What is Reported Speech? Examples With Tenses
When we tell someone what another person said we use reported speech. For this, we can use direct speech or indirect speech. For example, in reported statements, we can use either ‘say’ or ‘tell’. These meaning is the same, but the grammar is different.
Present Simple
Direct speech: I like frozen yogurt.
Reported speech: She said (that) she liked frozen yogurt.
Present Continuous
Direct speech: I am living in Paris.
Reported speech: He said he was living in Paris.
Past Simple
Direct speech: I bought a yacht.
Reported speech: She said (that) she had bought a yacht.
Past Continuous
Direct speech: I was running along the street
Reported speech: She said (that) she had been running along the street.
Present Perfect
Direct speech: I haven’t seen Jack.
Reported speech: She said (that) she hadn’t seen Jack.
Past Perfect
Direct speech: I had taken Spanish lessons before
Reported speech: She said (that) she had taken Spanish lessons before.
