I’m so sorry I shouted at you.” (apologize)

  5. “You copied my design!” (accuse)