Reported Speech: What Is It?
Reported speech is used when we want to tell another person what someone said, asked, requested, or ordered.
In real life, we do this all the time. Someone says something, and later we repeat the message to another person, but we usually do not repeat the exact original words.
Direct speech: “I am going to the cinema tonight.”
Reported speech: She said that she was going to the cinema that night.
Direct speech uses the exact words of the speaker. Reported speech tells the meaning of the original message, but the grammar often changes.
In this lesson, you will learn how to report statements, questions, requests, orders, and time expressions correctly.
Direct Speech vs Reported Speech
Direct speech repeats the exact words someone said. We normally use quotation marks.
Direct speech: “I like ice cream.”
Reported speech explains what someone said without necessarily using the exact same words.
Reported speech: She said that she liked ice cream.
The meaning is the same, but the grammar changes because we are now speaking from a different point of view.
- I can change to she, he, they, etc.
- My can change to her, his, their, etc.
- The verb tense may change if the reporting verb is in the past.
Reporting Verbs: Say and Tell
To introduce reported speech, we usually use a reporting verb. The most common reporting verbs are say and tell.
say + reported sentence
tell + person + reported sentence
Correct: She said that she was tired.
Correct: She told me that she was tired.
Incorrect: She told that she was tired.
The verb tell normally needs an object: tell me, tell him, tell her, tell us, tell them.
The word that is optional in many reported statements. The sentence is correct with or without it.
She said that she liked ice cream.
She said she liked ice cream.
Reported Speech with Present Reporting Verbs
If the reporting verb is in the present tense, we usually do not need to change the tense of the original sentence.
Direct speech: “I like ice cream.”
Reported speech: She says that she likes ice cream.
The verb like changes to likes because the subject changes from I to she. This is not a backshift of tense; it is subject-verb agreement.
Direct speech: “My brother works in London.”
Reported speech: He says that his brother works in London.
We may need to change pronouns, possessives, and references, but the tense usually stays the same when the reporting verb is present.
Reported Speech with Past Reporting Verbs
When the reporting verb is in the past, we usually move the original verb tense one step back into the past. This is called backshift.
Direct speech: “I like ice cream.”
Reported speech: She said that she liked ice cream.
The present simple like changes to the past simple liked because the reporting verb said is in the past.
Backshift helps show that we are reporting something that was said earlier, not speaking directly in the original moment.
Present simple → Past simple
Present continuous → Past continuous
Present perfect → Past perfect
Will → Would
Reported Speech: Tense Changes
This table shows the most common tense changes when the reporting verb is in the past.
| Direct Speech | Reported Speech |
|---|---|
| I like ice cream. | She said that she liked ice cream. |
| I am living in London. | She said that she was living in London. |
| I bought a car. | She said that she had bought a car. |
| I was walking along the street. | She said that she had been walking along the street. |
| I haven't seen Julie. | She said that she hadn't seen Julie. |
| I had taken English lessons before. | She said that she had taken English lessons before. |
The past perfect usually does not move further back because English does not normally have a tense before the past perfect.
Reported Speech: Modal Verbs
Modal verbs can also change in reported speech, especially when the reporting verb is in the past.
| Direct Speech | Reported Speech |
|---|---|
| I will see you later. | She said that she would see me later. |
| I can speak English. | She said that she could speak English. |
| I shall come later. | She said that she would come later. |
| I must study. | She said that she had to study. |
| I should call my mother. | She said that she should call her mother. |
| I might be late. | She said that she might be late. |
Some modals, such as should, could, would, and might, often stay the same in reported speech.
When We Do Not Need to Change the Tense
Sometimes we do not need to change the tense in reported speech if the information is still true, especially when we are talking about general facts.
Direct speech: “The sky is blue.”
Reported speech: She said that the sky is blue.
Also possible: She said that the sky was blue.
Both versions can be correct. However, in many grammar exercises, students are expected to use the backshift when the reporting verb is in the past.
In real communication, the choice depends on meaning. If the information is still true now, keeping the present tense can sound natural.
Direct speech: “Madrid is the capital of Spain.”
Reported speech: He said that Madrid is the capital of Spain.
Reported Questions
Reported questions are used when we want to tell someone what another person asked.
Direct question: “Where do you live?”
Reported question: She asked me where I lived.
The most important rule is this: a reported question is not a real question anymore. It becomes part of a normal sentence.
Direct question: Where do you live?
Reported question: She asked me where I lived.
Incorrect: She asked me where did I live.
In reported questions, we use normal sentence word order: subject + verb.
Reported WH-Questions
WH-questions begin with words such as where, what, who, when, why, or how.
When we report a WH-question, we keep the question word, but we change the grammar into normal sentence order.
| Direct Question | Reported Question |
|---|---|
| Where is the post office? | She asked me where the post office was. |
| What are you doing? | She asked me what I was doing. |
| Who was that man? | She asked me who that man had been. |
Notice that the subject comes before the verb in reported questions.
Reported Yes / No Questions
A yes/no question is a question that can be answered with yes or no.
Direct question: “Do you like chocolate?”
Reported question: She asked me if I liked chocolate.
When there is no question word, we use if or whether.
ask + person + if/whether + subject + verb
| Direct Question | Reported Question |
|---|---|
| Do you love me? | He asked me if I loved him. |
| Have you ever been to Mexico? | She asked me if I had ever been to Mexico. |
| Are you living here? | She asked me if I was living there. |
Reported Requests
A request is when someone asks another person to do something, usually politely.
Direct request: “Close the window, please.”
Reported request: She asked me to close the window.
We do not need to report every word exactly. Different polite forms can have the same reported structure.
“Could you close the window, please?”
“Would you mind closing the window, please?”
Reported: She asked me to close the window.
ask + person + to + infinitive
This structure is very common when reporting polite instructions, favours, and requests.
Negative Reported Requests
To report a negative request, we use not to before the infinitive.
ask + person + not to + infinitive
Direct request: “Please don’t smoke.”
Reported request: She asked me not to smoke.
Direct request: “Please don’t be late.”
Reported request: She asked us not to be late.
We do not keep don’t in the reported version because the structure changes to an infinitive form.
Reported Orders
An order is stronger and more direct than a request. It is used when someone tells another person to do something.
Direct order: “Sit down!”
Reported order: She told me to sit down.
Reported orders use a similar structure to reported requests, but we normally use tell instead of ask.
tell + person + to + infinitive
| Direct Order | Reported Order |
|---|---|
| Go to bed! | He told the child to go to bed. |
| Be on time! | He told me to be on time. |
| Don't worry! | He told her not to worry. |
Time Expressions in Reported Speech
When we change direct speech into reported speech, time expressions often change too.
Direct speech: “I’m leaving today.”
Reported later: She said that she was leaving that day.
However, time expressions do not always change in the same way. It depends on when the original sentence was said and when we report it.
If Julie says on Monday, “I’m leaving today”:
- On Monday: Julie said she was leaving today.
- On Tuesday: Julie said she was leaving yesterday.
- Later: Julie said she was leaving that day.
The speaker must think about the real time context, not only memorize a table.
Common Time Expression Changes
These are common changes in reported speech, especially when the reporting happens later.
| Direct Speech | Reported Speech |
|---|---|
| now | then / at that time |
| today | that day / yesterday / on Monday |
| yesterday | the day before / the previous day |
| last night | the night before |
| last week | the week before / the previous week |
| tomorrow | the next day / the following day |
These changes help the listener understand the time from the perspective of the person reporting the speech.
Common Mistakes in Reported Speech
Reported speech has several grammar changes, so students often make predictable mistakes. Use this checklist to avoid them.
1. Do not keep question order in reported questions
Incorrect: She asked me where did I live.
Correct: She asked me where I lived.
2. Do not forget to change pronouns
Direct: “I love my job.”
Reported: She said that she loved her job.
3. Do not use “tell” without a person
Incorrect: She told that she was tired.
Correct: She told me that she was tired.
4. Do not keep “don’t” in reported requests
Incorrect: She asked me don’t smoke.
Correct: She asked me not to smoke.
