Lesson Content
Reported Speech (Statements)
We use reported speech to report what someone else said. In most cases, we change the verb tense back one step in time—this is called backshifting. Reported speech is very common in news reports, stories, conversations, and summaries of what other people have said. It helps us repeat information clearly without quoting someone word-for-word.
Form (with statements):
• Present simple → past simple
• Present continuous → past continuous
• Present perfect → past perfect
• Will → would
• Can → could
• Simple past → past perfect (or stays the same in some situations)
Examples:
• Direct: “I work on weekends.”
➤ Reported: She said she worked on weekends.
• Direct: “I am studying English.”
➤ Reported: He said he was studying English.
• Direct: “They have finished.”
➤ Reported: She said they had finished.
• Direct: “I will help you.”
➤ Reported: He said he would help me.
Sometimes, if the reporting verb (e.g., said, told me) is in the present, you don’t need to change the verb tense:
• “He says he works on weekends.” (still true now)
Time and Place Words:
Time and location expressions often change:
• “today” → “that day”
• “tomorrow” → “the next day”
• “yesterday” → “the day before”
• “now” → “then”
• “here” → “there”
Use reported speech to share what others said in a natural way. Mastering this structure helps learners report conversations, summarize instructions, and communicate ideas clearly—especially in academic, professional, or storytelling settings.
🗣️ Why This Grammar Matters for Listening and Speaking
Reported speech is essential for sharing news, giving instructions, summarizing events, or telling stories. Understanding how people report what others said helps you follow conversations more easily and participate in discussions more fluently.
Useful for:
- Sharing what someone said in meetings, class, or conversations
- Retelling a story or event
- Explaining instructions, rules, or advice from others
- Quoting news or social media
🔹 Everyday Examples:
• “My friend said the movie was great.”
• “She told me she was running late.”
• “He said he couldn’t come to the party.”
• “The teacher said we had to bring our books.”
🔹 Listening Tip:
Native speakers often shorten phrases or use contractions:
• “She said she’d call.” (she would)
• “He told me he’d been there.” (he had)
When you understand reported speech, it’s easier to follow group conversations or news stories—and respond naturally by summarizing or repeating ideas clearly.
Let’s Practice
Language Game
Now, practice your language skills with this interactive game.
🗣️ Listening & Speaking Practice Questions
Talking About What People Said
These questions help you practice reported speech. Try to listen carefully to someone’s story, then repeat it using reported speech. Use “He said…”, “She told me…”, or “They said that…”
Share What You Heard:
What is something your friend or classmate said recently?
➤ For example: “She said she was tired.” / “He told me he didn’t like coffee.”
Retell a Conversation:
Talk about a conversation you had yesterday. What did the other person say?
➤ For example: “My mom said dinner would be ready at 6.”
Summarize a News Story:
Think of something you heard in the news. What did the reporter or person say?
➤ For example: “The reporter said the weather would be cold this weekend.”
Repeat a Teacher’s Instruction:
What is something your teacher said to the class?
➤ For example: “The teacher told us to bring our homework.” / “She said the test was next week.”
Talk About Advice:
What’s the best advice someone has given you?
➤ For example: “My dad told me to never give up.” / “A friend said I should be more confident.”