Now that you know some of the reported speech rules about backshift, let’s learn some exceptions.
There are two situations in which we do NOT need to change the verb tense.
No backshift needed when the situation is still true
For example, if someone says “I have three children” (direct speech) then we would say “He said he has three children” because the situation continues to be true.
If I tell you “I live in the United States” (direct speech) then you could tell someone else “She said she lives in the United States” (that’s reported speech) because it is still true.
When the situation is still true, then we don’t need to backshift the verb.
But when the situation is NOT still true, then we DO need to backshift the verb.
Imagine your friend says, “I have a headache.”
If you immediately go and talk to another friend, you could say, “She said she has a headache,” because the situation is still true
If you’re talking about that conversation a month after it happened, then you would say, “She said she had a headache,” because it’s no longer true.
No backshift needed when the situation is still in the future
We also don’t need to backshift to the verb when somebody said something about the future, and the event is still in the future.
Here’s an example:
On Monday, my friend said, “I ‘ll call you on Friday .”
“She said she ‘ll call me on Friday”, because Friday is still in the future from now.
It is also possible to say, “She said she ‘d (she would) call me on Friday.”
Both of them are correct, so the backshift in this case is optional.
Let’s look at a different situation:
On Monday, my friend said, “I ‘ll call you on Tuesday .”
“She said she ‘d call me on Tuesday.” I must backshift because the event is NOT still in the future.
Review: Reported Speech, Backshift, & Exceptions
Quick review:
Normally in reported speech we backshift the verb, we put it in a verb tense that’s a little bit further in the past.
when the situation is still true
when the situation is still in the future
Reported Requests, Orders, and Questions
Those were the rules for reported statements, just regular sentences.
What about reported speech for questions, requests, and orders?
For reported requests, we use “asked (someone) to do something”:
“Please make a copy of this report.” (direct speech)
She asked me to make a copy of the report. (reported speech)
For reported orders, we use “told (someone) to do something:”
“Go to the bank.” (direct speech)
“He told me to go to the bank.” (reported speech)
The main verb stays in the infinitive with “to”:
She asked me to make a copy of the report. She asked me make a copy of the report.
He told me to go to the bank. He told me go to the bank.
For yes/no questions, we use “asked if” and “wanted to know if” in reported speech.
“Are you coming to the party?” (direct)
He asked if I was coming to the party. (reported)
“Did you turn off the TV?” (direct)
She wanted to know if I had turned off the TV.” (reported)
The main verb changes and back shifts according to the rules and exceptions we learned earlier.
Notice that we don’t use do/does/did in the reported question:
She wanted to know did I turn off the TV.
She wanted to know if I had turned off the TV.
For other questions that are not yes/no questions, we use asked/wanted to know (without “if”):
“When was the company founded?” (direct)
She asked when the company was founded.” (reported)
“What kind of car do you drive?” (direct)
He wanted to know what kind of car I drive. (reported)
Again, notice that we don’t use do/does/did in reported questions:
“Where does he work?”
She wanted to know where does he work.
She wanted to know where he works.
Also, in questions with the verb “to be,” the word order changes in the reported question:
“Where were you born?” ([to be] + subject)
He asked where I was born. (subject + [to be])
He asked where was I born.
Reported Speech (Part 2) Quiz
Learn more about reported speech:
Reported speech: Perfect English Grammar
Reported speech: BJYU’s
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Reported speech - 1
Reported speech - 2
Reported speech - 3
Worksheets - handouts
Reported speech
Worksheets - pdf exercises.
Reported statements - worksheet
Worksheet - reported questions
Reported yes/no questions
Worksheet - reported speech
Reported speech - exercises pdf
Indirect speech - exercises
Reported speech - exercises
Mixed reported speech 1
Mixed reported speech 2
Reported speech 1
Reported speech 2
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Reported speech 4
Reported speech 5
Reported wh- questions
Reported speech - worksheet
Reported commands
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Reported speech 1
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Reported requests and orders
Reported speech exercise
Reported questions - worksheet
Indirect speech - worksheet
Worksheets pdf - print
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Grammar - lessons
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How to use reported speech - lesson
Tense changes - grammar
Reported Speech (Indirect Speech)
Exercises on reported speech.