Reported Speech: Final Summary
Reported speech is used to report what someone said, asked, requested, or ordered.
| Function | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Statement | said/told + that + clause | She said that she was tired. |
| WH-question | asked + question word + subject + verb | She asked me where I lived. |
| Yes/no question | asked + if/whether + subject + verb | She asked me if I liked coffee. |
| Request | asked + person + to + infinitive | She asked me to help her. |
| Order | told + person + to + infinitive | She told me to sit down. |
| Negative request/order | asked/told + person + not to + infinitive | She told me not to be late. |
The most important things to remember are tense changes, pronoun changes, normal word order in reported questions, and time expression changes.
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¡Hora de hacer ejercicios! Explora con los botones los distintos grupos.
Reported Statements: Core Tense Changes
Pregunta 1:
Direct speech: “I work from home.” Speaker: she.
He said 1.
Reported Statements: Core Tense Changes
Complete the reported sentence. Do not write “that”. Only write the missing part after the reporting verb. Use the speaker/listener information to choose the correct pronouns.
Direct speech: “I work from home.” Speaker: she.
He said 1.
Pregunta 2: Direct speech: “I am preparing dinner.” Speaker: he.
She said 1.
She said 1.
Pregunta 3: Direct speech: “We don’t understand the problem.” Speakers: they.
He said 1.
He said 1.
Pregunta 4: Direct speech: “I saw the accident.” Speaker: she.
He said 1.
He said 1.
Pregunta 5: Direct speech: “I didn’t hear the alarm.” Speaker: he.
She said 1.
She said 1.
Pregunta 6: Direct speech: “We have lost the tickets.” Speakers: they.
She said 1.
She said 1.
Pregunta 7: Direct speech: “I haven’t spoken to him.” Speaker: she.
He said 1.
He said 1.
Pregunta 8: Direct speech: “I will send the file.” Speaker: he.
She said 1.
She said 1.
Pregunta 9: Direct speech: “We won’t be late.” Speakers: they.
He said 1.
He said 1.
Pregunta 10: Direct speech: “I can help you.” Speaker: she. Listener: him.
He said 1.
He said 1.
Pregunta 11: Direct speech: “We must finish today.” Speakers: they. Reported later.
She said 1.
She said 1.
Pregunta 12: Direct speech: “I may arrive late.” Speaker: he.
She said 1.
She said 1.
Pregunta 13: Direct speech: “I had already eaten.” Speaker: she.
He said 1.
He said 1.
Pregunta 14: Direct speech: “I was waiting outside.” Speaker: he.
She said 1.
She said 1.
Pregunta 15: Direct speech: “The water boils at 100 degrees Celsius.” Speaker: she. General fact.
He said 1.
He said 1.
Reported Statements: Pronouns and Time Expressions
Pregunta 1:
Direct speech: “I am tired today.” Speaker: she. Reported the next day.
He said 1.
Reported Statements: Pronouns and Time Expressions
Complete the reported sentence. Do not write “that”. Pay attention to pronouns and time expressions such as today, tomorrow, yesterday, here and this.
Direct speech: “I am tired today.” Speaker: she. Reported the next day.
He said 1.
Pregunta 2: Direct speech: “I’ll call you tomorrow.” Speaker: he. Listener: her. Reported the next day.
She said 1.
She said 1.
Pregunta 3: Direct speech: “I bought this jacket yesterday.” Speaker: she. Reported the next day.
He said 1.
He said 1.
Pregunta 4: Direct speech: “We are staying here tonight.” Speakers: they. Reported later in a different place.
She said 1.
She said 1.
Pregunta 5: Direct speech: “My brother is visiting me next week.” Speaker: he. Reported later.
She said 1.
She said 1.
Pregunta 6: Direct speech: “Our teacher gave us homework yesterday.” Speakers: they. Reported the next day.
He said 1.
He said 1.
Pregunta 7: Direct speech: “I have left my bag here.” Speaker: she. Reported later in a different place.
He said 1.
He said 1.
Pregunta 8: Direct speech: “We will meet you outside the cinema.” Speakers: they. Listener: him.
He said 1.
He said 1.
Pregunta 9: Direct speech: “I don’t want to talk about this now.” Speaker: he. Reported later.
She said 1.
She said 1.
Pregunta 10: Direct speech: “I met your sister last night.” Speaker: she. Listener: him. Reported the next day.
He said 1.
He said 1.
Pregunta 11: Direct speech: “We have never seen this film before.” Speakers: they. Reported later.
She said 1.
She said 1.
Pregunta 12: Direct speech: “I am going to visit my parents tomorrow.” Speaker: he. Reported the next day.
She said 1.
She said 1.
Pregunta 13: Direct speech: “We were working here last week.” Speakers: they. Reported later in a different place.
He said 1.
He said 1.
Pregunta 14: Direct speech: “I should phone my mother.” Speaker: she.
He said 1.
He said 1.
Pregunta 15: Direct speech: “I might see you later.” Speaker: he. Listener: her.
She said 1.
She said 1.
Reported Questions: Clear Yes/No Questions
Pregunta 1:
Direct question: “Do you work here?” Asked to: him. Reported later in a different place.
She asked him 1.
Reported Yes/No Questions
Complete the reported question. Use if. Do not use question word order. Do not write a question mark.
Direct question: “Do you work here?” Asked to: him. Reported later in a different place.
She asked him 1.
Pregunta 2: Direct question: “Are you listening?” Asked to: her.
He asked her 1.
He asked her 1.
Pregunta 3: Direct question: “Have you seen my keys?” Asked to: him. My = her.
She asked him 1.
She asked him 1.
Pregunta 4: Direct question: “Did you lock the door?” Asked to: her.
He asked her 1.
He asked her 1.
Pregunta 5: Direct question: “Will you be at home tomorrow?” Asked to: him. Reported the next day.
She asked him 1.
She asked him 1.
Pregunta 6: Direct question: “Can you hear me?” Asked to: her. Me = him.
He asked her 1.
He asked her 1.
Pregunta 7: Direct question: “Have they arrived yet?” Asked about: they.
She asked 1.
She asked 1.
Pregunta 8: Direct question: “Were you sleeping?” Asked to: him.
She asked him 1.
She asked him 1.
Pregunta 9: Direct question: “Is this your phone?” Asked to: her. Your = her. Reported later.
He asked her 1.
He asked her 1.
Pregunta 10: Direct question: “Do these books belong to you?” Asked to: him. Reported later.
She asked him 1.
She asked him 1.
Pregunta 11: Direct question: “Should I wait outside?” Speaker of question: she.
He asked 1.
He asked 1.
Pregunta 12: Direct question: “Must we pay today?” Speakers of question: they. Reported later.
She asked 1.
She asked 1.
Reported Questions: Clear WH Questions
Pregunta 1:
Direct question: “Where do you live?” Asked to: her.
He asked her 1.
Reported WH Questions
Complete the reported question. Keep the question word, but use normal sentence order. Do not write a question mark.
Direct question: “Where do you live?” Asked to: her.
He asked her 1.
Pregunta 2: Direct question: “What are you reading?” Asked to: him.
She asked him 1.
She asked him 1.
Pregunta 3: Direct question: “Why did you leave early?” Asked to: her.
He asked her 1.
He asked her 1.
Pregunta 4: Direct question: “When will you arrive?” Asked to: him.
She asked him 1.
She asked him 1.
Pregunta 5: Direct question: “How long have you known her?” Asked to: him.
She asked him 1.
She asked him 1.
Pregunta 6: Direct question: “Who did you invite?” Asked to: her.
He asked her 1.
He asked her 1.
Pregunta 7: Direct question: “What were they doing?” Asked about: they.
She asked 1.
She asked 1.
Pregunta 8: Direct question: “Where has he gone?” Asked about: he.
She asked 1.
She asked 1.
Pregunta 9: Direct question: “Whose coat is this?” Reported later.
He asked 1.
He asked 1.
Pregunta 10: Direct question: “How often do you exercise?” Asked to: her.
He asked her 1.
He asked her 1.
Pregunta 11: Direct question: “Why are you looking at me?” Asked to: him. Me = her.
