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4A Reported Speech

Helen Ortiz

Created on May 24, 2021

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Transcript

How to Use Reported Speech

by Alejandro Lara

Questions

Statements

Requests

INDEX

More Information

Introduction

The teacher explained that reported speech is used in order to tell what a person has said without reporting the exact words. Usually, we use the verb "say" or "tell". The structure is a little different depending on whether you want to transform a statement, question or request.

Guys, I didn't understand what "reported speech" was about. Could you explain it to me, please?

For example,"You must slow down, please.", the police said. The police told me I had to slow down.

Introduction

Back to School

Introduction

When transforming statements, check whether you have to change:-Pronouns.-Present tense verbs (3rd person singular).-Place and time expressions tenses (backshift). Click here for more on statements in reported speech.

Statements

Pronouns.

In reported speech, you often have to change the pronoun depending on who says what.Example She says, “My mum doesn’t have time today.” She says that her mum doesn’t have time today. You wanna practise? Click here.

Statements

Tenses

No backshift

Backshift

Do not change the tense if the introductory clause is in Simple Present (e. g. He says). Note, however, that you might have to change the form of the present tense verb (3rd person singular).Example He says, “I speak English.” – He says that he speaks English. Practise? Click here.

Statements

You must change the tense if the introductory clause is in Simple Past (e. g. He said). This is called backshift.Example He said, “I am happy.” – He said that he was happy. Practise? Click here.

Place and Time Expressions.

For place and time expressions you have to check whether place and time are the same in direct and reported speech or not. Check out the following table: Direct Speech Reported Speech Today That day Now Then Yesterday The day before … days ago … days before Last week The week before Next year The following year Tomorrow The next day / the following day / the day after / in a day Here There This That These Those

Statements

Introduction

When transforming questions, check whether you have to change: - Pronouns - Present tense verbs (3rd person singular) - Place and time expressions - Tenses (backshift) Also note that you have to: Transform the question into an indirect question use the interrogative or if / whether. Click here for more on statements in reported speech.

Questions

Explanation and Examples

Don't forget! Use an indirect question in reported speech, i.e. after the interrogative or "whether" / "if", you continue the sentence as if it were a statement. The auxiliary verb, "do" is not used in indirect questions. Example: He asked: “Where does she live?“ – He asked where she lived.

Instead of "that", use the interrogative. If there is no interrogative, use‚ "whether" or "if". Wanna get good at reported speech? Click here for a bit of training.

Questions

Introduction

When transforming requests, check whether you have to change: - Pronouns - Place and time expressions Click here for more on statements in reported speech.

Requests

Explanation and Examples

For pronouns and place / time expressions see statements in reported speech. Tenses are not relevant for requests– simply use "to" + infinite verb. Example: She said, “Say hello to your mum.“ She asked me to say hello to my mum. For negative requests, use "not to" + infinite verb. Example: He said, “Don’t give up, Bob.“ He advised Bob not to give up. Click here for more on statements in reported speech.

Requests

Additional Information and Exceptions

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" For more information, click here. Click here for more on statements in reported speech.

Requests

CONTACT

SECTION

https://alexseslportfolio.wordpress.com

symbaloollorente@gmail.com