Reported speech in English is a challenging topic! It is when we tell others what someone has said. We report someone else’s words.
Once you have a conversational level of English, you will find that you need reported speech a lot. Are you using it correctly to express what you want to say?
Reported Speech brings a ton of grammar into play. If you are a language nerd like me, then you’ll love the challenges Reported Speech offers. If not, then don’t worry. We will take it step by step.
The first thing to know is how to use the verbs to say, to tell, to ask, and to ask for correctly. Once you have this covered, you need to check that you are strong in the use of to be and normal verbs that take auxiliary verbs.
Once you have mastered this, it is time to start looking at how to level up your English. Reported speech is a high intermediate and advanced grammar topic for a reason. It requires a strong understanding of the verb tenses, and the ability to shift from one to another.
Are you ready to learn how to report speech in English?
Read through the guide, or select the topic you want to learn about:
Say and Tell
The verbs to say and to tell express similar actions, but they have slightly different meanings and usage.
How to use to say and to tell correctly
Pronouns and Possessives
Before you embark on Reported Speech in English, you need to feel confident using Subject and Object Pronouns, as well as Possessive Adjectives. Feel free to review them here.
Review object pronouns
Review possessive adjectives
Reported Statements
Read the cartoon, and notice the reported speech. What changes do you see between the direct and reported statements?
Reported Questions
Reported Orders and Requests
Orders and requests are reported differently from other expressions. The good news is that it is easier, because there is no change in tense or inversion of word order, and the formula is straightforward.
Learn how to report orders and requests
Time and Place Shifts
When we report what someone said, we are doing it in the Present. We are referring to a past conversation, that maybe occurred somewhere else.
How you report the time and place will depend on your time and location. If you are reporting what someone said that same day, you’ll use ‘today’. If you are referring to something that didn’t occur today, say ‘that day’.
Here are some changes to consider:
now – then
here – there
this/these – that/those
today – that day
tonight – that night
tomorrow – the next day
yesterday – the day before
next week – the following week
last week – the previous week
a year ago – the year before
More Reporting Verbs
Apart from to say, to tell, and to ask, there are many verbs you can use to be more precise and expressive. Try out using the following verbs to report Karen’s direct speech:
whisper (sussurar)
mumble (mascullar)
stutter (tartamudear)
whine (gemir/quejarse)
argue (argumentar/discutir)
yell (gritar)
scream (chillar)
growl (gruñjir)
snap (decir con brusquedad)
I just saw my ex with his new girlfriend.
I am sleeping.
It’s freezing! I didn’t know it would be so cold.
This isn’t fair! It wasn’t my fault.
The solution doesn’t address the underlying problem.
This is amazing!
I just saw a ghost!
If he stands me up, I’ll never forgive him.
I thought I made myself clear.
Infinitives and Gerunds
Some reporting verbs can only be followed by an infinitive or a gerund. This isn’t only the case with reporting verbs. There are many verbs like this.
Learn about infinitives and gerunds.
Let’s take a look at reporting verbs, and the patterns that they follow.
Reporting verbs that are followed by another verb in the infinitive form
Reporting verb + TO/NOT TO + Base Form of verb (bare infinitive)
claim*
agree*
decide*
hope*
demand*
promise*
threaten
offer
refuse
order + object*
command + object*
warn + object*
remind + object*
advise + object*
instruct + object
permit + object
encourage + object
Reporting verbs that are followed by another verb in the gerund form
Reporting verb + Gerund (verb + ing)
deny*
suggest*
insist on / insist*
complain about / complain*
confess*
admit*
mention*
discuss
prohibit
apologize for
accuse someone of
The verbs with the asterisks above can also use that + clause
Reporting verb + that + clause
Thomas claimed that he had seen the report.
The general advised the president that the mission was completed.
The criminal confessed that she had done the deed.
Try the quiz!
Games and Activities
Reported Speech Challenge Cards