If we report what another person has said, we usually do not use the speaker’s exact words (direct speech), but reported (indirect) speech. Therefore, you need to learn how to transform direct speech into reported speech. The structure is a little different depending on whether you want to transform a statement, question or request.
When transforming statements, check whether you have to change:
present tense verbs (3rd person singular)
place and time expressions
tenses (backshift)
Type
Example
“I speak English.”
He says that he speaks English.
He said that he spoke English.
→ more on statements in reported speech
When transforming questions, check whether you have to change:
Also note that you have to:
transform the question into an indirect question
use the interrogative or if / whether
Type
Example
“Why don’t you speak English?”
He asked me why I didn’t speak English.
“Do you speak English?”
He asked me whether / if I spoke English.
→ more on questions in reported speech
Type
Example
Carol, speak English.
He told Carol to speak English.
→ more on requests in reported speech
Additional Information and Exeptions
Apart from the above mentioned basic rules, there are further aspects that you should keep in mind, for example:
main clauses connected with and / but
tense of the introductory clause
reported speech for difficult tenses
exeptions for backshift
requests with must , should , ought to and let’s
→ more on additional information and exeptions in reported speech
Statements in Reported Speech
no backshift – change of pronouns
no backshift – change of pronouns and places
with backshift
with backshift and change of place and time expressions
Questions in Reported Speech
Requests in reported speech.
Exercise 1 – requests (positive)
Exercise 2 – requests (negative)
Exercise 3 – requests (mixed)
Mixed Exercises on Reported Speech
Exercise on reported speech with and without backshift
Grammar in Texts
„ The Canterville Ghost “ (highlight direct speech and reported speech)
English Practice Downloadable PDF Grammar and Vocabulary Worksheets
Reported speech (b1).
RS013 - Reported Speech
RS012 - Reported Questions and Commands
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RS007 - Reported Speech
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RS002 - Reported Speech - Mixed Exercises
RS001 - Reported Speech - Mixed Exercises
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Reported Speech (Indirect speech)
Reported Speech 'backshift'
Home of English Grammar
Reported speech: backshifting
Present tenses in the direct speech will become past tenses in the indirect speech. This change in tense is often called backshifting.
Study the following sentences.
Susie said, ‘I am buying a new car.’ (Direct speech)
Susie said that she was buying a new car. (Indirect speech)
‘Where are you going?’ asked Peter. (Direct speech)
Peter asked me where I was going. (Indirect speech)
Alex said, ‘I have been to Australia.’ (Direct speech)
Alex said that he had been to Australia. (Indirect speech)
As you can see from the above examples, present tenses in the direct speech are shifted back to corresponding past tenses in the indirect speech.
Verbs in the simple past tense are shifted back to past perfect tense.
‘When did you arrive?’ he asked. (Direct speech)
He asked when I had arrived. (Indirect speech)
‘I wasn’t expecting to hear from you’ she said.
She said that she hadn’t been expecting to hear from me.
The modal verbs can, may and will change to could, might and would.
‘Can you help me?’ asked the little girl.
The little girl asked if I could help her.
The modal auxiliary verb must does not usually change in indirect speech. However, it changes to had to when it shows obligation. Note that this change isn’t strictly necessary.
No backshifting
When the reporting verb is in the present tense, we do not backshift .
‘I want to go home.’ (Direct speech)
He has been saying that he wants to go home. (Indirect speech)
‘I have been waiting to hear from you.’
She says that she has been waiting to hear from me. (Indirect speech)
‘Did John come?’
He is asking whether John came.
Reported Speech
Perfect english grammar.