She asked him 1.
She asked him 1.
Pregunta 12: Direct question: “Which train did you take?” Asked to: her.
He asked her 1.
He asked her 1.
Reported Speech: Say and Tell
Pregunta 1:
She 1 she was tired.
Say and Tell
Complete with the correct form: said, told, said to, or told me/us/him/her/them. Remember: say does not take a direct object; tell needs an object.
She 1 she was tired.
Pregunta 2: She 1 me she was tired.
Pregunta 3: He 1 that he had lost his phone.
Pregunta 4: He 1 us that he had lost his phone.
Pregunta 5: They 1 goodbye and left.
Pregunta 6: She 1 me the truth.
Pregunta 7: What did he 1 about the exam?
Pregunta 8: He 1 sorry for arriving late.
Pregunta 9: The teacher 1 the students to be quiet.
Pregunta 10: I 1 him that I couldn't come.
Pregunta 11: I 1 that I couldn't come.
Pregunta 12: She 1 to me that she was worried.
Reported Speech: Requests and Orders
Pregunta 1:
Direct speech: “Please help me.” Speaker: she. Listener: him.
She 1.
Reported Requests and Orders
Complete the reported sentence. Use asked/told + object + to + infinitive. For negative requests and orders, use not to.
Direct speech: “Please help me.” Speaker: she. Listener: him.
She 1.
Pregunta 2: Direct speech: “Close the window, please.” Speaker: he. Listener: her.
He 1.
He 1.
Pregunta 3: Direct speech: “Please don’t smoke here.” Speaker: she. Listener: him. Reported later in a different place.
She 1.
She 1.
Pregunta 4: Direct speech: “Sit down!” Speaker: he. Listener: her.
He 1.
He 1.
Pregunta 5: Direct speech: “Don’t be late.” Speaker: she. Listener: him.
She 1.
She 1.
Pregunta 6: Direct speech: “Could you open the door?” Speaker: he. Listener: her.
He 1.
He 1.
Pregunta 7: Direct speech: “Would you mind waiting outside?” Speaker: she. Listener: him.
She 1.
She 1.
Pregunta 8: Direct speech: “Please call me tonight.” Speaker: he. Listener: her. Reported the next day.
He 1.
He 1.
Pregunta 9: Direct speech: “Tell me the truth.” Speaker: she. Listener: him.
She 1.
She 1.
Pregunta 10: Direct speech: “Don’t touch that button.” Speaker: he. Listener: her.
He 1.
He 1.
Pregunta 11: Direct speech: “Please bring your passport tomorrow.” Speaker: she. Listener: him. Your = his. Reported the next day.
She 1.
She 1.
Pregunta 12: Direct speech: “Stop talking!” Speaker: he. Listener: them.
He 1.
He 1.
¡Hora de hacer ejercicios! Explora con los botones los distintos grupos.
Reported Statements: Present Simple and Present Continuous
Pregunta 1: Change the direct statement into reported speech. Use the pronoun and time context given.
Speaker pronoun: she
Tense: present simple
Reported when: later the same day
Direct speech: “I work in a hospital.”
Reported speech:
Speaker pronoun: she
Tense: present simple
Reported when: later the same day
Direct speech: “I work in a hospital.”
Reported speech:
Pregunta 2: Speaker pronoun: he / his
Tense: present simple
Reported when: one week later
Direct speech: “My brother lives in Manchester.”
Reported speech:
Tense: present simple
Reported when: one week later
Direct speech: “My brother lives in Manchester.”
Reported speech:
Pregunta 3: Speaker pronoun: they
Tense: present simple
Reported when: later the same day
Direct speech: “We need more time.”
Reported speech:
Tense: present simple
Reported when: later the same day
Direct speech: “We need more time.”
Reported speech:
Pregunta 4: Speaker pronoun: she
Tense: negative present simple
Reported when: later that evening
Direct speech: “I don’t like spicy food.”
Reported speech:
Tense: negative present simple
Reported when: later that evening
Direct speech: “I don’t like spicy food.”
Reported speech:
Pregunta 5: Speaker pronoun: he
Tense: present simple
Reported when: the next day
Direct speech: “This lesson seems difficult.”
Reported speech:
Tense: present simple
Reported when: the next day
Direct speech: “This lesson seems difficult.”
Reported speech:
Pregunta 6: Speaker pronoun: she
Tense: present simple
Reported when: later the same day
Direct speech: “I usually study at night.”
Reported speech:
Tense: present simple
Reported when: later the same day
Direct speech: “I usually study at night.”
Reported speech:
Pregunta 7: Speaker pronoun: they
Tense: present simple
Reported when: one month later
Direct speech: “We speak English very well.”
Reported speech:
Tense: present simple
Reported when: one month later
Direct speech: “We speak English very well.”
Reported speech:
Pregunta 8: Speaker pronoun: he
Tense: present simple
Reported when: later the same day
Direct speech: “I have two sisters.”
Reported speech:
Tense: present simple
Reported when: later the same day
Direct speech: “I have two sisters.”
Reported speech:
Pregunta 9: Speaker pronoun: it / the course
Tense: present simple
Reported when: later the same day
Direct speech: “The course starts on Monday.”
Reported speech:
Tense: present simple
Reported when: later the same day
Direct speech: “The course starts on Monday.”
Reported speech:
Pregunta 10: Speaker pronoun: she
Tense: present simple
Reported when: two days later
Direct speech: “I feel tired today.”
Reported speech:
Tense: present simple
Reported when: two days later
Direct speech: “I feel tired today.”
Reported speech:
Pregunta 11: Speaker pronoun: he / his
Tense: present continuous
Reported when: later the same day
Direct speech: “I am studying for my exam.”
Reported speech:
Tense: present continuous
Reported when: later the same day
Direct speech: “I am studying for my exam.”
Reported speech:
Pregunta 12: Speaker pronoun: they
Tense: present continuous
Reported when: later the same morning
Direct speech: “We are waiting for the bus.”
Reported speech:
Tense: present continuous
Reported when: later the same morning
Direct speech: “We are waiting for the bus.”
Reported speech:
Pregunta 13: Speaker pronoun: she
Tense: negative present continuous
Reported when: the next day
Direct speech: “I’m not working today.”
Reported speech:
Tense: negative present continuous
Reported when: the next day
Direct speech: “I’m not working today.”
Reported speech:
Pregunta 14: Speaker pronoun: she
Tense: present continuous
Reported when: later the same day
Direct speech: “I am learning French.”
Reported speech:
Tense: present continuous
Reported when: later the same day
Direct speech: “I am learning French.”
Reported speech:
Pregunta 15: Speaker pronoun: they
Tense: present continuous
Reported when: later the same afternoon
Direct speech: “We are playing outside.”
Reported speech:
Tense: present continuous
Reported when: later the same afternoon
Direct speech: “We are playing outside.”
Reported speech:
Pregunta 16: Speaker pronoun: he / his
Tense: present continuous
Reported when: later that evening
Direct speech: “I am looking for my keys.”
Reported speech:
Tense: present continuous
Reported when: later that evening
Direct speech: “I am looking for my keys.”
Reported speech:
Pregunta 17: Speaker pronoun: they
Tense: present continuous
Reported when: later the same evening
Direct speech: “We are preparing dinner.”
Reported speech:
Tense: present continuous
Reported when: later the same evening
Direct speech: “We are preparing dinner.”
Reported speech:
Pregunta 18: Speaker pronoun: she / her
Tense: present continuous
Reported when: one week later
Direct speech: “I’m living with my parents.”
Reported speech:
Tense: present continuous
Reported when: one week later
Direct speech: “I’m living with my parents.”
Reported speech:
Pregunta 19: Speaker pronoun: he
Tense: present continuous
Reported when: later the same day
Direct speech: “I am making a lot of noise.”
Reported speech:
Tense: present continuous
Reported when: later the same day
Direct speech: “I am making a lot of noise.”
Reported speech:
Pregunta 20: Speaker pronoun: she
Tense: negative present continuous
Reported when: the next day
Direct speech: “I am not enjoying this film.”
