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Reported Speech

Tell someone what another person said, asked or told you to do.

Intermediate 2 min read

What Is It?

Reported (indirect) speech tells what someone said without quoting their exact words. “I’m tired,” Joe said. → Joe said (that) he was tired.

Why Do English Speakers Use It?

We use it constantly to pass on messages, retell conversations and summarize meetings.

When to Use It

Statements: She said (that) she was busy.
Questions: He asked if I was hungry.
Requests and orders: The teacher told us to sit down.

When NOT to Use It

You don’t need to backshift when the fact is still true or the reporting verb is present: “She says she’s busy.” “He said the sun rises in the east.”

Sentence Structure

Direct speech	Reported speech	Change
“I work here.”	He said he worked there.	present → past
“I will call.”	She said she would call.	will → would
“I saw it.”	He said he had seen it.	past → past perfect

Grammar Rules

Say has no person object; tell needs one: She told me…
Change pronouns and time words: today → that day, tomorrow → the next day, here → there.
Reported questions use statement word order: He asked where I lived (not where did I live).
Yes/no questions use if or whether: She asked if I was ready.

Real-Life Examples

Monica said she was going to be late.
Joe told me he had lost his keys.
They asked where the station was.
My boss told me to send the file.

Common Learner Mistakes

She said me she was tired.She told me she was tired. / She said she was tired.
He asked where did I live.He asked where I lived.
She told to wait.She told me to wait.

Quick Memory Tip

Reporting is like a time machine: move the verb one step back into the past.

Real Conversation

Joe: Did Monica call?

Rina: Yes, she said she would be late and asked if you could start without her.

Joe: No problem, thanks for telling me.

Interactive Practice

Pick an answer to check your understanding.

Question 1 of 3

“I am hungry,” said Joe. → Joe said that he ___ hungry.

Question 2 of 3

On Monday she said she ___ the report the following day.

Question 3 of 3

He asked me where ___.

Final Mini Quiz

One last check before you mark the lesson complete.