Reported Statements
Here's how it works:
We use a 'reporting verb' like 'say' or 'tell'. ( Click here for more about using 'say' and 'tell' .) If this verb is in the present tense, it's easy. We just put 'she says' and then the sentence:
Direct speech: I like ice cream.
Reported speech: She says (that) she likes ice cream.
We don't need to change the tense, though probably we do need to change the 'person' from 'I' to 'she', for example. We also may need to change words like 'my' and 'your'. (As I'm sure you know, often, we can choose if we want to use 'that' or not in English. I've put it in brackets () to show that it's optional. It's exactly the same if you use 'that' or if you don't use 'that'.)
But , if the reporting verb is in the past tense, then usually we change the tenses in the reported speech:
Reported speech: She said (that) she liked ice cream.
present simple
I like ice cream
She said (that) she liked ice cream.
present continuous
I am living in London
She said (that) she was living in London.
past simple
I bought a car
She said (that) she had bought a car OR She said (that) she bought a car.
past continuous
I was walking along the street
She said (that) she had been walking along the street.
present perfect
I haven't seen Julie
She said (that) she hadn't seen Julie.
past perfect*
I had taken English lessons before
She said (that) she had taken English lessons before.
will
I'll see you later
She said (that) she would see me later.
would*
I would help, but...
She said (that) she would help but...
can
I can speak perfect English
She said (that) she could speak perfect English.
could*
I could swim when I was four
She said (that) she could swim when she was four.
shall
I shall come later
She said (that) she would come later.
should*
I should call my mother
She said (that) she should call her mother
might*
I might be late
She said (that) she might be late
must
I must study at the weekend
She said (that) she must study at the weekend OR She said she had to study at the weekend
* doesn't change.
Direct speech: The sky is blue.
Reported speech: She said (that) the sky is/was blue.
Click here for a mixed tense exercise about practise reported statements. Click here for a list of all the reported speech exercises.
Reported Questions
So now you have no problem with making reported speech from positive and negative sentences. But how about questions?
Direct speech: Where do you live?
Reported speech: She asked me where I lived.
Direct speech: Where is Julie?
Reported speech: She asked me where Julie was.
Where is the Post Office, please?
She asked me where the Post Office was.
What are you doing?
She asked me what I was doing.
Who was that fantastic man?
She asked me who that fantastic man had been.
Direct speech: Do you like chocolate?
Reported speech: She asked me if I liked chocolate.
Do you love me?
He asked me if I loved him.
Have you ever been to Mexico?
She asked me if I had ever been to Mexico.
Are you living here?
She asked me if I was living here.
Click here to practise reported 'wh' questions. Click here to practise reported 'yes / no' questions. Reported Requests
There's more! What if someone asks you to do something (in a polite way)? For example:
Direct speech: Close the window, please
Or: Could you close the window please?
Or: Would you mind closing the window please?
Reported speech: She asked me to close the window.
Please help me.
She asked me to help her.
Please don't smoke.
She asked me not to smoke.
Could you bring my book tonight?
She asked me to bring her book that night.
Could you pass the milk, please?
She asked me to pass the milk.
Would you mind coming early tomorrow?
She asked me to come early the next day.
Direct speech: Please don't be late.
Reported speech: She asked us not to be late.
Reported Orders
Direct speech: Sit down!
Reported speech: She told me to sit down.
Go to bed!
He told the child to go to bed.
Don't worry!
He told her not to worry.
Be on time!
He told me to be on time.
Don't smoke!
He told us not to smoke.
Click here for an exercise to practise reported requests and orders.
now
then / at that time
today
yesterday / that day / Tuesday / the 27th of June
yesterday
the day before yesterday / the day before / Wednesday / the 5th of December
last night
the night before, Thursday night
last week
the week before / the previous week
tomorrow
today / the next day / the following day / Friday
Click here for an exercise about using 'say' and 'tell'.
Click here for a list of all the reported speech exercises.
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Reported Speech – Free Exercise
Write the following sentences in indirect speech. Pay attention to backshift and the changes to pronouns, time, and place.
