REPORTED SPEECH

Leslie Silva B.

We use reported speech when we report the meaning of what somebody

said but not with the exact words.

• We use tell when we report commands: Go slowly!!!! The coach told us to go slowly.

We use ask when we report request

• Do you have a good time at grandma’s, dear? Well, not really. She asked me to clean the yard.• Please pay attention! The teacher asked us to pay attention.

When the reporting verb is in the past, we make the following changes.

Direct speech Reported speech

Present simpleShe said, “I exercise on Fridays”.

Past simpleShe said (that) she exercised on Fridays.

Present continuous.He said, “My sister is eating sushi”.

Past continuous. He said (that) his sister was eating sushi.

WillDiana said,” I won’t go to school”

WouldDiana said(that) she wouldn’t go to school.

Can Jerry said, “I can’t move my leg”.

CouldJerry said (that) he couldn’t move his leg.

Report the following commands:

• Close the window! Jerry. The teacher __________________________.• Don’t touch the ball! Sandy. The instructor ________________________.• Listen carefully, students! The teacher __________________________.• Clean your bedroom, Mark! Mark’s mom __________________________.

Report the following statements:

• I go to the gym twice a day. Jamie _______________________________.• I will travel to Spain. Lilian ________________________________.• I can swim very well. David ________________________________.• My sister is drinking a lemonade. Daniel _______________________________.