Reported speech
Reported speech (also called indirect speech ) is when you tell someone what another person said , without quoting their exact words. Direct speech : "I’m tired," she said. Reported speech : She said that she was tired . How Does It Work? When changing from direct to reported speech, you usually: Change the pronouns Change the verb tense (backshift) Sometimes change time/place words Pronoun Change Direct: "I love you," she said. Reported: She said she loved me . 3. Time Words Change Example: Direct: "I’ll call you tomorrow ." Reported: He said he would call me the next day . Common reporting verbs: said (that) told (someone) that asked (for questions) explained, mentioned, added, etc. Examples: She said (that) she was tired. He told me (that) he was busy. They asked if I could help. She explained that it was too late. Reporting Questions Use if or whether for yes/no que...