Reported Speech Exercises

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.

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.)
Exercises
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Choose the correct option to complete the Reported Speech Exercises below.
1

"Has she finished her homework?" he asked.

a.
He asked if she had finished her homework.
b.
He asked if she has finished her homework.
c.
He asked if she was finishing her homework.
2

"I won't be able to come," she said.

a.
She said she hadn't been able to come.
b.
She said she wouldn't be able to come.
c.
She said she can't be able to come.
3

"Don't be late," he told me.

a.
He told me don't be late.
b.
He told me not to be late.
c.
He told me not be late.
4

"You should see a doctor," she advised.

a.
She advised me to see a doctor.
b.
She advised me that I should seen a doctor.
c.
She advised me see a doctor.
5

"Where have you been?" he asked.

a.
He asked where I had been.
b.
He asked where I was.
c.
He asked where I have been.
6

"They are working late tonight," she said.

a.
She said they are working late tonight.
b.
She said they had worked late that night.
c.
She said they were working late that night.
7

"Could you help me with my homework?" she asked.

a.
She asked if I helped her with her homework.
b.
She asked if I could help her with her homework.
c.
She asked if I can help her with her homework.
8

"He must finish the report today," they said.

a.
They said he had to finish the report that day.
b.
They said he has to finish the report that day.
c.
They said he must finish the report today.
9

"Was she at the meeting?" he asked.

a.
He asked if she was at the meeting.
b.
He asked if she had been at the meeting.
c.
He asked if she is at the meeting.
10

"I'll see you next week," she said.

a.
She said she would see me next week.
b.
She said she will see me next week.
c.
She said she would see me the following week.
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