Different types of sentences
When you use reported speech, you either report:
statements
questions
requests / commands
other types
When transforming statements, check whether you have to change:
- pronouns
- tense
- place and time expression
1- Pronouns
In reported speech, you often have to change the pronoun depending on who says what.
Example:
She says, “My dad likes roast chicken.” – She says that her dad likes roast chicken.
B. Reporting Questions
When transforming questions, check whether you have to change:
- pronouns
- place and time expressions
- tenses (backshift)
Also note that you have to:
- transform the question into an indirect question
- use the question word (where, when, what, how) or if / whether
| "Why" don’t you speak English?” |
He asked me why I didn’t speak English. |
C. Reporting requests / commands
When transforming requests and commands, check whether you have to change:
- pronouns
- place and time expressions
| Direct speech |
Reported speech |
| “Nancy,do the exercise.“ |
He told Nancy to do the exercise. |
| "Nancy, give me your pen, please." |
He asked Nancy to give him her pen. |
| Tenses are not relevant for requests – simply use to / not to + verb (infinitive without "to") |
Example:
She said, “Sit down." - She asked me to sit down.
She said, "don't be lazy" - She asked me not to be lazy