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Intermediate 📝 Grammar
Reported speech
Reported speech is how you tell someone what another person said, without quoting the exact words: She said she was tired..
1What is it?
Reported speech is how you tell someone what another person said, without quoting the exact words: She said she was tired.
2Why do we use it?
Every day you relay messages: The doctor said I should rest. My manager told me the meeting was moved.
3The simple rule
Say / tell + that (optional). Move the tense one step back (is → was, will → would, have → had). Change pronouns and time words (today → that day, tomorrow → the next day).
4Formula
“I am busy.” → She said (that) she was busy. · “I will come.” → He said he would come.
5Easy examples
“I am happy.” → He said he was happy.
“I like tea.” → She said she liked tea.
“We will help.” → They said they would help.
“I have finished.” → He said he had finished.
6Everyday examples
The doctor said I should drink more water.Should stays the same
She told me she couldn’t come.
He asked where I lived.Questions: no do / does, normal word order
They asked if I was free on Sunday.Yes/no question → if
7Kerala and India examples
Amma said the bus was late again.
My friend told me the fish market opens at 6.
The conductor said the bus wasn’t going to Kazhakootam.
She asked me whether I had eaten.
8Common mistakes
He said me he was busy.
He told me he was busy. / He said he was busy.
Why: Tell + person; say without a person.
She said she is coming yesterday.
She said she was coming.
Why: One step back: is → was.
He asked where do I live.
He asked where I lived.
Why: Reported questions lose do / does.
9Practice quiz
Question 1 of 4Multiple choice
“I am tired.” → She said she ___ tired.
10Speaking challenge
Speaking challenge
Think of 5 things people said to you today. Report them: “My mother said…”, “My friend told me…”, “The teacher asked if…”.
0:30
Say it out loud. Nobody is listening — that’s the point. Mistakes are allowed.