Reported speech

When we report what we or other people have said or thought, we can use direct speech
(reporting the exact words), but we usually use indirect speech. This unit looks at how
we report statements, questions and commands, the variety of reporting verbs and how
they are used.

DIRECT AND INDIRECT SPEECH

9.1A When reporting speech in literature, authors often use direct speech - the exact words
Reporting are between inverted commas. We do not use that to introduce direct speech:
speech in He leaned towards her and whispered, 'Be sure to lock your door tonight. '
writing The reporting verb (said, replied, etc.) can go before the speech in inverted commas,
after the speech, or in the middle of it:
Lovett said, 'Houston, we have a problem. '
'Houston, we have a problem,' Lovett said.
'Houston,' said Lovett/Lovett said, 'we have a problem.'
When we put the reporting verb after direct speech, it can go before the subject,
unless the subject is a pronoun:
X 'The operation has been a resounding success,' said she.
V 'The operation has been a resounding success, ' she said.
v 'The operation has been a resounding success, ' said the surgeon.
In most other forms of writing, such as letters and reports, we prefer indirect speech:
She said the operation had been a resounding success.

9.1 B When we are speaking, it is possible, though rare, to quote words directly. We may do
Reporting this if we want to focus on the exact words spoken: But did he actually say 'I love you'?
speech orally We usually report words using indirect speech in conversations as we do not have
punctuation to clearly signal what is the reported speech:
But did he actually tell you that he loved you?
We use indirect speech for statements (iii> 9.2), questions 9.3) and commands 9.4).

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INDIRECT STATEMENTS
9.2A There are a number of common introductory verbs used to report statements, which
Common are often followed by that (e.g. say, tell, add, continue, answer, reply, mention, remark):
reporting For the third time that day, the minister replied that it was out of the question.
verbs We can omit that after an introductory verb, and often do in conversation, except after
reply, continue, answer and shout:
I told them they were barred from the club from now on.
o There are differences in use between say and tell. We can omit the object or use an
indirect object (e.g. to us) after say, but we use a direct object (e.g. us) after tell:
X Hesaid-us--that-his-mebile-phone hod-been-eut-ef-ec-tien-ol/-deyo
v He said (to us) that his mobile phone had been out of action all day.
X Heteld-that-hismebile-phone-hodbeef1--eut of-actien-alJ-day:
v He told us that his mobile phone had been out of action all day.
When we are reporting more than one sentence, it is not necessary to repeat the
reporting verb to introduce every new sentence:
Tom insisted that he hadn't been there. He had worked late, and had then gone ...
We can report our thoughts using reporting verbs such as think, decide or imagine:
She never imagined that it would be so difficult to run for the Senate.
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 9.2B When we report another person's words in indirect speech, we often have to change
Changes of the pronouns 'used in the direct speech:
pronoun and James added, '/ really don't understand the problem.'
adverb
"'"
James added that he really didn't understand the problem.
When another person reports James's words, then the pronoun I changes to he.
Similarly, if the place or time of reporting is significantly different from that in the
original speech, we often need to make changes to adverbs of place and time (e.g. now
--. then; here --. there; today --. that day; tomorrow --. the next day; yesterday --. the
day before; last Monday --. the last/previous Monday):
Alex said, 'I'll meet you here again tomorrow at 3.30.'