Reported speech:
Tense: negative present continuous
Reported when: the next day
Direct speech: “I am not enjoying this film.”
Reported speech:
Reported Statements: Past Simple, Present Perfect and Future Forms
Pregunta 1: Change the direct statement into reported speech. Use the pronoun and time context given.
Speaker pronoun: she
Tense: past simple
Reported when: the next day
Direct speech: “I bought a new laptop yesterday.”
Reported speech:
Speaker pronoun: she
Tense: past simple
Reported when: the next day
Direct speech: “I bought a new laptop yesterday.”
Reported speech:
Pregunta 2: Speaker pronoun: they
Tense: past simple
Reported when: later that week
Direct speech: “We saw him at the station.”
Reported speech:
Tense: past simple
Reported when: later that week
Direct speech: “We saw him at the station.”
Reported speech:
Pregunta 3: Speaker pronoun: he
Tense: negative past simple
Reported when: later the same day
Direct speech: “I didn’t understand the instructions.”
Reported speech:
Tense: negative past simple
Reported when: later the same day
Direct speech: “I didn’t understand the instructions.”
Reported speech:
Pregunta 4: Speaker pronoun: they
Tense: past simple
Reported when: the next morning
Direct speech: “We arrived late last night.”
Reported speech:
Tense: past simple
Reported when: the next morning
Direct speech: “We arrived late last night.”
Reported speech:
Pregunta 5: Speaker pronoun: he / his
Tense: past simple
Reported when: later the same day
Direct speech: “I lost my wallet.”
Reported speech:
Tense: past simple
Reported when: later the same day
Direct speech: “I lost my wallet.”
Reported speech:
Pregunta 6: Speaker pronoun: she
Tense: past simple
Reported when: two hours later
Direct speech: “I left early.”
Reported speech:
Tense: past simple
Reported when: two hours later
Direct speech: “I left early.”
Reported speech:
Pregunta 7: Speaker pronoun: she / her
Tense: present perfect
Reported when: later the same evening
Direct speech: “I have finished my homework.”
Reported speech:
Tense: present perfect
Reported when: later the same evening
Direct speech: “I have finished my homework.”
Reported speech:
Pregunta 8: Speaker pronoun: they
Listener pronoun in direct speech: you = her
Tense: negative present perfect
Reported when: later that day
Direct speech: “We haven’t met your teacher.”
Reported speech:
Listener pronoun in direct speech: you = her
Tense: negative present perfect
Reported when: later that day
Direct speech: “We haven’t met your teacher.”
Reported speech:
Pregunta 9: Speaker pronoun: he
Tense: present perfect
Reported when: later the same day
Direct speech: “I have never been to Canada.”
Reported speech:
Tense: present perfect
Reported when: later the same day
Direct speech: “I have never been to Canada.”
Reported speech:
Pregunta 10: Speaker pronoun: they
Tense: present perfect
Reported when: one week later
Direct speech: “We have passed the exam.”
Reported speech:
Tense: present perfect
Reported when: one week later
Direct speech: “We have passed the exam.”
Reported speech:
Pregunta 11: Speaker pronoun: he
Tense: present perfect with already
Reported when: later that afternoon
Direct speech: “I have already sent the email.”
Reported speech:
Tense: present perfect with already
Reported when: later that afternoon
Direct speech: “I have already sent the email.”
Reported speech:
Pregunta 12: Speaker pronoun: they
Tense: present perfect with just
Reported when: later the same day
Direct speech: “We have just eaten lunch.”
Reported speech:
Tense: present perfect with just
Reported when: later the same day
Direct speech: “We have just eaten lunch.”
Reported speech:
Pregunta 13: Speaker pronoun: she
Listener pronoun in direct speech: you = him
Tense: future simple
Reported when: the next day
Direct speech: “I will call you tomorrow.”
Reported speech:
Listener pronoun in direct speech: you = him
Tense: future simple
Reported when: the next day
Direct speech: “I will call you tomorrow.”
Reported speech:
Pregunta 14: Speaker pronoun: they
Tense: future simple
Reported when: one week later
Direct speech: “We will finish the project next week.”
Reported speech:
Tense: future simple
Reported when: one week later
Direct speech: “We will finish the project next week.”
Reported speech:
Pregunta 15: Speaker pronoun: he
Tense: negative future simple
Reported when: later the same day
Direct speech: “I won’t be late.”
Reported speech:
Tense: negative future simple
Reported when: later the same day
Direct speech: “I won’t be late.”
Reported speech:
Pregunta 16: Speaker pronoun: she
Object pronoun in direct speech: us = them
Tense: future simple
Reported when: later that day
Direct speech: “I will help us.”
Reported speech:
Object pronoun in direct speech: us = them
Tense: future simple
Reported when: later that day
Direct speech: “I will help us.”
Reported speech:
Pregunta 17: Speaker pronoun: she
Listener pronoun in direct speech: you = him
Tense: contracted future simple
Reported when: later that evening
Direct speech: “I’ll see you later.”
Reported speech:
Listener pronoun in direct speech: you = him
Tense: contracted future simple
Reported when: later that evening
Direct speech: “I’ll see you later.”
Reported speech:
Pregunta 18: Speaker pronoun: they
Tense: future simple
Reported when: later the same day
Direct speech: “We will open the shop soon.”
Reported speech:
Tense: future simple
Reported when: later the same day
Direct speech: “We will open the shop soon.”
Reported speech:
Pregunta 19: Speaker pronoun: he
Tense: be going to future
Reported when: later the same week
Direct speech: “I am going to study medicine.”
Reported speech:
Tense: be going to future
Reported when: later the same week
Direct speech: “I am going to study medicine.”
Reported speech:
Pregunta 20: Speaker pronoun: they
Tense: be going to future
Reported when: one month later
Direct speech: “We are going to move house next month.”
Reported speech:
Tense: be going to future
Reported when: one month later
Direct speech: “We are going to move house next month.”
Reported speech:
Reported Statements: Modal Verbs and General Truths
Pregunta 1: Change the direct statement into reported speech. Use the pronoun and time context given.
Speaker pronoun: she
Grammar focus: can → could
Reported when: later the same day
Direct speech: “I can speak Italian.”
Reported speech:
Speaker pronoun: she
Grammar focus: can → could
Reported when: later the same day
Direct speech: “I can speak Italian.”
Reported speech:
Pregunta 2: Speaker pronoun: they
Grammar focus: must → had to for obligation
Reported when: later that day
Direct speech: “We must leave now.”
Reported speech:
Grammar focus: must → had to for obligation
Reported when: later that day
Direct speech: “We must leave now.”
Reported speech:
Pregunta 3: Speaker pronoun: he
Grammar focus: may → might
Reported when: later the same day
Direct speech: “I may be late.”
Reported speech:
Grammar focus: may → might
Reported when: later the same day
Direct speech: “I may be late.”
Reported speech:
Pregunta 4: Speaker pronoun in direct speech: you = me
Grammar focus: should stays the same
Reported when: later the same day
Direct speech: “You should call your mother.”
Reported speech:
Grammar focus: should stays the same
Reported when: later the same day
Direct speech: “You should call your mother.”
Reported speech:
Pregunta 5: Speaker pronoun: he
Grammar focus: could stays the same
Reported when: many years later
Direct speech: “I could swim when I was five.”
Reported speech:
Grammar focus: could stays the same
Reported when: many years later
Direct speech: “I could swim when I was five.”
Reported speech:
Pregunta 6: Speaker pronoun: she
Listener pronoun in direct speech: you = him
Grammar focus: would stays the same
Reported when: later the same day
Direct speech: “I would help you if I could.”
Reported speech:
Listener pronoun in direct speech: you = him
Grammar focus: would stays the same
Reported when: later the same day
Direct speech: “I would help you if I could.”
Reported speech:
Pregunta 7: Speaker pronoun: he
Grammar focus: might stays the same
Reported when: later the same week
Direct speech: “I might apply for the job.”
Reported speech:
Grammar focus: might stays the same
Reported when: later the same week
Direct speech: “I might apply for the job.”
