Everyday Grammar: Reported Speech
Everyday Grammar: Reported Speech
He said that this is everyday grammar and that he’s Kaven.
subject reportting verb reported speech clause
When trying to use reported speech you need to keep in mind four simple things.
1. You need to choose a reporting verb and tense.
Examples: I’m hungry.
He says he is hungry.
2. If you’re not reporting brand new information, you need to “backshift” the verb tense.
present = past
past = past perfect
3. You need to change the point of view.
In other words, “I” becomes “he” or “she.”
4-1. You need to decide whether to use “that” or “if.”
“That” is a conjunction and is optional.
Examples: She says that she is visiting Alice.
4-2. Use “if” to report a yes or no question.
Examples: Are you hungry?
She asked if I was hungry.
He said that this is everyday grammar and that he’s Kaven.
subject reportting verb reported speech clause
When trying to use reported speech you need to keep in mind four simple things.
1. You need to choose a reporting verb and tense.
Examples: I’m hungry.
He says he is hungry.
2. If you’re not reporting brand new information, you need to “backshift” the verb tense.
present = past
past = past perfect
3. You need to change the point of view.
In other words, “I” becomes “he” or “she.”
4-1. You need to decide whether to use “that” or “if.”
“That” is a conjunction and is optional.
Examples: She says that she is visiting Alice.
4-2. Use “if” to report a yes or no question.
Examples: Are you hungry?
She asked if I was hungry.
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