Alex said she would meet us there again the next day at 3.30.
But if the statement is reported on the same day and in the same place, we would say:
Alex said she would meet us here again tomorrow at 3.30.
9.2C When we use indirect speech after a past tense reporting verb (e.g. said, had
Changes of confirmed), we usually change the tense in the sentences we are reporting (!/II> 9.20).
tense We use a tense one step further in the past ('backshift'), so present forms become past
forms (e.g. present simple --. past simple, present continuous --. past continuous):
'I'm leaving in ten minutes. ' --. She decided she was leaving in ten minutes.
'We've been living here for years.' --. He revealed they'd been living there for years.
Past forms become past perfect forms (e.g. past simple --. past perfect simple):
'It rained really heavily today.' --. Sarah mentioned that it had rained really heavily
that day.
o The past perfect simple and continuous do not change:
'They'd arrived an hour early.' --. I said they'd arrived an hour early.
9.2D We do not change the tense of the original words in reported speech when:
When to • the reporting verb is in a present tense:
change the He says that intelligent life in the universe does not exist.
tense • the direct speech includes an 'unreal past' (!/II> Unit 11):
'/ wish I were younger.' -+ Janice said that she wished she were younger.
X Janice said that she wished she had been younger.
In some cases we can choose to change the tense or not. This often depends on the
relationship of the reported event to the time of reporting it. For example, if we report
'I'm going on holiday tomorrow morning' on the day it is said, we are likely to say:
Susanna said she's going on holiday tomorrow morning.
But reported a few days later, we are more likely to say:
Susanna said she was going on holiday the next morning.
We don't usually change the tense when:
• the action in the indirect speech is still happening or going to happen:
'I am working on the details of a tentative settlement. ' -+ The negotiator said he is
working on the details of a tentative settlement. (= He is still working on the details.)
• the reported verb expresses a fact or situation that cannot or is unlikely to change:
He explained that these animals roamed the earth millions of years ago.
He told us that counselling is not the answer for everyone.
• the verb comes after a time conjunction, e.g. when, after:
Martin replied that he had started the job immediately after he left school.
Note that in all of these cases, it is also possible to change the tense:
The negotiator said he was working on details of a tentative settlement.
He explained that these animals had roamed the earth millions of years ago.
He told us that counselling was not the answer for everyone.
Martin replied that he had started the job immediately after he had left school.
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 o We make the tense change if we no longer believe the direct speech statement:
'Where's Tom this evening?'
X 'He said he's going to join us, but f don't he will.'
V 'He said he was going to join us, but I don't think he will.'
9.2E We often need to make changes to modal verbs. Where possible, the present form of
Modal verbs the modal verb changes to its past form (e.g. will - t would, may - t might):
The new law will be in place soon. ' - t She said the new law would be in place soon.
'Publication may be delayed. ' - t The editor said that publication might be delayed.
o Shall becomes would when it refers to the future, but should when it is a suggestion:
'I shall tell them everything.' - t I decided I would tell them everything.
'Shall we tell the manager?' - t She suggested that they should tell the manager.
We can use both must and had to in reported speech:
'You must lose twenty kilos!' - t The doctor said that I must/had to lose twenty kilos.
In the negative we can use mustn't or wasn't/weren't to:
'You mustn't think badly of me.' - t She said we mustn't/weren't to think badly of her
Ought to, used to, could, might, would and should do not change when reported.

(IIIIIIIB INDIRECT (REPORTED) QUESTIONS

9.3A The most common verbs for reporting questions are ask and want to know:
Common The assistant asked what type of printer we had, but I don't know.
reporting Laura wanted to know if anybody had reported the missing person.
verbs We also use enquire for formal questions and wonder for 'ask ourselves':
The reception was boring and Andrzej wondered when he could leave.
9.38 We introduce indirect closed questions with if or whether:
Patterns Lester wondered if/whether there was anything better in life.
We can present alternatives in indirect questions with whether or not, but we do not
use if or not, except by putting or not at the end of the question:
X Deborah asked if or not there -a lift- in the
V Deborah asked whether or not there was a lift in the apartment block.
V Deborah asked whetherlif there was a lift in the apartment block or not.
In indirect open questions we use a question word:
The nurse asked when exactly the pain had started.
o We report negative questions which express surprise or criticism with a 'functional'
verb 9.5A) like complain:
'Isn't that stupid?' - t X He-asked if that wasn't stupid.
-t V He complained that it was stupid.

INDIRECT COMMANDS AND REQUESTS

9.4A Verbs used to report commands are tell, order, command and forbid (negative):
Common When the vet had finished, he told them to let the animal sleep.
reporting He forbade us to pass on any of the information to the authorities.
verbs We use ask for reporting requests, and beg or urge with urgent requests:
His secretary asked me to come back later.
9.48 In indirect commands we use a reporting verb and (not) to + infinitive:
Patterns Several members of the Royal Family urged Edward VIII not to abdicate.
We can use ask for + passive infinitive if we don't mention the person to whom the
command was given:
The cinema manager asked for the culprit to be brought to his office.

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 REPORTING VERBS AND THEIR PATTERNS
9.5A A large number of reporting verbs indicate the function of the original speech. e.g:
Using different 'You should stop smoking.' -4 He advised her to stop smoking. (advice)
reporting 'If you do that again, I'll call the police. ' -4 He threatened to call the police. (warning)
verbs In informal conversation we usually report speech using the introductory verbs say and
tell. In more formal speech and writing. we use a greater variety of introductory verbs:
'I think you should inform the judge.'
Dad told me he thought I should inform the judge.
The lawyer advised me to inform the judge.

9.56 There are several different patterns used after reporting verbs:
Patterns
verb only
'I'm really sorry. ' -> She apologised. agree, apologise, refuse
verb + (that) clause accept, acknowledge, add, admit, advise,
'I hacked into the company's accounts agree, announce, answer*, argue, assert,
system. ' -> He admitted (that) he had assume, believe, boast, comment, complain,
hacked into the company's accounts concede, conclude, confess, continue*,
system. decide, declare, deny, doubt, exclaim, expect,
explain, foresee, imagine, imply, insist, know,
mention, notice, observe, point out, predict,
promise, protest, recommend, remark,
repeat, reply *, report, respond, reveal, say,
shout*, state, suggest, vow, whisper
(* = that is obligatory)
verb + object + that clause advise, assure, inform, reassure, remind, tell,
'Don't worry. You'll arrive on time.' -> She warn
reassured me that I would arrive on time.
verb + to infinitive agree, demand, guarantee, offer, propose,
'We'll pick up the children, if you like.' refuse, swear, threaten, volunteer, vow
-> They offered to pick up the children.

verb (+ optional object) + to infinitive ask (sbj, beg (sbj, expect (sbj, promise (sbj
'Please can I use the car?' -> She asked
to use the car.
'Please let me stay.' -> She begged us
to let her stay.
verb + object + to + infinitive advise, allow, challenge, command, compel,
'You shouldn't say anything.' -> I advised encourage, expect, forbid, force, implore,
him not to say anything. instruct, invite, order, permit, persuade,
remind, request, tell, urge, warn
verb + object + to + infinitive acknowledge, assume, believe, claim,
+ complement consider, declare, expect, feel, find,
'Muhammad Ali was the greatest boxer presume, suppose, think, understand
ever. ' -> She considers Muhammad Ali to
have been the greatest boxer ever.
verb + -ing form admit, apologise for, decide on, deny,
'I didn't do it. ' -> He denied doing it. mention, recommend, regret, report, suggest
verb + object + preposition + -ing form accuse sb of, blame sb for, congratulate
'You forged the cheques, didn't you?' -> sb on, thank sb for
They accused me of forging the cheques.

(Note: sb = somebody)

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 Practice The key to these exercises is on page 357.

1 9.1, 9.2 ',,"

Four of these six sentences contain mistakes in grammar or punctuation. Tick (v) the correct
sentences, then find and correct the mistakes.
a 'These traffic-calming measures have been put into place for a very
good reason,' said he. .......... M.rf!)4. ............... .
The doctor said me that I should really do more exercise.
2 Alison decided that she'd have the whole kitchen floor replaced.
3 Delia commented that fresh coriander could be found in any good
supermarket now.
4 The child shouted he wanted to go home to his mother.
5 And then the interviewer actually said that's a lie, Minister.
6 The new Honda Civic, the salesman added, is one of the most
popular small family saloons now.

2 9.2 ;",
Report these telephone messages. Make sure that you change the tenses, pronouns and adverbs
as necessary.

a 'Hi, Mum. It's Lucy here, just phoning to say Happy 2 'Oh, er, hello. This is Christine Reynolds. I'm phoning to
Birthday. I'm going to be out all afternoon but I'll try find out the results of my blood test. I'm going on
you again later.' holiday tomorrow morning so I'd be grateful if you could
ring me back later.'