Reported speech:
Pregunta 8: Speaker pronoun: she
Grammar focus: shall → would
Reported when: later the same day
Direct speech: “I shall return later.”
Reported speech:
Grammar focus: shall → would
Reported when: later the same day
Direct speech: “I shall return later.”
Reported speech:
Pregunta 9: Speaker pronoun: he / his
Grammar focus: mustn’t often stays the same for prohibition
Reported when: later the same day
Direct speech: “I mustn’t forget my passport.”
Reported speech:
Grammar focus: mustn’t often stays the same for prohibition
Reported when: later the same day
Direct speech: “I mustn’t forget my passport.”
Reported speech:
Pregunta 10: Speaker pronoun: they
Grammar focus: have to → had to
Reported when: the next day
Direct speech: “We have to finish this today.”
Reported speech:
Grammar focus: have to → had to
Reported when: the next day
Direct speech: “We have to finish this today.”
Reported speech:
Pregunta 11: Speaker pronoun: she
Grammar focus: general truth, tense can stay present
Reported when: one year later
Direct speech: “The Earth goes around the sun.”
Reported speech:
Grammar focus: general truth, tense can stay present
Reported when: one year later
Direct speech: “The Earth goes around the sun.”
Reported speech:
Pregunta 12: Speaker pronoun: he
Grammar focus: general truth, tense can stay present
Reported when: later the same day
Direct speech: “Water boils at 100 degrees Celsius.”
Reported speech:
Grammar focus: general truth, tense can stay present
Reported when: later the same day
Direct speech: “Water boils at 100 degrees Celsius.”
Reported speech:
Pregunta 13: Speaker pronoun: she
Grammar focus: past perfect stays the same
Reported when: later the same day
Direct speech: “I had already eaten.”
Reported speech:
Grammar focus: past perfect stays the same
Reported when: later the same day
Direct speech: “I had already eaten.”
Reported speech:
Pregunta 14: Speaker pronoun: he
Listener pronoun in direct speech: you = her
Grammar focus: past continuous → past perfect continuous
Reported when: the next day
Direct speech: “I was watching TV when you called.”
Reported speech:
Listener pronoun in direct speech: you = her
Grammar focus: past continuous → past perfect continuous
Reported when: the next day
Direct speech: “I was watching TV when you called.”
Reported speech:
Pregunta 15: Speaker pronoun: they
Grammar focus: past continuous → past perfect continuous
Reported when: later that evening
Direct speech: “We were waiting outside.”
Reported speech:
Grammar focus: past continuous → past perfect continuous
Reported when: later that evening
Direct speech: “We were waiting outside.”
Reported speech:
Pregunta 16: Speaker pronoun: she
Grammar focus: had better usually stays the same
Reported when: later the same day
Direct speech: “I had better leave soon.”
Reported speech:
Grammar focus: had better usually stays the same
Reported when: later the same day
Direct speech: “I had better leave soon.”
Reported speech:
Pregunta 17: Speaker pronoun: he
Grammar focus: ought to usually stays the same
Reported when: later the same week
Direct speech: “I ought to apologise.”
Reported speech:
Grammar focus: ought to usually stays the same
Reported when: later the same week
Direct speech: “I ought to apologise.”
Reported speech:
Pregunta 18: Speaker pronoun: they
Grammar focus: needn’t can become didn’t need to
Reported when: the next day
Direct speech: “We needn’t come tomorrow.”
Reported speech:
Grammar focus: needn’t can become didn’t need to
Reported when: the next day
Direct speech: “We needn’t come tomorrow.”
Reported speech:
Pregunta 19: Speaker pronoun: she
Grammar focus: present fact still true
Reported when: one week later
Direct speech: “My sister lives in Rome.”
Reported speech:
Grammar focus: present fact still true
Reported when: one week later
Direct speech: “My sister lives in Rome.”
Reported speech:
Pregunta 20: Speaker pronoun: he
Grammar focus: strict backshift of a still-true fact
Reported when: one week later
Direct speech: “My sister lives in Rome.”
Reported speech:
Grammar focus: strict backshift of a still-true fact
Reported when: one week later
Direct speech: “My sister lives in Rome.”
Reported speech:
Reported Speech: Say, Tell and Reporting Verbs
Pregunta 1: Complete the reported sentence with the correct structure.
Grammar focus: said that + subject + verb
Speaker pronoun: she
Reported when: later the same day
Direct speech: “I am tired.”
She __ she was tired.
Grammar focus: said that + subject + verb
Speaker pronoun: she
Reported when: later the same day
Direct speech: “I am tired.”
She __ she was tired.
Pregunta 2: Grammar focus: told + object + that + subject + verb
Speaker pronoun: she
Listener object: him
Reported when: later the same day
Direct speech: “I am tired.”
She __ him that she was tired.
Speaker pronoun: she
Listener object: him
Reported when: later the same day
Direct speech: “I am tired.”
She __ him that she was tired.
Pregunta 3: Grammar focus: told + object + that
Speaker pronoun: she
Object after reporting verb: me
She __ me that she needed help.
Speaker pronoun: she
Object after reporting verb: me
She __ me that she needed help.
Pregunta 4: Grammar focus: said that
Speaker pronoun: he
No object after reporting verb He __ that he needed help.
Speaker pronoun: he
No object after reporting verb He __ that he needed help.
Pregunta 5: Grammar focus: told + object + that
Object after reporting verb: them
The teacher __ them that the exam was easy.
Object after reporting verb: them
The teacher __ them that the exam was easy.
Pregunta 6: Grammar focus: said that
No object after reporting verb The teacher __ that the exam was easy.
No object after reporting verb The teacher __ that the exam was easy.
Pregunta 7: Grammar focus: said that + reported clause
Speaker pronoun: he / his
Reported when: later the same day
Direct speech: “I have lost my phone.”
She __ he had lost his phone.
Speaker pronoun: he / his
Reported when: later the same day
Direct speech: “I have lost my phone.”
She __ he had lost his phone.
Pregunta 8: Grammar focus: told + object + that
Speaker pronoun: he / his
Listener object: her
Direct speech: “I have lost my phone.”
She __ her that he had lost his phone.
Speaker pronoun: he / his
Listener object: her
Direct speech: “I have lost my phone.”
She __ her that he had lost his phone.
Pregunta 9: Grammar focus: tell + someone + something
Object pronoun: anyone
Please don’t __ anyone my secret.
Object pronoun: anyone
Please don’t __ anyone my secret.
Pregunta 10: Grammar focus: say + something about a topic
What did she __ about the meeting?
What did she __ about the meeting?
Pregunta 11: Grammar focus: tell + object + story
Object pronoun: us
He __ us a funny story.
Object pronoun: us
He __ us a funny story.
Pregunta 12: Grammar focus: fixed expression: say goodbye
She __ goodbye and left.
She __ goodbye and left.
Pregunta 13: Grammar focus: fixed expression: say sorry
He __ sorry for being late.
He __ sorry for being late.
Pregunta 14: Grammar focus: tell + object + the truth
Object pronoun: me
She __ me the truth.
Object pronoun: me
She __ me the truth.
Pregunta 15: Grammar focus: change said that to told + object + that
Object pronoun: him
Original: She said that she was busy.
Rewritten:
Object pronoun: him
Original: She said that she was busy.
Rewritten:
Pregunta 16: Grammar focus: change told + object + that to said that
Remove object pronoun: her
Original: He told her that he was ill.
Rewritten:
Remove object pronoun: her
Original: He told her that he was ill.
Rewritten:
Pregunta 17: Grammar focus: told + object + that with modal backshift
Speaker pronoun: she
Object pronoun: me
Direct speech: “I can help.”
He __ me that she could help.
Speaker pronoun: she
Object pronoun: me
Direct speech: “I can help.”
He __ me that she could help.
Pregunta 18: Grammar focus: said that with modal backshift
Speaker pronoun: she
Direct speech: “I can help.”
He __ she could help.
Speaker pronoun: she
Direct speech: “I can help.”
He __ she could help.
Pregunta 19: Grammar focus: correcting tell without object
Incorrect: She told that she was hungry.
Correct:
Incorrect: She told that she was hungry.