Two weeks ago, he said, “I visited this museum last week.” → Two weeks ago, he said that . I → he simple past → past perfect this → that last …→ the … before
She claimed, “I am the best for this job.” → She claimed that . I → she simple present→ simple past this→ that
Last year, the minister said, “The crisis will be overcome next year.” → Last year, the minister said that . will → would next …→ the following …
My riding teacher said, “Nobody has ever fallen off a horse here.” → My riding teacher said that . present perfect → past perfect here→ there
Last month, the boss explained, “None of my co-workers has to work overtime now.” → Last month, the boss explained that . my → his/her simple present→ simple past now→ then
Rewrite the question sentences in indirect speech.
She asked, “What did he say?” → She asked . The subject comes directly after the question word. simple past → past perfect
He asked her, “Do you want to dance?” → He asked her . The subject comes directly after whether/if you → she simple present → simple past
I asked him, “How old are you?” → I asked him . The subject comes directly after the question word + the corresponding adjective (how old) you→ he simple present → simple past
The tourists asked me, “Can you show us the way?” → The tourists asked me . The subject comes directly after whether/if you→ I us→ them
The shop assistant asked the woman, “Which jacket have you already tried on?” → The shop assistant asked the woman . The subject comes directly after the question word you→ she present perfect → past perfect
Rewrite the demands/requests in indirect speech.
The passenger said, “Stop the car.” → The passenger asked the taxi driver . to + same wording as in direct speech
The mother told her son, “Don’t be so loud.” → The mother told her son . not to + same wording as in direct speech, but remove don’t
The policeman told us, “Please keep moving.” → The policeman told us . to + same wording as in direct speech ( please can be left off)
She told me, “Don’t worry.” → She told me . not to + same wording as in direct speech, but remove don’t
The zookeeper told the children, “Don’t feed the animals.” → The zookeeper told the children . not to + same wording as in direct speech, but remove don’t
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Backshift of tenses in Reported speech – Exercise
Task no. 2315.
Which is the correct ending of the sentence in Reported speech? Choose from the drop down menu and mind the tenses of the reporting verbs.
Do you need help?
Reported Speech (Indirect Speech) in English – Summary
Benjamin, "I often have a big hamburger." Benjamin says (that) he often has a big hamburger he often had a big hamburger .
Hannah, "They live in Boston." Hannah said (that) they live in Boston they lived in Boston .
Tyler, "Ian doesn't invite girls to his parties." Tyler told me (that) Ian doesn't invite girls to his parties Ian didn't invite girls to his parties .
Dominic, "She understands Japanese." Dominic remarks (that) she understands Japanese she understood Japanese .
Robert, "Dennis often downloads the latest tunes." Robert added (that) Dennis often downloads the latest tunes Dennis often downloaded the latest tunes .
Olivia, "Leroy is out riding his new waveboard today." Olivia explained (that) Leroy is out riding his new waveboard today Leroy was out riding his new waveboard that day .
Luke, "I don't know what to do." Luke added (that) he doesn't know what to do he didn't know what to do .
Lily, "Mr Jones is rude to Samantha." Lily thinks (that) Mr Jones is rude to Samantha Mr Jones was rude to Samantha .
James and David, "We have to go now." James and David tell me (that) they have to go now they had to go then .
In simple terms, the structure of reported speech is: reporting clause [+ conjunction] + reported clause. he was hungry. John's original words: "I am hungry." We sometimes change the tense of the reported clause by moving it back one tense. For example, present simple goes back one tense to past simple. We call this change " backshift ".
PDF Lesson 9. Reported Speech
5 Lesson 9. Reported Speech Reporting Statements -Tenses 2. Tenses If the sentence starts in the present, there is no backshift of tenses in reported speech. If the sentence starts in the past, there is often backshift of tenses in reported speech. Backshift You must change the tense if the introductory clause is in a past tense (e. g.
