change in indirect speech online

Reported Speech (Indirect Speech)

Exercises on reported speech.

If we report what another person has said, we usually do not use the speaker’s exact words (direct speech), but reported (indirect) speech. Therefore, you need to learn how to transform direct speech into reported speech. The structure is a little different depending on whether you want to transform a statement, question or request.

When transforming statements, check whether you have to change:

• present tense verbs (3rd person singular)
• place and time expressions
• tenses (backshift)

→ more on statements in reported speech

When transforming questions, check whether you have to change:

Also note that you have to:

• transform the question into an indirect question
• use the interrogative or if / whether

→ more on questions in reported speech

→ more on requests in reported speech

Additional Information and Exeptions

Apart from the above mentioned basic rules, there are further aspects that you should keep in mind, for example:

• main clauses connected with and / but
• tense of the introductory clause
• reported speech for difficult tenses
• exeptions for backshift
• requests with must , should , ought to and let’s

→ more on additional information and exeptions in reported speech

Statements in Reported Speech

• no backshift – change of pronouns
• no backshift – change of pronouns and places
• with backshift
• with backshift and change of place and time expressions

Questions in Reported Speech

Requests in reported speech.

• Exercise 1 – requests (positive)
• Exercise 2 – requests (negative)
• Exercise 3 – requests (mixed)

Mixed Exercises on Reported Speech

• Exercise on reported speech with and without backshift

Grammar in Texts

• „ The Canterville Ghost “ (highlight direct speech and reported speech)

Transformation of Sentence: Direct & Indirect Speech

A direct speech can be transformed into an indirect speech and vice versa using a suitable reporting verb and a linker depending on the sentence. Let’s have an example first.

Direct Speech

Indirect Speech

List of Reporting verbs and linkers (list 1)

Verbs of Reported speech (if the reporting verb is in past tense) (list 2) Direct speech → Indirect speech Am / is / are →  was / were Was / were → had been Has / have → had Had → had had Shall / will → would Can → could May → might Must, should → must, should Verb1 → verb2 Verb2 → had + verb3

Change of time and place expressions in past tense (list 3) now → then ago → before today → that day yesterday → the previous day tomorrow → the next day last night → the previous night here → there this → that these → those

Narration change of Assertive sentence

Narration change of interrogative sentence, narration change of imperative sentence, narration change of optative sentence, narration change of exclamatory sentence, narration change of vocatives, narration change of question tag.

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• Cambridge Dictionary +Plus

Reported speech: indirect speech

Indirect speech focuses more on the content of what someone said rather than their exact words. In indirect speech , the structure of the reported clause depends on whether the speaker is reporting a statement, a question or a command.

Indirect speech: reporting statements

Indirect reports of statements consist of a reporting clause and a that -clause. We often omit that , especially in informal situations:

The pilot commented that the weather had been extremely bad as the plane came in to land. (The pilot’s words were: ‘The weather was extremely bad as the plane came in to land.’ )

I told my wife I didn’t want a party on my 50th birthday. ( that -clause without that ) (or I told my wife that I didn’t want a party on my 50th birthday .)

Indirect speech: reporting questions

Reporting yes-no questions and alternative questions.

Indirect reports of yes-no questions and questions with or consist of a reporting clause and a reported clause introduced by if or whether . If is more common than whether . The reported clause is in statement form (subject + verb), not question form:

She asked if [S] [V] I was Scottish. (original yes-no question: ‘Are you Scottish?’ )

The waiter asked whether [S] we [V] wanted a table near the window. (original yes-no question: ‘Do you want a table near the window? )

He asked me if [S] [V] I had come by train or by bus. (original alternative question: ‘Did you come by train or by bus?’ )

Questions: yes-no questions ( Are you feeling cold? )

Reporting wh -questions

Indirect reports of wh -questions consist of a reporting clause, and a reported clause beginning with a wh -word ( who, what, when, where, why, how ). We don’t use a question mark:

He asked me what I wanted.

Not: He asked me what I wanted?

The reported clause is in statement form (subject + verb), not question form:

She wanted to know who [S] we [V] had invited to the party.

Not: … who had we invited …

Who , whom and what

In indirect questions with who, whom and what , the wh- word may be the subject or the object of the reported clause:

I asked them who came to meet them at the airport. ( who is the subject of came ; original question: ‘Who came to meet you at the airport?’ )

He wondered what the repairs would cost. ( what is the object of cost ; original question: ‘What will the repairs cost?’ )

She asked us what [S] we [V] were doing . (original question: ‘What are you doing?’ )

Not: She asked us what were we doing?

When , where , why and how

We also use statement word order (subject + verb) with when , where, why and how :

I asked her when [S] it [V] had happened (original question: ‘When did it happen?’ ).

Not: I asked her when had it happened?

I asked her where [S] the bus station [V] was . (original question: ‘Where is the bus station?’ )

Not: I asked her where was the bus station?

