in reported speech was changes to

Reported Speech

Perfect english grammar.

Reported Statements

Here's how it works:

We use a 'reporting verb' like 'say' or 'tell'. ( Click here for more about using 'say' and 'tell' .) If this verb is in the present tense, it's easy. We just put 'she says' and then the sentence:

• Direct speech: I like ice cream.
• Reported speech: She says (that) she likes ice cream.

We don't need to change the tense, though probably we do need to change the 'person' from 'I' to 'she', for example. We also may need to change words like 'my' and 'your'. (As I'm sure you know, often, we can choose if we want to use 'that' or not in English. I've put it in brackets () to show that it's optional. It's exactly the same if you use 'that' or if you don't use 'that'.)

But , if the reporting verb is in the past tense, then usually we change the tenses in the reported speech:

• Reported speech: She said (that) she liked ice cream.

* doesn't change.

• Direct speech: The sky is blue.
• Reported speech: She said (that) the sky is/was blue.

Click here for a mixed tense exercise about practise reported statements. Click here for a list of all the reported speech exercises.

Reported Questions

So now you have no problem with making reported speech from positive and negative sentences. But how about questions?

• Direct speech: Where do you live?
• Reported speech: She asked me where I lived.
• Direct speech: Where is Julie?
• Reported speech: She asked me where Julie was.
• Direct speech: Do you like chocolate?
• Reported speech: She asked me if I liked chocolate.

Click here to practise reported 'wh' questions. Click here to practise reported 'yes / no' questions. Reported Requests

There's more! What if someone asks you to do something (in a polite way)? For example:

• Direct speech: Close the window, please
• Or: Could you close the window please?
• Or: Would you mind closing the window please?
• Reported speech: She asked me to close the window.
• Direct speech: Please don't be late.
• Reported speech: She asked us not to be late.

Reported Orders

• Direct speech: Sit down!
• Reported speech: She told me to sit down.
• Click here for an exercise to practise reported requests and orders.
• Click here for an exercise about using 'say' and 'tell'.
• Click here for a list of all the reported speech exercises.

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Reported speech: indirect speech

Indirect speech focuses more on the content of what someone said rather than their exact words. In indirect speech , the structure of the reported clause depends on whether the speaker is reporting a statement, a question or a command.

Indirect speech: reporting statements

Indirect reports of statements consist of a reporting clause and a that -clause. We often omit that , especially in informal situations:

The pilot commented that the weather had been extremely bad as the plane came in to land. (The pilot’s words were: ‘The weather was extremely bad as the plane came in to land.’ )

I told my wife I didn’t want a party on my 50th birthday. ( that -clause without that ) (or I told my wife that I didn’t want a party on my 50th birthday .)

Indirect speech: reporting questions

Reporting yes-no questions and alternative questions.

Indirect reports of yes-no questions and questions with or consist of a reporting clause and a reported clause introduced by if or whether . If is more common than whether . The reported clause is in statement form (subject + verb), not question form:

She asked if [S] [V] I was Scottish. (original yes-no question: ‘Are you Scottish?’ )

The waiter asked whether [S] we [V] wanted a table near the window. (original yes-no question: ‘Do you want a table near the window? )

He asked me if [S] [V] I had come by train or by bus. (original alternative question: ‘Did you come by train or by bus?’ )

Questions: yes-no questions ( Are you feeling cold? )

Reporting wh -questions

Indirect reports of wh -questions consist of a reporting clause, and a reported clause beginning with a wh -word ( who, what, when, where, why, how ). We don’t use a question mark:

He asked me what I wanted.

Not: He asked me what I wanted?

The reported clause is in statement form (subject + verb), not question form:

She wanted to know who [S] we [V] had invited to the party.

Not: … who had we invited …

Who , whom and what

In indirect questions with who, whom and what , the wh- word may be the subject or the object of the reported clause:

I asked them who came to meet them at the airport. ( who is the subject of came ; original question: ‘Who came to meet you at the airport?’ )

He wondered what the repairs would cost. ( what is the object of cost ; original question: ‘What will the repairs cost?’ )

She asked us what [S] we [V] were doing . (original question: ‘What are you doing?’ )

Not: She asked us what were we doing?

When , where , why and how

We also use statement word order (subject + verb) with when , where, why and how :

I asked her when [S] it [V] had happened (original question: ‘When did it happen?’ ).

Not: I asked her when had it happened?

I asked her where [S] the bus station [V] was . (original question: ‘Where is the bus station?’ )

Not: I asked her where was the bus station?

The teacher asked them how [S] they [V] wanted to do the activity . (original question: ‘How do you want to do the activity?’ )

Not: The teacher asked them how did they want to do the activity?