Doctor, Christine Reynolds left a message

earlier today. She said ............................ .

'Elaine, hi. It's Rosemary

3 'Hello. This is Mr Harrison from
here. I didn't get to Spanish
Leefield High School. I think we
last night as I'd been out all
need a chat about some problems
day and I got home late. I'll
your son Joe seems to be having.
ring again to find out what
I'll be at the school until 6.30 if
the homework is.'
you would like to call me back.'
Rosemary called a couple of
days ago. She said ............ .. Mr Harrison from Leefield High
phoned earlier. He said ........... ..

4 'Good afternoon. This is Tim at Barrett's Wine Delivery Service. I'm afraid that we can't
fulfil your order, as you didn't include credit card details on your order form. We have to
have these details, or payment in advance, to fulfil an order. I'll await your instructions.'

Someone called from Barrett's a few days ago. He said ....................... ..

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3 9.2 t:i'

Rewrite these sentences in reported speech. Decide whether to change the tenses and adverbs of
time and place.
o 'The London Eye is now the most popular tourist destination in London.'
The guidebook states ..t;{wj;. th!:-. I.P.ff.lMfV.
'I've decided to stay another week as the research is going so well here.'
Professor Jones rang from Vancouver. He said .............................................................................. .
2 'We've got tickets for the opera in New York this weekend.'
Gerry and Louisa told me last week that ....................................................................................... .
3 'The smaller islands of the archipelago are mostly uninhabited and very peaceful.'
There are so many people here! But that TV programme a few weeks ago said .............................. .

4 'Mum's really ill. I wish we didn't live so far away from her.'
Sharon was really depressed last night. She told me that ............................................................. ..
5 'The house is in a very pleasant cul-de-sac, and there aren't many children or animals there.'
Here's the road. Oh no - But the estate agent insisted that .......................................... ..

6 'The accused first met the Wilsons when he decorated their living room.'
In court, the lawyer claimed that ................................................................................................. ..
7 'Shall we switch to an online banking system for the household accounts?'
My husband suggested that ...........................................................................................................
8 'They had been living together secretly for years before they revealed their relationship.'
The newsreader said that the two politicians ................................................................................ ..
9 'You mustn't leave your car in these parking bays for more than twenty minutes at a time.'
The traffic warden explained ............................................" ............................................................ .
10 'Oh really! There is no such thing as reincarnation!'
The scientist maintained that ....................................................................................................... ..

4 9.3, 9.4 .c'

Each of these reported questions and commands contains a mistake. Find the mistakes and
correct them.
Andy was really excited about the new job and asked if could he start straight
away.
2 Miriam was running as fast as she was able to, wondering how possibly could
she get away from this maniac.
3 The Prime Minister asked for the new crime bill to draft as soon as possible.
4 The builder told us let the plaster dry completely before we paint it.
5 The neighbours asked if or not we had heard anything during the night.
6 They informed us where buy the books of tickets for the buses and trains.
7 Dad asked me where I'd been all night?
8 The salesperson wanted to know what is the problem with the new fax
machine.
9 Sandra begged to her landlord not to evict her before she had found
somewhere else to live.
10 Standing in the dank, dark cell, Leyton wondered if he can make contact with
the prisoners on either side of him.

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 5
Report each of these statements, using an appropriate verb from the box.

accuse apologise blame consider encourage ,J:eiUiSt:ll e- recommend

refuse regret remind suggest warn volunteer

o My wife; 'Don't worry about the arrangements for the reception. They're all under control.'
.....My .w.ifo.xm.r.w.:e4..t:1M:.th¢.. w.lf.t? .............. .
Geraldine: 'I will not take part in the new play.'