Correct:
Pregunta 20: Grammar focus: correcting said + object
Incorrect: He said me that he was ready.
Correct:
Incorrect: He said me that he was ready.
Correct:
Reported Questions: Yes/No Questions
Pregunta 1: Change the yes/no question into reported speech. Use if or whether and normal sentence order.
Question addressed to: him
Tense: present simple
Reported when: later the same day
Direct question: “Do you like coffee?”
Reported question:
Question addressed to: him
Tense: present simple
Reported when: later the same day
Direct question: “Do you like coffee?”
Reported question:
Pregunta 2: Question addressed to: her
Tense: present simple
Reported when: later that day
Direct question: “Do you live near here?”
Reported question:
Tense: present simple
Reported when: later that day
Direct question: “Do you live near here?”
Reported question:
Pregunta 3: Question about: she
Tense: present simple third person
Reported when: later the same day
Direct question: “Does she work on Sundays?”
Reported question:
Tense: present simple third person
Reported when: later the same day
Direct question: “Does she work on Sundays?”
Reported question:
Pregunta 4: Question addressed to: him
Tense: present continuous
Reported when: later the same evening
Direct question: “Are you studying English?”
Reported question:
Tense: present continuous
Reported when: later the same evening
Direct question: “Are you studying English?”
Reported question:
Pregunta 5: Question addressed to: her
Possessive in direct speech: your = her
Tense: present continuous
Reported when: the next day
Direct question: “Is your brother coming tonight?”
Reported question:
Possessive in direct speech: your = her
Tense: present continuous
Reported when: the next day
Direct question: “Is your brother coming tonight?”
Reported question:
Pregunta 6: Question addressed to: him
Possessive in direct speech: your = his
Tense: present perfect
Reported when: later the same day
Direct question: “Have you finished your homework?”
Reported question:
Possessive in direct speech: your = his
Tense: present perfect
Reported when: later the same day
Direct question: “Have you finished your homework?”
Reported question:
Pregunta 7: Question addressed to: her
Object pronoun in direct speech: you = her
Tense: present perfect
Reported when: later the same day
Direct question: “Has he called you?”
Reported question:
Object pronoun in direct speech: you = her
Tense: present perfect
Reported when: later the same day
Direct question: “Has he called you?”
Reported question:
Pregunta 8: Question addressed to: him
Tense: past simple
Reported when: later the same evening
Direct question: “Did you see the film?”
Reported question:
Tense: past simple
Reported when: later the same evening
Direct question: “Did you see the film?”
Reported question:
Pregunta 9: Question about: they
Tense: past continuous
Reported when: later that day
Direct question: “Were they waiting for us?”
Reported question:
Tense: past continuous
Reported when: later that day
Direct question: “Were they waiting for us?”
Reported question:
Pregunta 10: Question addressed to: her
Object pronoun in direct speech: me = him
Tense: future simple
Reported when: the next day
Direct question: “Will you help me tomorrow?”
Reported question:
Object pronoun in direct speech: me = him
Tense: future simple
Reported when: the next day
Direct question: “Will you help me tomorrow?”
Reported question:
Pregunta 11: Question addressed to: him
Grammar focus: can → could
Reported when: later the same day
Direct question: “Can you drive?”
Reported question:
Grammar focus: can → could
Reported when: later the same day
Direct question: “Can you drive?”
Reported question:
Pregunta 12: Question addressed to: her
Grammar focus: could stays the same
Reported when: later that evening
Direct question: “Could you hear the music?”
Reported question:
Grammar focus: could stays the same
Reported when: later that evening
Direct question: “Could you hear the music?”
Reported question:
Pregunta 13: Question addressed to: him
Grammar focus: would stays the same
Reported when: later the same day
Direct question: “Would you like some tea?”
Reported question:
Grammar focus: would stays the same
Reported when: later the same day
Direct question: “Would you like some tea?”
Reported question:
Pregunta 14: Question about: they
Tense: be going to future
Reported when: later the same week
Direct question: “Are they going to sell the house?”
Reported question:
Tense: be going to future
Reported when: later the same week
Direct question: “Are they going to sell the house?”
Reported question:
Pregunta 15: Question addressed to: her
Tense: present perfect with ever
Reported when: later the same day
Direct question: “Have you ever been to Ireland?”
Reported question:
Tense: present perfect with ever
Reported when: later the same day
Direct question: “Have you ever been to Ireland?”
Reported question:
Pregunta 16: Question addressed to: him
Object pronoun in direct speech: you = him
Tense: past simple
Reported when: later that day
Direct question: “Did she tell you the truth?”
Reported question:
Object pronoun in direct speech: you = him
Tense: past simple
Reported when: later that day
Direct question: “Did she tell you the truth?”
Reported question:
Pregunta 17: Question addressed to: her
Possessive in direct speech: your = her
Tense: present simple with be
Reported when: later the same day
Direct question: “Is this your bag?”
Reported question:
Possessive in direct speech: your = her
Tense: present simple with be
Reported when: later the same day
Direct question: “Is this your bag?”
Reported question:
Pregunta 18: Question addressed to: him
Object pronoun in direct speech: you = him
Tense: present simple
Reported when: later the same day
Direct question: “Do these shoes belong to you?”
Reported question:
Object pronoun in direct speech: you = him
Tense: present simple
Reported when: later the same day
Direct question: “Do these shoes belong to you?”
Reported question:
Pregunta 19: Question speaker pronoun: she
Grammar focus: should stays the same
Reported when: later the same day
Direct question: “Should I call the doctor?”
Reported question:
Grammar focus: should stays the same
Reported when: later the same day
Direct question: “Should I call the doctor?”
Reported question:
Pregunta 20: Question speaker pronoun: they
Grammar focus: must → had to for obligation
Reported when: the next day
Direct question: “Must we finish it today?”
Reported question:
Grammar focus: must → had to for obligation
Reported when: the next day
Direct question: “Must we finish it today?”
Reported question:
Reported Questions: WH Questions
Pregunta 1: Change the WH question into reported speech. Keep the question word and use normal sentence order.
Question addressed to: him
Tense: present simple
Reported when: later the same day
Direct question: “Where do you live?”
Reported question:
Question addressed to: him
Tense: present simple
Reported when: later the same day
Direct question: “Where do you live?”
Reported question:
Pregunta 2: Question addressed to: her
Tense: present simple
Reported when: later that day
Direct question: “What do you want?”
Reported question:
Tense: present simple
Reported when: later that day
Direct question: “What do you want?”
Reported question:
Pregunta 3: Question addressed to: him
Tense: present continuous
Reported when: later the same evening
Direct question: “Why are you crying?”
Reported question:
Tense: present continuous
Reported when: later the same evening
Direct question: “Why are you crying?”
Reported question:
Pregunta 4: Question about: it / the train
Tense: present simple third person
Reported when: later the same day
Direct question: “When does the train leave?”
Reported question:
Tense: present simple third person
Reported when: later the same day
Direct question: “When does the train leave?”
Reported question:
Pregunta 5: Question about: it / the post office
Tense: present simple with be
Reported when: later the same day
Direct question: “Where is the post office?”
Reported question:
Tense: present simple with be
Reported when: later the same day
Direct question: “Where is the post office?”
Reported question:
Pregunta 6: Question addressed to: her
Tense: present continuous
Reported when: later that afternoon
Direct question: “What are you doing?”
Reported question:
Tense: present continuous
Reported when: later that afternoon
Direct question: “What are you doing?”
Reported question:
Pregunta 7: Question addressed to: him
Tense: past simple
Reported when: the next day
Direct question: “Who did you meet yesterday?”
Reported question:
Tense: past simple
Reported when: the next day
Direct question: “Who did you meet yesterday?”
Reported question:
Pregunta 8: Question addressed to: her
Tense: present perfect
Reported when: later the same week
Direct question: “How long have you worked here?”
Reported question:
Tense: present perfect
Reported when: later the same week
Direct question: “How long have you worked here?”
Reported question:
Pregunta 9: Question addressed to: him
Tense: past simple
Reported when: later that day
Direct question: “Which book did you choose?”