Questions: wh- questions

Indirect speech: reporting commands

Indirect reports of commands consist of a reporting clause, and a reported clause beginning with a to -infinitive:

The General ordered the troops to advance . (original command: ‘Advance!’ )

The chairperson told him to sit down and to stop interrupting . (original command: ‘Sit down and stop interrupting!’ )

We also use a to -infinitive clause in indirect reports with other verbs that mean wanting or getting people to do something, for example, advise, encourage, warn :

They advised me to wait till the following day. (original statement: ‘You should wait till the following day.’ )

The guard warned us not to enter the area. (original statement: ‘You must not enter the area.’ )

Verbs followed by a to -infinitive

Indirect speech: present simple reporting verb

We can use the reporting verb in the present simple in indirect speech if the original words are still true or relevant at the time of reporting, or if the report is of something someone often says or repeats:

Sheila says they’re closing the motorway tomorrow for repairs.

Henry tells me he’s thinking of getting married next year.

Rupert says dogs shouldn’t be allowed on the beach. (Rupert probably often repeats this statement.)

Newspaper headlines

We often use the present simple in newspaper headlines. It makes the reported speech more dramatic:

JUDGE TELLS REPORTER TO LEAVE COURTROOM

PRIME MINISTER SAYS FAMILIES ARE TOP PRIORITY IN TAX REFORM

Present simple ( I work )

Reported speech

Reported speech: direct speech

Indirect speech: past continuous reporting verb

In indirect speech, we can use the past continuous form of the reporting verb (usually say or tell ). This happens mostly in conversation, when the speaker wants to focus on the content of the report, usually because it is interesting news or important information, or because it is a new topic in the conversation:

Rory was telling me the big cinema in James Street is going to close down. Is that true?

Alex was saying that book sales have gone up a lot this year thanks to the Internet.

‘Backshift’ refers to the changes we make to the original verbs in indirect speech because time has passed between the moment of speaking and the time of the report.

In these examples, the present ( am ) has become the past ( was ), the future ( will ) has become the future-in-the-past ( would ) and the past ( happened ) has become the past perfect ( had happened ). The tenses have ‘shifted’ or ‘moved back’ in time.

The past perfect does not shift back; it stays the same:

Modal verbs

Some, but not all, modal verbs ‘shift back’ in time and change in indirect speech.

We can use a perfect form with have + - ed form after modal verbs, especially where the report looks back to a hypothetical event in the past:

He said the noise might have been the postman delivering letters. (original statement: ‘The noise might be the postman delivering letters.’ )

He said he would have helped us if we’d needed a volunteer. (original statement: ‘I’ll help you if you need a volunteer’ or ‘I’d help you if you needed a volunteer.’ )

Used to and ought to do not change in indirect speech:

She said she used to live in Oxford. (original statement: ‘I used to live in Oxford.’ )

The guard warned us that we ought to leave immediately. (original statement: ‘You ought to leave immediately.’ )

No backshift

We don’t need to change the tense in indirect speech if what a person said is still true or relevant or has not happened yet. This often happens when someone talks about the future, or when someone uses the present simple, present continuous or present perfect in their original words:

He told me his brother works for an Italian company. (It is still true that his brother works for an Italian company.)

She said she ’s getting married next year. (For the speakers, the time at the moment of speaking is ‘this year’.)

He said he ’s finished painting the door. (He probably said it just a short time ago.)

She promised she ’ll help us. (The promise applies to the future.)

Indirect speech: changes to pronouns

Changes to personal pronouns in indirect reports depend on whether the person reporting the speech and the person(s) who said the original words are the same or different.

Indirect speech: changes to adverbs and demonstratives

We often change demonstratives ( this, that ) and adverbs of time and place ( now, here, today , etc.) because indirect speech happens at a later time than the original speech, and perhaps in a different place.

Typical changes to demonstratives, adverbs and adverbial expressions

Indirect speech: typical errors.

The word order in indirect reports of wh- questions is the same as statement word order (subject + verb), not question word order:

She always asks me where [S] [V] I am going .

Not: She always asks me where am I going .

We don’t use a question mark when reporting wh- questions:

I asked him what he was doing.

Not: I asked him what he was doing?

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• Direct & Indirect Speech

Reported Speech Tenses

Reported speech tenses will change from that of the direct speech in most cases.

This is known as backshifting in reported speech , with the basic rule that a tense is shifted back to its past tense form.

This is because we are usually talking about something in the past. 

You can also watch a video of this lesson:

Backshifting in Reported Speech

Here are some examples of backshifting, with tenses going back from present to past:

Reported Speech Tenses Change Chart

Below is a reported speech tense change chart with the rules for backshifting for each tense and for modal verbs.

You will see reported speech does not go back a tense if it is already in the past perfect (there is no further back it can go), and some modal verbs also do not change. 

