Reported Speech (also referred to as 'indirect speech') refers to a sentence reporting what someone has said. It is almost always used in spoken English.
- If the reporting verb (i.e. said) is in the past, the reported clause is in a past form. This form is usually one step back into the past from the original.
For example:
- He said the test was difficult.
- She said she watched TV every day.
- If simple present, present perfect or the future is used in the reporting verb (i.e. says) the tense is retained.
For example:
- He says the test is difficult.
- She has said that she watches TV every day.
The reported speech calls for changes in tenses, pronouns and time expressions. This reported speech guide provides all the information required. Reported speech generally uses the verbs 'say' and 'tell'. However, there are also a number of other reporting verbs that are much more descriptive (admit, reveal, suggest, etc.)
When changing verbs in reported speech, it's important to know your tenses well. This verb tense chart will help you review.
Once you've studied the rules - or if you already know the rules - test your knowledge:
Here are lessons on the site which focus on the past simple or past continuous and their use with other tenses.
Reported Speech - integration lesson for upper level students
Best Friend - Friend from Hell - fun conversation lesson which includes reporting back on what has been said
Some activities that will help you practice:
Guess Who I Bumped Into? - Reported speech reading comprehension activity
Having a Hard Time Finding a Job -
Dialogue reading of two conversations, the second of which reports on the first about someone who's having a hard time finding a job, includes a follow-up comprehension quiz
Grammar Tools and Games
Reported Speech Transformation Chart
Time Expressions and Tenses
