These reported speech exercises are presented in questions test format with answers by Grammar teachers. At the explanations tab, we listed several reported speech & indirect speech examples and sentences with rules, formula, form and structure. And at the worksheet tab, you can download these exercises as pdf or word files for free.
Published At: 3/1/2025, 2:25:04 PM
EXERCISE
EXPLANATION
Reported Speech (Indirect Speech)
Reported speech (also known as indirect speech) is used to report what someone said without quoting them directly. Instead of using their exact words, we change the structure and pronouns to match the new context.
What Is Reported Speech?
We use reported speech when we tell someone what another person said. The verb in the reported sentence is usually changed to a past form, especially if the reporting verb is in the past.
Direct speech: "I’m hungry," he said. Reported speech: He said (that) he was hungry.
What Changes in Reported Speech?
When changing direct speech to reported speech, we often need to adjust:
Verb tenses
Pronouns
Time and place expressions
Direct Speech
Reported Speech
Present Simple
Past Simple
Present Continuous
Past Continuous
Present Perfect
Past Perfect
Past Simple
Past Perfect
will
would
can
could
today
that day
tomorrow
the next day / the following day
yesterday
the day before / the previous day
now
then
here
there
Common Reporting Verbs
We usually use verbs like say and tell in reported speech.
say + (that) + clause → She said (that) she was tired.
tell + object + (that) + clause → She told me (that) she was tired.
When No Changes Are Needed
Sometimes, the tense does not change. This happens when:
The reporting verb is in the present: He says he loves music.
The information is still true or a general fact.
Quick Tips on Reported Speech
"That" is optional in reported speech: She said she was happy.
Pay attention to the context to choose the correct pronouns and time expressions.
Questions and commands follow different structures in reported speech. (e.g., "Where is she?" → He asked where she was.)