Reported question:
Tense: past simple
Reported when: later that day
Direct question: “Which book did you choose?”
Reported question:
Pregunta 10: Question addressed to: her
Tense: present perfect
Reported when: later the same day
Direct question: “How much money have you spent?”
Reported question:
Tense: present perfect
Reported when: later the same day
Direct question: “How much money have you spent?”
Reported question:
Pregunta 11: Question addressed to: him
Tense: future simple
Reported when: the next day
Direct question: “Where will you stay tomorrow?”
Reported question:
Tense: future simple
Reported when: the next day
Direct question: “Where will you stay tomorrow?”
Reported question:
Pregunta 12: Question addressed to: her
Grammar focus: can → could
Reported when: later the same day
Direct question: “What can you see?”
Reported question:
Grammar focus: can → could
Reported when: later the same day
Direct question: “What can you see?”
Reported question:
Pregunta 13: Question about: they
Tense: past simple
Reported when: later that evening
Direct question: “Why did they leave early?”
Reported question:
Tense: past simple
Reported when: later that evening
Direct question: “Why did they leave early?”
Reported question:
Pregunta 14: Question about: he / that man
Tense: past simple with be
Reported when: later the same day
Direct question: “Who was that man?”
Reported question:
Tense: past simple with be
Reported when: later the same day
Direct question: “Who was that man?”
Reported question:
Pregunta 15: Question addressed to: her
Tense: past continuous
Reported when: later the same evening
Direct question: “What were you watching?”
Reported question:
Tense: past continuous
Reported when: later the same evening
Direct question: “What were you watching?”
Reported question:
Pregunta 16: Question about: they
Tense: present perfect
Reported when: later the same day
Direct question: “Where have they gone?”
Reported question:
Tense: present perfect
Reported when: later the same day
Direct question: “Where have they gone?”
Reported question:
Pregunta 17: Question addressed to: him
Tense: past simple
Reported when: later that day
Direct question: “How did you solve the problem?”
Reported question:
Tense: past simple
Reported when: later that day
Direct question: “How did you solve the problem?”
Reported question:
Pregunta 18: Question addressed to: her
Object pronoun in direct speech: me = him
Tense: be going to future
Reported when: later that day
Direct question: “When are you going to call me?”
Reported question:
Object pronoun in direct speech: me = him
Tense: be going to future
Reported when: later that day
Direct question: “When are you going to call me?”
Reported question:
Pregunta 19: Question about: it / jacket
Tense: present simple with be
Reported when: later the same day
Direct question: “Whose jacket is this?”
Reported question:
Tense: present simple with be
Reported when: later the same day
Direct question: “Whose jacket is this?”
Reported question:
Pregunta 20: Question addressed to: him
Tense: present simple
Reported when: later the same week
Direct question: “How often do you exercise?”
Reported question:
Tense: present simple
Reported when: later the same week
Direct question: “How often do you exercise?”
Reported question:
Reported Speech: Requests, Orders and Negative Imperatives
Pregunta 1: Change the request or order into reported speech. Use the pronoun and context given.
Speaker pronoun: she
Object pronoun after ask/tell: him
Type: polite request
Reported when: later the same day
Direct speech: “Please help me.”
Reported speech:
Speaker pronoun: she
Object pronoun after ask/tell: him
Type: polite request
Reported when: later the same day
Direct speech: “Please help me.”
Reported speech:
Pregunta 2: Speaker pronoun: he
Object pronoun after ask/tell: her
Type: polite request
Reported when: later the same day
Direct speech: “Close the window, please.”
Reported speech:
Object pronoun after ask/tell: her
Type: polite request
Reported when: later the same day
Direct speech: “Close the window, please.”
Reported speech:
Pregunta 3: Speaker pronoun: she
Object pronoun after ask/tell: him
Type: negative polite request
Reported when: later in a different place
Direct speech: “Please don’t smoke here.”
Reported speech:
Object pronoun after ask/tell: him
Type: negative polite request
Reported when: later in a different place
Direct speech: “Please don’t smoke here.”
Reported speech:
Pregunta 4: Speaker pronoun: he
Object pronoun after ask/tell: her
Type: polite request with could
Reported when: later the same day
Direct speech: “Could you open the door?”
Reported speech:
Object pronoun after ask/tell: her
Type: polite request with could
Reported when: later the same day
Direct speech: “Could you open the door?”
Reported speech:
Pregunta 5: Speaker pronoun: she
Object pronoun after ask/tell: him
Type: polite request with would you mind
Reported when: later the same day
Direct speech: “Would you mind waiting outside?”
Reported speech:
Object pronoun after ask/tell: him
Type: polite request with would you mind
Reported when: later the same day
Direct speech: “Would you mind waiting outside?”
Reported speech:
Pregunta 6: Speaker pronoun: he
Object pronoun after ask/tell: her
Object pronoun in direct speech: me = him
Type: polite request
Reported when: the next morning
Direct speech: “Please call me tonight.”
Reported speech:
Object pronoun after ask/tell: her
Object pronoun in direct speech: me = him
Type: polite request
Reported when: the next morning
Direct speech: “Please call me tonight.”
Reported speech:
Pregunta 7: Speaker pronoun: she
Object pronoun after ask/tell: him
Type: negative order
Reported when: later the same day
Direct speech: “Don’t be late.”
Reported speech:
Object pronoun after ask/tell: him
Type: negative order
Reported when: later the same day
Direct speech: “Don’t be late.”
Reported speech:
Pregunta 8: Speaker pronoun: he
Object pronoun after ask/tell: her
Type: order
Reported when: later the same day
Direct speech: “Sit down!”
Reported speech:
Object pronoun after ask/tell: her
Type: order
Reported when: later the same day
Direct speech: “Sit down!”
Reported speech:
Pregunta 9: Speaker pronoun: she
Object after ask/tell: the child
Type: order
Reported when: later that night
Direct speech: “Go to bed!”
Reported speech:
Object after ask/tell: the child
Type: order
Reported when: later that night
Direct speech: “Go to bed!”
Reported speech:
Pregunta 10: Speaker pronoun: he
Object pronoun after ask/tell: her
Type: negative order
Reported when: later the same day
Direct speech: “Don’t touch that button!”
Reported speech:
Object pronoun after ask/tell: her
Type: negative order
Reported when: later the same day
Direct speech: “Don’t touch that button!”
Reported speech:
Pregunta 11: Speaker pronoun: she
Object pronoun after ask/tell: him
Possessive in direct speech: your = his
Type: polite request
Reported when: the next day
Direct speech: “Please bring your passport tomorrow.”
Reported speech:
Object pronoun after ask/tell: him
Possessive in direct speech: your = his
Type: polite request
Reported when: the next day
Direct speech: “Please bring your passport tomorrow.”
Reported speech:
Pregunta 12: Speaker pronoun: he
Object pronoun after ask/tell: her
Type: polite request with could
Reported when: later the same meal
Direct speech: “Could you pass the salt?”
Reported speech:
Object pronoun after ask/tell: her
Type: polite request with could
Reported when: later the same meal
Direct speech: “Could you pass the salt?”
Reported speech:
Pregunta 13: Speaker pronoun: she
Object pronoun after ask/tell: him
Type: negative polite request
Reported when: later the same day
Direct speech: “Please don’t tell anyone.”
Reported speech:
Object pronoun after ask/tell: him
Type: negative polite request
Reported when: later the same day
Direct speech: “Please don’t tell anyone.”
Reported speech:
Pregunta 14: Speaker pronoun: he
Object pronoun after ask/tell: them
Type: order
Reported when: later the same class
Direct speech: “Be quiet!”
Reported speech:
Object pronoun after ask/tell: them
Type: order
Reported when: later the same class
Direct speech: “Be quiet!”
Reported speech:
Pregunta 15: Speaker pronoun: she
Object pronoun after ask/tell: him
Possessive in direct speech: your = his
Type: negative order
Reported when: later the same day
Direct speech: “Don’t forget your keys.”
Reported speech:
Object pronoun after ask/tell: him
Possessive in direct speech: your = his
Type: negative order
Reported when: later the same day
Direct speech: “Don’t forget your keys.”