PDF Indirect Speech
Indirect Speech. Mit der indirekten Rede (indirect / reported speech) gibt man wieder, was jemand gesagt hat. Peter: „Ich mag das Eis!". Klaus zu Bob: „Peter hat gesagt, dass er das Eis mag.". 1. Einleitung mit einem reporting verb. Die indirekte Rede wird von einem Verb des Sagens (reporting verb) eingeleitet, z.B.
PDF Unit 12A Grammar: Reported Speech(1
Reported Speech. Greg: "I am cooking dinner Maya.". Maya: "Greg said he was cooking dinner.". So most often, the reported speech is going to be in the past tense, because the original statement, will now be in the past! *We will learn about reporting verbs in part 2 of this lesson, but for now we will just use said/told.
Reported Speech Tenses Chart: How to convert tenses
Reported speech tenses will change from that of the direct speech in most cases. This is known as backshifting in reported speech, with the basic rule that a tense is shifted back to its past tense form. This is because we are usually talking about something in the past. You can also watch a video of this lesson:
Reported Speech: Rules, Examples, Exceptions
When we use reported speech, we often change the verb tense backwards in time. This can be called "backshift.". Here are some examples in different verb tenses: "I want to go home.". She said she wanted to go home. "I 'm reading a good book.". She said she was reading a good book. "I ate pasta for dinner last night.".
Reported Speech (Indirect Speech) in English
Reported Speech → Susan said (that)* she worked in an office. Here I is changed to she. 4. Backshift of tenses. If there is backshift of tenses in Reported Speech, the tenses are shifted the following way. Direct Speech → Peter, " I work in the garden." Reported Speech → Peter said (that)* he work ed in the garden.
reported speech for difficult tenses; exeptions for backshift; requests with must, should, ought to and let's; → more on additional information and exeptions in reported speech. Exercises on Reported Speech Statements in Reported Speech. no backshift - change of pronouns; no backshift - change of pronouns and places; with backshift
PDF Indirect Speech: Backshift of Tenses
Indirect Speech: Backshift of Tenses Past Perfect Past Present Perfect Present After I had cleaned my bike I drank some coffee. When I was young I cleaned my bike every day. I have just finished cleaning my bike. I always clean my bike on Saturdays.
PDF Reported Speech (Indirect Speech)
Reported Speech (Indirect Speech) The main points to remember: Introductory clause in the present tense (e.g.he says): - No backshift of tenses - Personal pronouns must be - changed ( I changed ( I he/she etc.) - Expressions of time and - place are not changed Example: Peter says, "I want to talk to Mary tomorrow."
Reported Speech 'backshift' general…: English ESL worksheets pdf & doc
Reported Speech 'backshift'. Let's do English ESL general grammar practice. A short text: The Canterbury Ghost 20 questions shifting from direct to reported speech.
Reported Speech Exercises
Perfect English Grammar. Here's a list of all the reported speech exercises on this site: (Click here to read the explanations about reported speech) Reported Statements: Present Simple Reported Statement Exercise (quite easy) (in PDF here) Present Continuous Reported Statement Exercise (quite easy)
Reported speech: backshifting
The modal auxiliary verb must does not usually change in indirect speech. However, it changes to had to when it shows obligation. Note that this change isn't strictly necessary. No backshifting. When the reporting verb is in the present tense, we do not backshift . 'I want to go home.' (Direct speech) He has been saying that he wants to ...
Reported Speech
Direct speech: I like ice cream. Reported speech: She said (that) she liked ice cream. She said (that) she liked ice cream. She said (that) she was living in London. She said (that) she had bought a car OR She said (that) she bought a car. She said (that) she had been walking along the street.
PDF Reported speech (indirect speech)
However, when we use reported speech, we usually tend to refer to a quotation uttered in the past. If so, that's when the introductory clause is in a past tense (e. g. "he asked"), we usually have to change the tense. This is called "backshift". We tend to not use backshift if the uttered statement is clearly still true. Quoted speech ...
