What’s Reported Speech?
Unit 50: Grammar Focus
Reported Speech
"He said that..."
1. What is it?
Direct Speech
The exact words said.
"I am hungry."
Reported Speech
Telling someone later.
He said he was hungry.
The "Step Back" Rule
Moment of Speaking
PAST
"I am happy"
↓
STEP BACK
↓
Talking about it
NOW
"She said she was..."
2. Tense Shifts
| Direct Speech (Present) | Reported Speech (Past) |
|---|---|
| am / is | was |
| are | were |
| do / does | did |
| have / has | had |
| can | could |
| will | would |
SAY
No listener mentioned.
"He said that he was tired."
TELL
Always mentions the listener.
"He told me that he was tired."
3. Transformation Lab
Click through the steps to see a full conversion.
Original Context
Sarah: "I will call you tomorrow."
Click "Next Step" to start...
STEP 1