Reported speech:
Pregunta 16: Speaker pronoun: he
Object pronoun after ask/tell: her
Object pronoun in direct speech: me = him
Type: polite request
Reported when: later the same day
Direct speech: “Could you send me the file?”
Reported speech:
Object pronoun after ask/tell: her
Object pronoun in direct speech: me = him
Type: polite request
Reported when: later the same day
Direct speech: “Could you send me the file?”
Reported speech:
Pregunta 17: Speaker pronoun: she
Object pronoun after ask/tell: him
Type: polite request
Reported when: later in a different place
Direct speech: “Please wait here.”
Reported speech:
Object pronoun after ask/tell: him
Type: polite request
Reported when: later in a different place
Direct speech: “Please wait here.”
Reported speech:
Pregunta 18: Speaker pronoun: he
Object pronoun after ask/tell: them
Type: order
Reported when: later the same class
Direct speech: “Stop talking!”
Reported speech:
Object pronoun after ask/tell: them
Type: order
Reported when: later the same class
Direct speech: “Stop talking!”
Reported speech:
Pregunta 19: Speaker pronoun: she
Object pronoun after ask/tell: him
Type: negative order or advice
Reported when: later the same day
Direct speech: “Don’t worry about the exam.”
Reported speech:
Object pronoun after ask/tell: him
Type: negative order or advice
Reported when: later the same day
Direct speech: “Don’t worry about the exam.”
Reported speech:
Pregunta 20: Speaker pronoun: he
Object pronoun after ask/tell: her
Type: polite request with would you mind
Reported when: the next day
Direct speech: “Would you mind coming early tomorrow?”
Reported speech:
Object pronoun after ask/tell: her
Type: polite request with would you mind
Reported when: the next day
Direct speech: “Would you mind coming early tomorrow?”
Reported speech:
Reported Speech: Mixed Grammar Challenge
Pregunta 1: Change the sentence into reported speech. Use all the grammar information given.
Speaker pronoun: he
Tense: present continuous
Reported when: the next day
Direct speech: “I am meeting her tomorrow.”
Reported speech:
Speaker pronoun: he
Tense: present continuous
Reported when: the next day
Direct speech: “I am meeting her tomorrow.”
Reported speech:
Pregunta 2: Question addressed to: her
Tense: past simple WH question
Reported when: later the same day
Direct question: “Where did you buy this jacket?”
Reported speech:
Tense: past simple WH question
Reported when: later the same day
Direct question: “Where did you buy this jacket?”
Reported speech:
Pregunta 3: Question addressed to: him
Object pronoun in direct speech: me = her
Grammar focus: can → could
Reported when: later the same day
Direct question: “Can you help me with my homework?”
Reported speech:
Object pronoun in direct speech: me = her
Grammar focus: can → could
Reported when: later the same day
Direct question: “Can you help me with my homework?”
Reported speech:
Pregunta 4: Speaker pronoun: she
Object pronoun after ask/tell: him
Type: negative order
Reported when: later the same day
Direct speech: “Don’t open the door!”
Reported speech:
Object pronoun after ask/tell: him
Type: negative order
Reported when: later the same day
Direct speech: “Don’t open the door!”
Reported speech:
Pregunta 5: Speaker pronoun: he
Possessive in direct speech: your = her
Tense: negative present perfect
Reported when: later the same day
Direct speech: “I haven’t seen your keys.”
Reported speech:
Possessive in direct speech: your = her
Tense: negative present perfect
Reported when: later the same day
Direct speech: “I haven’t seen your keys.”
Reported speech:
Pregunta 6: Question addressed to: her
Tense: present simple yes/no question
Reported when: later that day
Direct question: “Do you know the answer?”
Reported speech:
Tense: present simple yes/no question
Reported when: later that day
Direct question: “Do you know the answer?”
Reported speech:
Pregunta 7: Speaker pronoun: he
Object pronoun after ask/tell: her
Type: negative polite request
Reported when: later the same day
Direct speech: “Please don’t be angry.”
Reported speech:
Object pronoun after ask/tell: her
Type: negative polite request
Reported when: later the same day
Direct speech: “Please don’t be angry.”
Reported speech:
Pregunta 8: Speaker pronoun: they
Listener pronoun in direct speech: you = he
Tense: past perfect
Reported when: later that evening
Direct speech: “We had already left when you arrived.”
Reported speech:
Listener pronoun in direct speech: you = he
Tense: past perfect
Reported when: later that evening
Direct speech: “We had already left when you arrived.”
Reported speech:
Pregunta 9: Question addressed to: him
Tense: future simple WH question
Reported when: the following year
Direct question: “What will you do next year?”
Reported speech:
Tense: future simple WH question
Reported when: the following year
Direct question: “What will you do next year?”
Reported speech:
Pregunta 10: Speaker pronoun: she
Grammar focus: must → had to
Reported when: the next day
Direct speech: “I must finish this report today.”
Reported speech:
Grammar focus: must → had to
Reported when: the next day
Direct speech: “I must finish this report today.”
Reported speech:
Pregunta 11: Question about: they
Tense: present continuous WH question
Reported when: later the same day
Direct question: “Why are they laughing?”
Reported speech:
Tense: present continuous WH question
Reported when: later the same day
Direct question: “Why are they laughing?”
Reported speech:
Pregunta 12: Speaker pronoun: he
Object pronoun after ask/tell: her
Object pronoun in direct speech: me = him
Type: order/request
Direct speech: “Tell me the truth.”
Reported speech:
Object pronoun after ask/tell: her
Object pronoun in direct speech: me = him
Type: order/request
Direct speech: “Tell me the truth.”
Reported speech:
Pregunta 13: Speaker pronoun: she
Tense: past continuous
Reported when: later that day
Direct speech: “I was sleeping when the phone rang.”
Reported speech:
Tense: past continuous
Reported when: later that day
Direct speech: “I was sleeping when the phone rang.”
Reported speech:
Pregunta 14: Question addressed to: him
Tense: present perfect yes/no question
Reported when: later the same day
Direct question: “Have you ever tried sushi?”
Reported speech:
Tense: present perfect yes/no question
Reported when: later the same day
Direct question: “Have you ever tried sushi?”
Reported speech:
Pregunta 15: Speaker pronoun: he
Grammar focus: general truth stays present
Reported when: one year later
Direct speech: “The sun rises in the east.”
Reported speech:
Grammar focus: general truth stays present
Reported when: one year later
Direct speech: “The sun rises in the east.”
Reported speech:
Pregunta 16: Speaker pronoun in direct speech: you = him
Grammar focus: should stays the same
Reported when: later the same day
Direct speech: “You should speak more slowly.”
Reported speech:
Grammar focus: should stays the same
Reported when: later the same day
Direct speech: “You should speak more slowly.”
Reported speech:
Pregunta 17: Question addressed to: her
Object pronoun in direct speech: us = them
Tense: be going to future
Reported when: after that weekend
Direct question: “Are you going to visit us this weekend?”
Reported speech:
Object pronoun in direct speech: us = them
Tense: be going to future
Reported when: after that weekend
Direct question: “Are you going to visit us this weekend?”
Reported speech:
Pregunta 18: Question addressed to: him
Tense: present perfect WH question
Reported when: later the same day
Direct question: “Where have you been?”
Reported speech:
Tense: present perfect WH question
Reported when: later the same day
Direct question: “Where have you been?”
Reported speech:
Pregunta 19: Speaker pronoun: she
Grammar focus: might stays the same
Reported when: later the same week
Direct speech: “I might not come to the party.”
Reported speech:
Grammar focus: might stays the same
Reported when: later the same week
Direct speech: “I might not come to the party.”
Reported speech:
Pregunta 20: Speaker pronoun: he
Object pronoun after ask/tell: her
Type: polite request
Reported when: the next day
Direct speech: “Please bring these documents tomorrow.”
Reported speech:
Object pronoun after ask/tell: her
Type: polite request
Reported when: the next day
Direct speech: “Please bring these documents tomorrow.”
Reported speech: