Reported Speech: Changing Tenses

Reported Speech

Changing Tenses

• General Rule: When converting direct speech to reported speech, usually backshift or change in tense occurs.

  • Present Simple → Past Simple
  • Present Continuous → Past Continuous
  • Present Perfect → Past Perfect
  • Past Simple → Past Perfect
  • Future Simple → Conditional (would)

• Exceptions:

  • If the reporting verb is in the present or future tense, the original tense can remain unchanged.
  • If the information is still true or a universal truth (e.g., "The Earth orbits the Sun"), no tense change is necessary.

• Examples:

  • Direct: "I am happy." → Reported: He said that he was happy.
  • Direct: "She will come tomorrow." → Reported: She said that she would come the next day.

Reporting Verbs

• Common Reporting Verbs:

  • Say: Used for neutral reporting.
    • Example: She said (that) she was tired.
  • Tell: Requires an object (who is being told).
    • Example: He told me (that) he had finished the work.
  • Ask: Used for questions.
    • Example: She asked if I was coming.
  • Suggest: Often used for recommendations.
    • Example: He suggested (that) we should leave early.

• Formality Levels:

  • Some reporting verbs imply different levels of formality or nuances in meaning.
    • Informal: "Say", "tell"
    • Suggestive: "Advise", "recommend"
    • Requesting: "Request", "ask"

• Usage Guidelines:

  • Choose the verb based on the context of the original statement.
  • Pay attention to whether the statement was a command, request, or question to select the appropriate reporting verb.

Changing Tenses

• When converting direct speech to reported speech, the tense usually shifts backward, or changes.
  • Present Simple changes to Past Simple
  • Present Continuous changes to Past Continuous
  • Present Perfect changes to Past Perfect
  • Past Simple changes to Past Perfect
  • Future Simple changes to Conditional (would)
• There are exceptions when the original tense can stay the same.
  • This is often the case when the reporting verb is in the present or future tense.
  • If the statement is still true or a universal truth (e.g., "The Earth orbits the Sun"), the tense doesn't change.

Reporting Verbs

• Common reporting verbs include:
  • Say: Used for neutral reporting
  • Tell: Requires an object (who is being told)
  • Ask: Used for questions
  • Suggest: Often used for recommendations
• Reporting verbs can imply different levels of formality or meaning:
  • Informal: "Say", "tell"
  • Suggestive: "Advise", "recommend"
  • Requesting: "Request", "ask"
• Choosing the right verb depends on the original statement's context.
  • Consider whether the statement was a command, request, or question.