If you are tested on this, though, these are the changes you need to make.

Exceptions to the rules

This is a useful starting point. However, it is a simplification as we may not always decide or need to shift the tense back. 

For instance, if the circumstances we are reporting on  have not changed  since they were directly said, then the tense would not need to be changed. For example:

Direct Speech

• I  am  happy 
• (present simple)

Reported Speech

• She said she is happy 

So if we want to convey that the situation is still true then we may keep the tense the same.

Alternatively, the tense could even forward shift. An example would be in relation to a film or book. In this case, the person may use the past tense to say that the film was good, but the present or past tense could be used when you convey that to someone else:

Direct Speech:

• The film  was  really good!
• (past simple)

Reported Speech:

• He said that the film  was  very good!
• (past simple) Or
• He said that the film  is  very good!

As you can see, either reported speech tenses would be ok if you wanted to pass the information on to somebody else. The person said the film was good, and it is still good (it hasn't gone away).

So there are some general rules for reported speech tense changes but it can depend on the context. There may be no need to change it or you may be able to choose either tense.

Click the ' reported speech: practice forming indirect speech ' link below to practice changing tenses. 

More on Reported Speech:

Examples of Direct and Indirect Speech

In these examples of direct and indirect speech you are given a sentence in direct speech which is then connected to indirect speech.

Reported Speech Imperatives: Reporting commands in indirect speech

Reported speech imperatives, also known as reported commands, follow a slightly different structure to normal indirect speech. We use imperatives to give orders, advice, or make requests.

Direct and Indirect Speech: The differences explained

Direct and indirect speech are different because in direct speech the exact words said are spoken, but in indirect or reported speech, we are reporting what was said, usually using the past tense.

Reported Speech Quiz - Practice forming indirect speech

This reported speech quiz gives you the chance to practice converting direct speech to reported speech, also known as indirect speech. This involves backshifting with the tenses.

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Reported speech

Tense changes in reported speech

Indirect speech (reported speech) focuses more on the content of what someone said rather than their exact words.  In indirect speech, the structure of the reported clause depends on whether the speaker is reporting a statement, a question or a command.

Normally, the tense in reported speech is one tense back in time from the tense in direct speech: She said, "I  am  tired." = She said that she  was  tired.

You do not need to change the tense if the reporting verb is in the present, or if the original statement was about something that is still true (but this is only for things which are general facts, and even then usually we like to change the tense) , e.g.

• He says  he has missed  the train but  he'll catch  the next one.
• We explained that  it is  very difficult to find our house.
• Direct speech: The sky is blue.
• Reported speech: She said (that) the sky  is/was  blue.

These modal verbs do not change in reported speech:  might, could, would, should, ought to :

• We explained, "It  could  be difficult to find our house." = We explained that it  could  be difficult to find our house.
• She said, "I  might  bring a friend to the party." = She said that she  might  bring a friend to the party.

Course Curriculum

• Changing time and place in reported speech 20 mins
• Direct and indirect speech 15 mins
• Tense changes in reported speech 20 mins
• Reported questions 20 mins
• Reporting verbs 20 mins
• Reporting orders and requests 15 mins
• Reporting hopes, intentions and promises 20 mins

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Tense Changes in Reported Speech: Rules, Examples, and Usage

Understanding Tense Changes in Reported Speech

Introduction: mastering tense changes in reported speech.

When we need to convey what someone else has said without quoting them directly, we use reported speech (also known as indirect speech). This often involves altering the original tense of the verbs used in the sentence. Understanding how to change tenses in reported speech correctly is crucial for effective communication, particularly when recounting past conversations or narrating events.

In reported speech, tense changes occur to reflect the shift in time from when the statement was made to when it is being reported. For instance, statements made in the present tense are usually reported in the past tense. This transformation helps to align the time frame of the original statement with the context in which it is being reported.

By the end of this lesson, you will understand the rules for changing tenses in reported speech, learn the various shifts from direct to reported speech, and gain practical examples that demonstrate these changes. This knowledge will enhance your English grammar skills, improve your written and spoken communication, and boost your confidence when relaying information accurately.

Useful Vocabulary for Tense Changes in Reported Speech

Here is a comprehensive guide to how different tenses change from direct to reported speech. Each section includes definitions, explanations, and examples to help you master the nuances of tense changes in reported speech.

