Grammar: Reported Speech (Statements)

1: Work it Out

When you report what somebody says, (turning direct into indirect speech), some changes are often made. Look at the following pairs of sentence. Can you see what needs to change when reporting statements?

B: Kim said she was going to the cinema that evening.A: "I left school at 15", Mark explained.B: Mark said he had left school at 15.A: "I'll pay the bill today", said Kathy.B: Kathy said she would pay the bill that day.A: "I've never been to France", said Michelle.B: Michelle said she had never been to France.

Now try the quiz below to check your ideas.

2: Check Reported Speech

Decide if the position of the adverbs in the following sentences is correct or incorrect:

1a) "I'll be at work till late tonight", said Gill.

1b) Gill said she ____________________ at work late that night.

2a) "I don't eat fish", said Corinne.

2b) Corinne said she _______________________ fish.

3a) "I broke the mirror", said Miguel.

3b) Miguel said he _______________________ the mirror.

4a) "I've passed my English exam", said Carl.

4b) Carl said he _______________________

his English exam.

For each question, complete the second sentence so that it means the same as the first.Use no more than three words.

1. "I've left some food in the pot", said Sue.Sue said she ........................................ some food in the pot.

 

2. "I'll ask Andrew to give me a lift", said Fiona.

Fiona said she ........................................ Andrew to give her a lift.

 

3. "I finish work early today", said Anna.

Anna said she finished work early .........................................

 

4. "I booked the tickets this morning" said Claire.

Claire said she ........................................ the tickets that morning.

 

5. "I'll try to be there on time", said Louisa.

Louisa said she ........................................ to be there on time.

 

6. "The car has broken down", said Steve.

Steve said the car ........................................ down.