Understanding Reported Speech: How to Convey What People Say in B1 English
In this activity, you will see around 10 sentences with a blank space. Your task is to choose the correct option from 3 possible answers. Only one is correct. At the end, you will see a summary with the correct answers and explanations, so you can learn and improve. Good luck!
Reported speech, also known as indirect speech, is used to report what someone else has said without quoting their exact words. This is a common way to share information and communicate effectively in English.
When using reported speech, we often change the tense of the verb. For example, if someone says, “I am going to the store,” in reported speech, it becomes, “He said he was going to the store.” This shift in tense is important for clarity and accuracy.
Examples:
- Direct speech: Maria said, “I will call you tomorrow.”
Reported speech: Maria said that she would call me the next day. - Direct speech: John said, “I am studying English.”
Reported speech: John said that he was studying English.
Common errors in reported speech include:
- Not changing the tense correctly. Remember to shift the verb tense back one step in time.
- Forgetting to change pronouns. For example, “I” may change to “he” or “she” depending on who is speaking.
Tips:
- Always pay attention to the tense of the original statement to make the correct changes.
- Practice by converting direct speech into reported speech to reinforce your understanding.
How to practice:
To improve your skills in reported speech, try writing sentences in direct speech and then convert them into reported speech. You can also practice with a partner by taking turns sharing statements and reporting them back.
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Preguntas frecuentes
What is reported speech?
Reported speech is a way of conveying what someone else has said without quoting their exact words.
How do I change the tense in reported speech?
When converting direct speech to reported speech, typically shift the tense back one step. For example, present simple becomes past simple.
What happens to pronouns in reported speech?
Pronouns often change to reflect the perspective of the speaker. For example, ‘I’ may change to ‘he’ or ‘she’.
Can you give an example of reported speech?
Sure! Direct speech: ‘I am happy.’ Reported speech: ‘She said that she was happy.’
What are some common mistakes in reported speech?
Common mistakes include not changing the tense correctly and forgetting to adjust pronouns.
How do I practice reported speech?
You can practice by converting direct speech sentences into reported speech and working with a partner.
Is reported speech the same as direct speech?
No, reported speech paraphrases what someone said, while direct speech quotes their exact words.
Where can I learn more about reported?
You can learn more about reported speech at dimeloeningles.com, a platform for learning English with interactive exercises, clear explanations, guided practice, conversation clubs, and close support.
