Reported speech (also known as indirect speech) is used to report what someone said without quoting them directly. Instead of using their exact words, we change the structure and pronouns to match the new context.
What Is Reported Speech?We use reported speech when we tell someone what another person said. The verb in the reported sentence is usually changed to a past form, especially if the reporting verb is in the past.
Direct speech: "I’m hungry," he said. Reported speech: He said (that) he was hungry.
What Changes in Reported Speech?When changing direct speech to reported speech, we often need to adjust:
Verb tenses Pronouns Time and place expressions Direct Speech Reported Speech Present Simple Past Simple Present Continuous Past Continuous Present Perfect Past Perfect Past Simple Past Perfect will would can could today that day tomorrow the next day / the following day yesterday the day before / the previous day now then here there Common Reporting VerbsWe usually use verbs like say and tell in reported speech.
say + (that) + clause → She said (that) she was tired. tell + object + (that) + clause → She told me (that) she was tired. When No Changes Are NeededSometimes, the tense does not change. This happens when:
The reporting verb is in the present: He says he loves music. The information is still true or a general fact. Quick Tips on Reported Speech "That" is optional in reported speech: She said she was happy. Pay attention to the context to choose the correct pronouns and time expressions. Questions and commands follow different structures in reported speech. (e.g., "Where is she?" → He asked where she was.)