Reported speech
Definition
Reported statements communicate another person's words without repeating the exact quotation. Pronouns, time expressions and verb forms may change to fit the reporter's viewpoint and time.
Examples
-
Maya said that she was tired.
The original present form is backshifted after the past reporting verb said.
-
They told us that the train had left.
Tell takes an object, and the earlier past event uses the past perfect.
-
Ravi says he needs more time.
A present reporting verb allows the original present meaning to remain.
Direct speech vs. reported speech
Lina's exact words were: I am leaving now.
The speaker's original words remain unchanged.
Lina said that she was leaving then.
The pronoun, verb form and time word shift to the reporter's viewpoint.
Direct speech preserves the original wording. Reported speech integrates the message into a new sentence and adjusts references when necessary.
Backshift is not always required
When the reported information is still true, generally true or immediately relevant, the original tense can remain. That is also often omitted in ordinary speech and writing.
-
The guide said that the museum opens at ten.
The opening time is treated as a continuing fact.
-
Nora says she feels better.
The present reporting verb keeps the report closely connected to now.
Common mistakes
She said me that she was busy.
She told me that she was busy.
Use tell + object, or use say without an indirect object: She said that...
He said that I am tired.
He said that he was tired.
The pronoun must refer to the original speaker, and a past reporting context commonly triggers backshift.
Quick check
Question 1 of 3
Which sentence correctly reports I am busy, spoken by Leo?
The pronoun changes to he, and am commonly backshifts to was after said.Which sentence uses tell correctly?
Tell is followed by an object: told us.Which sentence correctly reports I have finished, spoken by Sara?
The present perfect commonly backshifts to the past perfect: had finished.Nice work — you've completed the quick check.
Work on reported speech with Lingadoo
It's free. No ads. No credit card.