If we report what another person has said, we usually do not use the speaker’s exact words (direct speech), but reported (indirect) speech. Therefore, you need to learn how to transform direct speech into reported speech. The structure is a little different depending on whether you want to transform a statement, question or request.
Statements
When transforming statements, check whether you have to change:
-pronouns
-present tense verbs (3rd person singular)
-place and time expressions
-tenses (backshift)
Tenses
No backshift
Do not change the tense if the introductory clause is in Simple Present (e. g. He says). Note, however, that you might have to change the form of the present tense verb (3rd person singular).ExampleHe says, “I speak English.” – He says that he speaks English.
When transforming statements, check whether you have to change:
-pronouns
-present tense verbs (3rd person singular)
-place and time expressions
-tenses (backshift)
| Type | Example |
|---|---|
| direct speech | “I speak English.” |
| reported speech (no backshift) | He says that he speaks English. |
| reported speech (backshift) | He said that he spoke English. |
No backshift
Do not change the tense if the introductory clause is in Simple Present (e. g. He says). Note, however, that you might have to change the form of the present tense verb (3rd person singular).ExampleHe says, “I speak English.” – He says that he speaks English.
Backshiht
You must change the tense if the introductory clause is in Simple Past (e. g. He said). This is called backshift.| Direct Speech | Reported Speech |
|---|---|
| Simple Present | Simple Past |
| Present Progressive | Past Progressive |
| Simple Past | Past Perfect Simple |
| Present Perfect Simple | |
| Past Perfect Simple | |
| Past Progressive | Past Perfect Progressive |
| Present Perfect Progressive | |
| Past Perfect Progressive | |
| Future I (going to) | was / were going to |
| Future I (will) | Conditional I (would) |
| Conditional I (would) |
The verbs could, should, would, might, must, needn’t, ought to, used to do not normally change.Example:He said, “She might be right.” – He said that she might be right.
Place and Time expressions
For place and time expressions you have to check whether place and time are the same in direct and reported speech or not.
For place and time expressions you have to check whether place and time are the same in direct and reported speech or not.
In the following table, you will find ways of transforming place and time expressions into reported speech.
Changes in Pronouns
Direct Speech Reported Speech
I ⇒ he/she
We ⇒ they
my ⇒ his/her
your ⇒ my
| Direct Speech | Reported Speech |
|---|---|
| today | that day |
| now | then |
| yesterday | the day before |
| … days ago | … days before |
| last week | the week before |
| next year | the following year |
| tomorrow | the next day / the following day |
| here | there |
| this | that |
| these | those |
Direct Speech Reported Speech
I ⇒ he/sheWe ⇒ they
my ⇒ his/her
your ⇒ my
our ⇒ their
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