2 My best friend: 'Don't you ever discuss my problems behind my back again!'

3 Pete: 'You should think about going to the new Thai restaurant. It's excellent.'

4 The departmental manager: 'It was your fault that we lost the Siemens contract.'

5 The disc jockey: 'Oasis were definitely the best band of the nineties.'

6 The fan: 'I'm terribly sorry about confusing you with George Michael.'

7 The police officer: 'We believe that you have been making obscene phone calls to this office.'

8 My friends: 'Come on - you can do the Swimathon with us. You're just as good as we are.'

9 Mike's brother: 'I don't mind organising the collection for Mike and Sarah's wedding.'

10 The team manager: 'I feel terrible now about contradicting Julie in front of her whole team.'

11 The director: 'Let's try this scene a different way, shall we?'

12 My mother: 'You had your tonsils taken out when you were about nine, remember?'

6
Read the article at the top of the next page and then decide which word or phrase below best fits
each space. Circle the letter you choose for each option. The exercise begins with an example (O).

0 A answer ® to answer ( that answer

A did they spend B they did spend ( they spent
2 A whether B what ( if or not
3 A had increased B was increased ( have increased
4 A they still spending B 'I still spend ... ( they still spent
5 A changed B had changed ( has changed
6 A increased B had increased C increases
7 A tells B says us ( tells us
8 A takes B had taken ( take
9 A or not B could we get ( we could get
10 A is turning B was turning C had turned

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 Worries about Internet use
A recent survey into Internet use has thrown up some worrying results. The Stanford
University survey asked respondents (0) ... a number of questions about their Internet use. It
asked how much time (1) .. , on the Internet and (2) '" Internet use had affected the amount of
time they spent with family and friends. It also enquired whether their Internet use (3) ... the
time respondents spent working, either at home or in the office. The answers were interesting,
but not unexpected. Two-thirds of the people surveyed responded that (4) '" fewer than five
hours a week on the Internet. The survey concludes that the behaviour of these people
(5) '" little. However, a quarter of those people who do use the Internet for more than five
hours a week claimed that they spend less time with their family and friends. One in four of
the total respondents also said that the time they spent working at home (6) ... , benefiting their
employers.
Professor of Political Science at Stanford, Norman Nie, (7) ... that we are moving from a
world where we know and _see neighbours and friends to one where interaction (8) .,. place at
a distance. He asked rhetorically whether (9) '" a hug or hear a warm voice over the Internet.
It seems that the results of the survey prove that the Internet (10) '" people into solitary beings
.who can't be bothered to call their mother on her birthday.

7 xi,;'

What .
did. ' . Rewrite the reported verSIO
these people say? . ns .of some quotations by famous people

in direct speech. f d ath except the casualty list of the

AI Capone once complained that he had been accused 0 every e

World War. .. ........................................ ..

· .. ·· .. ·· .... ·· .. ···· .. · .. · ...... :····· ...... ··· .. .. book if it were possible for
2 President Woodrow Wilson once remar e a .
him to talk for half an hour with the person who wrote It. .. ......................................... .
........................................................... j ....... .. He said that as he had
3 Pablo Picasso once claimed that age on y ma e
arrived at a great age, he might just as well be twenty. .. .......................................... .
4 well without literature and it
could get along even better without man. .. .............................. .
.. ·· .............. · ............................ · ......
5 A spokesperson from UNESCO state
.. .. .. minds of men, it was in the

minds of men that the defence of peace had to be constructed. .. ......................................... .

.................. ·.......... ·.................. ·........ ·.... IS..
6 Groucho Marx once asked a club to accep
didn't want to belong to any

club that would accept him as a member. .. ......................................... .

7 President John F Kennedy once told t e mene.

A· .. ··: .. ..
·· .. ··· .. · .... · .............. ·· .. ······· ...... ···· .... ··h· .. their country could do

for them, but to ask what they could do for their country. .. ............................... .
..................................:.................. .................... were so many people w h
h th re ................................ 0 i d chopping wood .
ove
8 Albert Einstein once said that he kne",: w y . e Its
He explained that in that activity one Immediately saw the resu . .. .......................................... .
.. . . .. . . .. . . .... . . . .................................. ....................... ............................
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