Tense Changes in Reported Speech: Detailed Examples

• Direct : She said, "I like coffee." Reported : She said (that) she liked coffee.
• Direct : Tom said, "I play football every Saturday." Reported : Tom said (that) he played football every Saturday.
• Direct : They said, "We live in London." Reported : They said (that) they lived in London.
• Direct : He said, "She works hard." Reported : He said (that) she worked hard.
• Direct : Mary said, "I study English every day." Reported : Mary said (that) she studied English every day.
• Direct : She said, "I am reading a book." Reported : She said (that) she was reading a book.
• Direct : John said, "They are watching TV." Reported : John said (that) they were watching TV.
• Direct : He said, "We are going to the cinema." Reported : He said (that) they were going to the cinema.
• Direct : They said, "The children are playing in the garden." Reported : They said (that) the children were playing in the garden.
• Direct : The teacher said, "I am marking your tests now." Reported : The teacher said (that) she was marking our tests.
• Direct : He said, "I have finished my work." Reported : He said (that) he had finished his work.
• Direct : They said, "We have seen that movie." Reported : They said (that) they had seen that movie.
• Direct : She said, "I have never been to Paris." Reported : She said (that) she had never been to Paris.
• Direct : He said, "I have lost my keys." Reported : He said (that) he had lost his keys.
• Direct : Alice said, "I have already eaten breakfast." Reported : Alice said (that) she had already eaten breakfast.
• Direct : She said, "I met him yesterday." Reported : She said (that) she had met him the day before.
• Direct : They said, "We visited the museum last week." Reported : They said (that) they had visited the museum the previous week.
• Direct : He said, "I saw the movie last night." Reported : He said (that) he had seen the movie the previous night.
• Direct : John said, "I broke the vase." Reported : John said (that) he had broken the vase.
• Direct : The manager said, "I called you on Monday." Reported : The manager said (that) he had called me on Monday.
• Direct : He said, "I will call you tomorrow." Reported : He said (that) he would call me the next day.
• Direct : They said, "We will travel to Spain next year." Reported : They said (that) they would travel to Spain the following year.
• Direct : She said, "I will help you." Reported : She said (that) she would help me.
• Direct : Tom said, "I will fix the car." Reported : Tom said (that) he would fix the car.
• Direct : The doctor said, "I will see you next week." Reported : The doctor said (that) he would see me the next week.
• Direct : She said, "I can speak three languages." Reported : She said (that) she could speak three languages.
• Direct : They said, "We can finish the project by Monday." Reported : They said (that) they could finish the project by Monday.
• Direct : He said, "I can swim across the river." Reported : He said (that) he could swim across the river.
• Direct : John said, "I can solve this problem." Reported : John said (that) he could solve the problem.
• Direct : She said, "I can bake a cake." Reported : She said (that) she could bake a cake.
• Direct : She said, "I may go to the party." Reported : She said (that) she might go to the party.
• Direct : He said, "We may be late." Reported : He said (that) they might be late.
• Direct : They said, "It may snow tomorrow." Reported : They said (that) it might snow the next day.
• Direct : She said, "I may visit my grandmother." Reported : She said (that) she might visit her grandmother.
• Direct : The coach said, "The match may be cancelled." Reported : The coach said (that) the match might be cancelled.
• Direct : She said, "I must leave early." Reported : She said (that) she had to leave early.
• Direct : They said, "We must finish this today." Reported : They said (that) they had to finish it that day.
• Direct : He said, "You must listen carefully." Reported : He said (that) I had to listen carefully.
• Direct : She said, "I must complete the report." Reported : She said (that) she had to complete the report.
• Direct : The manager said, "You must follow the instructions." Reported : The manager said (that) we had to follow the instructions.
• Direct : He said, "I have to work late tonight." Reported : He said (that) he had to work late that night.
• Direct : They said, "We have to clean the house." Reported : They said (that) they had to clean the house.
• Direct : She said, "I have to attend the meeting." Reported : She said (that) she had to attend the meeting.
• Direct : John said, "I have to finish this by Friday." Reported : John said (that) he had to finish it by Friday.
• Direct : The supervisor said, "We have to improve our performance." Reported : The supervisor said (that) we had to improve our performance.

Lesson Summary: Tense Changes in Reported Speech

In this comprehensive lesson, we have explored how to convert various tenses from direct to reported speech. By mastering these tense changes, learners will be able to accurately report conversations, narratives, and past events.

Key Phrases Learnt:

Learners have encountered key tense changes such as moving from "present simple" to "past simple," "will" to "would," and "must" to "had to." These changes are essential for ensuring that reported speech is accurate and grammatically correct.

Practice Exercises:

Encourage learners to practise converting direct speech to reported speech by using daily conversations, creating dialogues, and writing journal entries. Recording your sentences and reviewing the tense shifts can also help reinforce learning.

Tips for Remembering:

Break down tense changes into smaller steps, use flashcards with examples of tense shifts, and practice regularly. Associating tense changes with real-life scenarios can make it easier to recall the rules.

Further Lessons:

Explore more grammar lessons and resources on learningenglishfree.co.uk to deepen your understanding of English grammar, including tense usage, reported speech, and more.

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