What is Reported Speech? Examples With Tenses

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.