Reported Speech
Reported Speech - With Backshift of Tenses - Free download as Word Doc (.doc), PDF File (.pdf), Text File (.txt) or read online for free. This document provides examples of reported speech, where the original speaker and words are changed to report what was said indirectly. Some examples include: Ben said that John will come later. She asked us if our teacher gave us a test yesterday.
PDF Reported speech E8
Revision "Reported speech year 8": statements, yes/no-questions, questions with question words and commands or requests. This change is called "backshift of tenses". However, if the reporting verb is in the present tense, there is no change of tense! b) This/these become that/those. c) Adverbs of time and place change too. 3rd person ...
Reported Speech Backshift
Reported Speech Backshift - ABC English - Free download as PDF File (.pdf), Text File (.txt) or read online for free. Reported speech is used to talk about something that was said or asked in the past. When using reported speech, verb tenses and expressions of time and place are shifted to the past. For example, "I am doing my homework" becomes "He told me he was doing his homework."
Reported Speech
Exercises. Write the following sentences in indirect speech. Pay attention to backshift and the changes to pronouns, time, and place. Example: He said, "I will call tomorrow.". → He said that he would call the following day. Two weeks ago, he said, "I visited this museum last week.". → Two weeks ago, he said that . I → he.
Backshift of Tenses in Reported speech
Lily, "Mr Jones is rude to Samantha." Lily thinks (that) Mr Jones is rude to Samantha Mr Jones was rude to Samantha. . James and David, "We have to go now." James and David tell me (that) they have to go now they had to go then. . Backshift of tenses in Indirect/Reported speech in English, Simple Present, Simple Past - Free Online Exercise.
IMAGES
VIDEO
COMMENTS
In simple terms, the structure of reported speech is: reporting clause [+ conjunction] + reported clause. he was hungry. John's original words: "I am hungry." We sometimes change the tense of the reported clause by moving it back one tense. For example, present simple goes back one tense to past simple. We call this change " backshift ".
5 Lesson 9. Reported Speech Reporting Statements -Tenses 2. Tenses If the sentence starts in the present, there is no backshift of tenses in reported speech. If the sentence starts in the past, there is often backshift of tenses in reported speech. Backshift You must change the tense if the introductory clause is in a past tense (e. g.
Indirect Speech. Mit der indirekten Rede (indirect / reported speech) gibt man wieder, was jemand gesagt hat. Peter: „Ich mag das Eis!". Klaus zu Bob: „Peter hat gesagt, dass er das Eis mag.". 1. Einleitung mit einem reporting verb. Die indirekte Rede wird von einem Verb des Sagens (reporting verb) eingeleitet, z.B.
Reported Speech. Greg: "I am cooking dinner Maya.". Maya: "Greg said he was cooking dinner.". So most often, the reported speech is going to be in the past tense, because the original statement, will now be in the past! *We will learn about reporting verbs in part 2 of this lesson, but for now we will just use said/told.
Reported speech tenses will change from that of the direct speech in most cases. This is known as backshifting in reported speech, with the basic rule that a tense is shifted back to its past tense form. This is because we are usually talking about something in the past. You can also watch a video of this lesson:
When we use reported speech, we often change the verb tense backwards in time. This can be called "backshift.". Here are some examples in different verb tenses: "I want to go home.". She said she wanted to go home. "I 'm reading a good book.". She said she was reading a good book. "I ate pasta for dinner last night.".
Reported Speech → Susan said (that)* she worked in an office. Here I is changed to she. 4. Backshift of tenses. If there is backshift of tenses in Reported Speech, the tenses are shifted the following way. Direct Speech → Peter, " I work in the garden." Reported Speech → Peter said (that)* he work ed in the garden.
