English – Grammar: Reported Speech (Statements) – 2nd Year Middle School – Algeria

Grammar: Reported Speech (Statements)

Lesson Objectives:

• Understand the concept of reported speech.
• Learn the rules for tense changes.
• Transform direct speech to reported speech.

What is Reported Speech?

Reported speech (or indirect speech) is used to report what someone said without quoting their exact words. We usually use a reporting verb like ‘said’, ‘told’, or ‘asked’. When we report statements, the verb tense usually changes (backshift).

Tense Changes:

• Present Simple -> Past Simple: (I like coffee -> He said he liked coffee).
• Present Continuous -> Past Continuous: (I am reading -> He said he was reading).
• Past Simple -> Past Perfect: (I saw him -> He said he had seen him).
• Will -> Would: (I will come -> He said he would come).
• Can -> Could: (I can swim -> He said he could swim).

Examples:

• Direct: She said, “I am tired.” -> Reported: She said that she was tired.
• Direct: He said, “I will call you.” -> Reported: He said that he would call me.

Exercises:

1. Transform: (She said, “I study English.”) -> She said that…
2. Transform: (He said, “I have finished my homework.”) -> He said that…
3. Write 3 direct sentences and transform them to reported speech.

Useful Links:

See also: Past Simple Tense and Present Perfect Tense.