Reported Speech (statements)
B1 IntermediateReported speech is used to communicate what someone else said without using their exact words. It typically involves shifting tenses backward and changing pronouns to reflect the new perspective.
Overview
When we report a statement, we usually introduce it with a verb like say or tell. Because the original words were spoken in the past, the verbs in the reported clause usually move one step back in time. This is known as backshift.
- Present simple becomes past simple.
- Present continuous becomes past continuous.
- 'Will' becomes 'would'.
Say vs. Tell
The word that is optional in both structures and is often omitted in informal speech.
| Verb | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
| say | say + (that) + clause | They said they were tired. |
| tell | tell + person + (that) + clause | They told me they were tired. |
Tense Changes
Reporting verb (past) + [optional person] + (that) + reported clause (backshifted)
Common backshift patterns include:
- am/is/are → was/were
- have/has → had
- can → could
Examples
Common mistakes
He told that he was hungry.
He said that he was hungry.
The verb 'tell' must be followed by an object (the person being spoken to).
She said me she was coming.
She told me she was coming.
The verb 'say' cannot be followed directly by a person; use 'told me' or 'said to me'.
Practice
Change to reported speech: 'I am happy,' said Mark.
Show answer
Mark said he was happy.
Answer:Mark said he was happy.
Why:The present simple 'am' shifts back to the past simple 'was', and the pronoun 'I' changes to 'he'.
Change to reported speech: 'We will help you,' they told me.
Show answer
They told me they would help me.
Answer:They told me they would help me.
Why:The modal 'will' shifts to 'would', and 'we' changes to 'they' to match the speakers.
Correct the error: She said me that the office was closed.
Show answer
She told me that the office was closed.
Answer:She told me that the office was closed.
Why:The verb 'say' does not take a direct personal object; 'tell' is required when mentioning the listener.