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.

This quiz covers the rules for converting direct speech to reported speech, focusing on tense changes and exceptions. Test your understanding of common reporting verbs and how they influence the structure of reported statements.