Reported speech
Definition
Direct speech presents the original words, while reported speech presents their meaning from a new viewpoint. Reporting often changes pronouns, time and place references, and sometimes tense, depending on the reporting context.
Examples
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Mara said, “I am tired.”
Direct speech gives Mara’s original words.
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Mara said that she was tired.
Reported speech changes the viewpoint and pronoun.
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He asked whether the office was open.
A reported question uses statement word order.
Direct vs. reported speech
Leo said, “I will call tomorrow.”
The original wording and speaker’s viewpoint are preserved.
Leo said that he would call the next day.
Pronouns, tense and time reference shift to the reporter’s viewpoint.
Reported speech does not mechanically change every form. Changes are made when the new time, speaker or place viewpoint requires them.
Backshift is sometimes optional
A present form may remain unchanged when the reported information is still true, general or immediately relevant.
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The guide said that the museum opens at ten.
The opening time remains a current fact.
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Nora says that she needs more time.
A present reporting verb normally keeps the original present viewpoint.
Common mistakes
She said me that she was busy.
She told me that she was busy.
Use tell + person or say + clause.
He asked where was the station.
He asked where the station was.
Reported questions use statement word order.
Quick check
Question 1 of 3
Which sentence correctly reports the statement “I am ready”?
Say + that-clause is correct, and the pronoun changes to match the reported speaker.Which reported question has correct word order?
A reported question uses statement order: where I lived.Which sentence can naturally keep the present tense because the fact remains true?
A general scientific fact can remain in the present tense after a past reporting verb.Nice work — you've completed the quick check.
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