Reported speech (also known as indirect speech) is used to report what someone else has said without quoting their exact words. It’s a key skill for conversations, writing, and storytelling, allowing you to convey information clearly and accurately.

1. Direct Speech vs. Reported Speech

Direct Speech	Reported Speech
The exact words of the speaker are quoted.	The speaker’s words are reported indirectly.
Example: He said, “I am going to the store.”	Example: He said that he was going to the store.

2. General Rules for Reported Speech

A. Change of Pronouns

Pronouns in direct speech must be adjusted to match the reporting sentence.

Direct Speech	Reported Speech
“I am happy,” she said.	She said that she was happy.

B. Change of Tense (Backshifting)

The tense in reported speech typically shifts back one step. However, if the reporting verb is in the present or the information is still true, the tense remains the same.

Direct Speech	Reported Speech
Present Simple: “I eat pizza,” he said.	Past Simple: He said that he ate pizza.
Present Continuous: “I am eating,” she said.	Past Continuous: She said that she was eating.
Present Perfect: “I have finished,” John said.	Past Perfect: John said that he had finished.

C. Change of Time Expressions

Time expressions often change to reflect the new context.

Direct Speech	Reported Speech
today	that day
tomorrow	the next day
yesterday	the day before
now	then
here	there

Example:

Direct: “I’ll see you tomorrow,” she said.
Reported: She said that she would see me the next day.

D. Omitting “That”

In informal speech, the word “that” is often omitted.

Direct: “I will help you,” he said.
Reported: He said (that) he would help me.

3. Reporting Verbs

Different verbs are used to introduce reported speech. Here are some common ones:

Verb	Example (Direct)	Example (Reported)
say	“I’m tired,” she said.	She said that she was tired.
tell	“I don’t like it,” he told me.	He told me that he didn’t like it.
ask	“Where are you going?” she asked.	She asked where I was going.
advise	“Don’t forget to study,” he advised.	He advised me not to forget to study.
warn	“Don’t open the door!” she warned.	She warned me not to open the door.
promise	“I will be there on time,” he promised.	He promised that he would be there on time.

4. Reporting Questions

When reporting questions, the word order changes to a statement format, and question marks are replaced with full stops.

A. Yes/No Questions

Use if or whether to connect the clauses.

Direct Speech	Reported Speech
“Are you coming to the party?” she asked.	She asked if I was coming to the party.

B. Wh- Questions

The word order remains the same as in direct speech.

Direct Speech	Reported Speech
“Where are you going?” he asked.	He asked where I was going.

5. Reporting Commands and Requests

Commands and requests are reported using tell, ask, or similar verbs, followed by the infinitive form of the verb.

Direct Speech	Reported Speech
“Sit down!” he said.	He told me to sit down.
“Please help me,” she said.	She asked me to help her.

6. Common Mistakes in Reported Speech

A. Tense Confusion

❌: He said, “I am studying.” → He said that he is studying.
✅: He said that he was studying.

B. Incorrect Use of Reporting Verbs

❌: He said me that he was tired.
✅: He told me that he was tired.

C. Word Order in Questions

❌: She asked where is the station.
✅: She asked where the station was.

7. Practice Exercises

A. Transform Direct Speech into Reported Speech

Direct: “I will finish the project tomorrow,” she said.
Reported: She said that she would finish the project the next day.
Direct: “Where do you live?” he asked.
Reported: He asked where I lived.
Direct: “Please bring me a glass of water,” she requested.
Reported: She asked me to bring her a glass of water.
Direct: “I’m sorry for being late,” he said.
Reported: He apologized for being late.

B. Correct the Mistakes

❌: He said, “I am studying.” → He said that he is studying.
✅: He said that he was studying.
❌: She asked where is the station.
✅: She asked where the station was.

8. Why Reported Speech Matters

Reported speech allows you to convey information accurately while maintaining the intended meaning of the speaker’s words. It’s essential for clear communication in both spoken and written English.

9. What’s Next?

Explore Conditionals to learn how to express hypothetical situations.
Dive into Phrasal Verbs to master combinations of verbs and prepositions.

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Reported Speech: Conveying What Others Have Said🗣️