Reported speech, also known as indirect speech, is an essential part of English grammar. It helps us relay what someone else has said without quoting them directly. Whether you’re writing a story, sharing a conversation, or summarizing a news report, understanding how to use reported speech correctly is crucial. Let’s explore this topic in detail with clear explanations and examples.
What Is Reported Speech?
Reported speech is when we report what someone else said, but not using their exact words. Instead of quoting them directly (direct speech), we change the structure slightly, especially the verb tenses.
Example:
- Direct speech: She said, “I am tired.”
- Reported speech: She said (that) she was tired.
Notice how the verb tense changes from “am” to “was” in the reported version.
When Do We Use Reported Speech?
We use reported speech to:
- Share what someone else said without quoting them directly.
- Summarize longer conversations or statements.
- Create a more formal tone in writing or speech.
Basic Rules of Reported Speech
Change in Verb Tense (Backshifting)
In most cases, when reporting speech, the verb tense is shifted one step back into the past.
| Direct Speech | Reported Speech |
| am/is → was | “I am happy.” → She said she was happy. |
| are → were | “They are late.” → He said they were late. |
| do/does → did | “She does her work.” → He said she did her work. |
| did → had done | “I did it.” → He said he had done it. |
| will → would | “I will go.” → She said she would go. |
| can → could | “I can help.” → He said he could help. |
| have/has → had | “I have eaten.” → She said she had eaten. |
Exception: If the reporting verb (e.g., said, told) is in the present or future tense, you don’t need to backshift.
- He says, “I like tea.” → He says he likes tea.
Change in Pronouns
Pronouns in reported speech must match the perspective of the speaker and the reporter.
- Direct: She said, “I love my job.”
- Reported: She said she loved her job.
- Direct: He said, “You are my best friend.”
- Reported: He said I was his best friend.
Change in Time and Place References
Time and place words often change in reported speech.
| Direct | Reported |
| now → then | “I’m busy now.” → She said she was busy then. |
| today → that day | “I’ll do it today.” → He said he would do it that day. |
| yesterday → the day before | “I went yesterday.” → She said she had gone the day before. |
| tomorrow → the next day / the following day | “I’ll come tomorrow.” → He said he would come the next day. |
| here → there | “I’m staying here.” → She said she was staying there. |
Reporting Statements, Questions, and Commands
Reporting Statements
These are the most common and follow the backshifting rules.
- Direct: “I like chocolate.”
- Reported: She said she liked chocolate.
You can optionally use that after the reporting verb:
- She said that she liked chocolate.
Reporting Yes/No Questions
Use if or whether and change the word order (no question format in reported speech).
- Direct: “Do you like coffee?”
- Reported: He asked if I liked coffee.
Reporting WH-Questions
Use the question word (what, where, why, how, etc.) and follow the statement word order.
- Direct: “Where do you live?”
- Reported: She asked where I lived.
- Direct: “Why are you crying?”
- Reported: He asked why I was crying.
Important: No auxiliary verbs like do, does, or did in the reported version.
Reporting Commands and Requests
Use to + infinitive for commands and not to + infinitive for negative commands.
- Direct: “Sit down!”
- Reported: He told me to sit down.
- Direct: “Don’t touch that!”
- Reported: She warned me not to touch that.
For polite requests, use ask, request, or beg:
- Direct: “Please help me.”
- Reported: He asked me to help him.
Special Notes on Reporting Verbs
While “said” and “told” are the most common, you can make your speech more precise and interesting using other reporting verbs:
| Direct | Reported |
| “I’m sorry.” | She apologized for being late. |
| “Let’s go!” | He suggested going. |
| “I didn’t do it!” | She denied doing it. |
| “Yes, I took it.” | He admitted taking it. |
| “You must study.” | She advised me to study. |
Different verbs require different structures. For example, “suggest” is often followed by a gerund (verb + ing).
Practice Makes Perfect
Try changing these sentences into reported speech:
- He said, “I am learning English.”
- She asked, “Do you have a pen?”
- John said, “I will call you tomorrow.”
- Lisa said, “Please close the door.”
- They said, “We went to the park yesterday.”
Want the answers? Just ask!
Final Thoughts
Reported speech may seem tricky at first due to all the shifting of tenses and pronouns, but with regular practice, it becomes second nature. It’s a vital skill in both written and spoken English and adds a level of clarity and professionalism to your communication.