Reported speech 2. Reported requests and orders. Reported speech exercise. Reported questions - worksheet. Indirect speech - worksheet. Worksheets pdf - print. Grammar worksheets - handouts. Grammar - lessons. Reported speech - grammar notes.
reported speech for difficult tenses; exeptions for backshift; requests with must, should, ought to and let's; → more on additional information and exeptions in reported speech. Exercises on Reported Speech Statements in Reported Speech. no backshift - change of pronouns; no backshift - change of pronouns and places; with backshift
Indirect Speech: Backshift of Tenses Past Perfect Past Present Perfect Present After I had cleaned my bike I drank some coffee. When I was young I cleaned my bike every day. I have just finished cleaning my bike. I always clean my bike on Saturdays.
Reported Speech (Indirect Speech) The main points to remember: Introductory clause in the present tense (e.g.he says): - No backshift of tenses - Personal pronouns must be - changed ( I changed ( I he/she etc.) - Expressions of time and - place are not changed Example: Peter says, "I want to talk to Mary tomorrow."
RS008 - Reported Questions. RS007 - Reported Speech. RS006 - Reported Speech. RS005 - Reported Speech. RS004 - Reported Speech. RS003 - Reported Speech. RS002 - Reported Speech - Mixed Exercises. RS001 - Reported Speech - Mixed Exercises. Adjective and Adverbs - Downloadable PDF Worksheets for English Language Learners - Intermediate Level (B1)
Reported Speech 'backshift'. Let's do English ESL general grammar practice. A short text: The Canterbury Ghost 20 questions shifting from direct to reported speech.
Perfect English Grammar. Here's a list of all the reported speech exercises on this site: (Click here to read the explanations about reported speech) Reported Statements: Present Simple Reported Statement Exercise (quite easy) (in PDF here) Present Continuous Reported Statement Exercise (quite easy)
The modal auxiliary verb must does not usually change in indirect speech. However, it changes to had to when it shows obligation. Note that this change isn't strictly necessary. No backshifting. When the reporting verb is in the present tense, we do not backshift . 'I want to go home.' (Direct speech) He has been saying that he wants to ...
Direct speech: I like ice cream. Reported speech: She said (that) she liked ice cream. She said (that) she liked ice cream. She said (that) she was living in London. She said (that) she had bought a car OR She said (that) she bought a car. She said (that) she had been walking along the street.
However, when we use reported speech, we usually tend to refer to a quotation uttered in the past. If so, that's when the introductory clause is in a past tense (e. g. "he asked"), we usually have to change the tense. This is called "backshift". We tend to not use backshift if the uttered statement is clearly still true. Quoted speech ...
Reported Speech - With Backshift of Tenses - Free download as Word Doc (.doc), PDF File (.pdf), Text File (.txt) or read online for free. This document provides examples of reported speech, where the original speaker and words are changed to report what was said indirectly. Some examples include: Ben said that John will come later. She asked us if our teacher gave us a test yesterday.
Revision "Reported speech year 8": statements, yes/no-questions, questions with question words and commands or requests. This change is called "backshift of tenses". However, if the reporting verb is in the present tense, there is no change of tense! b) This/these become that/those. c) Adverbs of time and place change too. 3rd person ...
Reported Speech Backshift - ABC English - Free download as PDF File (.pdf), Text File (.txt) or read online for free. Reported speech is used to talk about something that was said or asked in the past. When using reported speech, verb tenses and expressions of time and place are shifted to the past. For example, "I am doing my homework" becomes "He told me he was doing his homework."
Exercises. Write the following sentences in indirect speech. Pay attention to backshift and the changes to pronouns, time, and place. Example: He said, "I will call tomorrow.". → He said that he would call the following day. Two weeks ago, he said, "I visited this museum last week.". → Two weeks ago, he said that . I → he.
Lily, "Mr Jones is rude to Samantha." Lily thinks (that) Mr Jones is rude to Samantha Mr Jones was rude to Samantha. . James and David, "We have to go now." James and David tell me (that) they have to go now they had to go then. . Backshift of tenses in Indirect/Reported speech in English, Simple Present, Simple Past - Free Online Exercise.