Reported speech rules tenses. The second part of the sentence, enclosed in inverted commas or quotation marks, is called a reported speech. Let's learn rules for changing the verb tense, as well as exceptions - plus quizzes! STATEMENTS IN INDIRECT SPEECH: TENSE CHANGES NECESSARY A. Indirect Speech for all Tenses - Rules The verb in the first part of the sentence (e. If you are tested on this, though, these are the changes you need to make. com Note how the main verb in the reported statement is also in the past tense verb form. May 13, 2025 · Master direct and reported (indirect) speech with rules and examples. Do you see how I made it? The direct question is in the present simple tense. Indirect speech can be introduced by a verb in a present tense: He says that This is usual when 2 we are: Mar 21, 2025 · Learn how to use reported speech correctly. In this guide, we will break down the rules for reported speech, covering statements, questions, and requests, as well as important tense changes and examples to help you understand how to apply these rules effectively. We make a present simple question with 'do' or 'does' so I need to take that away. Direct speech: Where do you live? Reported speech: She asked me where I lived. We use "reported speech" to talk about what someone said. It’s essential to know how to convert direct speech into reported speech correctly. Talking about what someone else has already said, also known as reported speech, involves a few special grammar rules in English. This is a letter that Andrew wrote ten years ago: May 17, 2025 · When speaking or writing, reported speech allows you to convey what someone else has said. Learn key differences and common mistakes to avoid. Learn reported speech examples with clear rules, tips, and exercises. Explore rules, examples, and tense shifts in indirect speech to improve your grammar and communication. Then I need to change the verb to the past simple. For converting direct speech into indirect speech, the tense of the reported speech is changed. Use the simple present tense in your indirect speech if the initial words remain relevant at the time of reporting. g. You will see reported speech does not go back a tense if it is already in the past perfect (there is no further back it can go), and some modal verbs also do not change. Master reported speech effortlessly! Learn the rules for tenses, questions, and conditionals, and enhance your English skills with step-by-step guidance. Reported Speech Tenses Change Chart Below is a reported speech tense change chart with the rules for backshifting for each tense and for modal verbs. Tenses in reported speech When reporting what people say or think in English, we need to remember that the rules for tense forms in reported speech are exactly the same as in the rest of the language. Another example: Direct speech: Where is Julie? See full list on 7esl. . Master English grammar easily and avoid common mistakes in your writing & speaking. , he said, she said) is called a reporting verb. rt2hg toy xj6e apcy1hno o4 9bne 4om wl xia b115