Reported Speech
We use reported speech to tell a person (Julia) what another person (Sam) has said. Depending on when Sam made his statement, we adjust the tense of the reported speech.
Example:
Sam: I like pineapple.
to Julia: Sam says he likes pineapple.
When the reporting verb, in this case “says” is in the present tense, the following verb (likes) is typically also in the present tense.
This would be appropriate to use when Sam has just made this statement, and someone standing right next to him, Julia, did not understand. If the reporting verb is in the past tense, then the following verb is also in the past tense.
Example:
Sam: (said last week) I like pineapple.
to Julia: Sam said he liked pineapple.
Sam: (said last week) I am going to the concert on Saturday.
to Julia: Sam said he was going to the concert on Saturday.
To form reported speech in the correct tense, there is typically a back-shift in tense from the direct speech to the reported speech.
Additional Activities
Review the lesson above and complete additional activities to build your understanding of this topic. For the activities listed below, log in for additional access. It's free.Online Language Training
Start improving your learning experience by working with one of our incredible language instructors. Visit the shop today.
Business Language Training
Start learning a foreign language at work with your team. Discover how CORE Languages can support an array of language services for your business.
Discover the Compass Blog
From PR to news updates to teaching tips and learning topics, let the Compass Blog be your guide to language services you need.