The teacher asked them how [S] they [V] wanted to do the activity . (original question: ‘How do you want to do the activity?’ )

Not: The teacher asked them how did they want to do the activity?

Questions: wh- questions

Indirect speech: reporting commands

Indirect reports of commands consist of a reporting clause, and a reported clause beginning with a to -infinitive:

The General ordered the troops to advance . (original command: ‘Advance!’ )

The chairperson told him to sit down and to stop interrupting . (original command: ‘Sit down and stop interrupting!’ )

We also use a to -infinitive clause in indirect reports with other verbs that mean wanting or getting people to do something, for example, advise, encourage, warn :

They advised me to wait till the following day. (original statement: ‘You should wait till the following day.’ )

The guard warned us not to enter the area. (original statement: ‘You must not enter the area.’ )

Verbs followed by a to -infinitive

Indirect speech: present simple reporting verb

We can use the reporting verb in the present simple in indirect speech if the original words are still true or relevant at the time of reporting, or if the report is of something someone often says or repeats:

Sheila says they’re closing the motorway tomorrow for repairs.

Henry tells me he’s thinking of getting married next year.

Rupert says dogs shouldn’t be allowed on the beach. (Rupert probably often repeats this statement.)

Newspaper headlines

We often use the present simple in newspaper headlines. It makes the reported speech more dramatic:

JUDGE TELLS REPORTER TO LEAVE COURTROOM

PRIME MINISTER SAYS FAMILIES ARE TOP PRIORITY IN TAX REFORM

Present simple ( I work )

Reported speech

Reported speech: direct speech

Indirect speech: past continuous reporting verb

In indirect speech, we can use the past continuous form of the reporting verb (usually say or tell ). This happens mostly in conversation, when the speaker wants to focus on the content of the report, usually because it is interesting news or important information, or because it is a new topic in the conversation:

Rory was telling me the big cinema in James Street is going to close down. Is that true?

Alex was saying that book sales have gone up a lot this year thanks to the Internet.

‘Backshift’ refers to the changes we make to the original verbs in indirect speech because time has passed between the moment of speaking and the time of the report.

In these examples, the present ( am ) has become the past ( was ), the future ( will ) has become the future-in-the-past ( would ) and the past ( happened ) has become the past perfect ( had happened ). The tenses have ‘shifted’ or ‘moved back’ in time.

The past perfect does not shift back; it stays the same:

Modal verbs

Some, but not all, modal verbs ‘shift back’ in time and change in indirect speech.

We can use a perfect form with have + - ed form after modal verbs, especially where the report looks back to a hypothetical event in the past:

He said the noise might have been the postman delivering letters. (original statement: ‘The noise might be the postman delivering letters.’ )

He said he would have helped us if we’d needed a volunteer. (original statement: ‘I’ll help you if you need a volunteer’ or ‘I’d help you if you needed a volunteer.’ )

Used to and ought to do not change in indirect speech:

She said she used to live in Oxford. (original statement: ‘I used to live in Oxford.’ )

The guard warned us that we ought to leave immediately. (original statement: ‘You ought to leave immediately.’ )

No backshift

We don’t need to change the tense in indirect speech if what a person said is still true or relevant or has not happened yet. This often happens when someone talks about the future, or when someone uses the present simple, present continuous or present perfect in their original words:

He told me his brother works for an Italian company. (It is still true that his brother works for an Italian company.)

She said she ’s getting married next year. (For the speakers, the time at the moment of speaking is ‘this year’.)

He said he ’s finished painting the door. (He probably said it just a short time ago.)

She promised she ’ll help us. (The promise applies to the future.)

Indirect speech: changes to pronouns

Changes to personal pronouns in indirect reports depend on whether the person reporting the speech and the person(s) who said the original words are the same or different.

Indirect speech: changes to adverbs and demonstratives

We often change demonstratives ( this, that ) and adverbs of time and place ( now, here, today , etc.) because indirect speech happens at a later time than the original speech, and perhaps in a different place.

Typical changes to demonstratives, adverbs and adverbial expressions

Indirect speech: typical errors

The word order in indirect reports of wh- questions is the same as statement word order (subject + verb), not question word order:

She always asks me where [S] [V] I am going .

Not: She always asks me where am I going .

We don’t use a question mark when reporting wh- questions:

I asked him what he was doing.

Not: I asked him what he was doing?

Word of the Day

at the coalface

doing the work involved in a job, in real working conditions, rather than planning or talking about it

Fakes and forgeries (Things that are not what they seem to be)

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Reported Speech

Perfect english grammar.

Reported Statements

Here's how it works:

We use a 'reporting verb' like 'say' or 'tell'. ( Click here for more about using 'say' and 'tell' .) If this verb is in the present tense, it's easy. We just put 'she says' and then the sentence:

• Direct speech: I like ice cream.
• Reported speech: She says (that) she likes ice cream.

We don't need to change the tense, though probably we do need to change the 'person' from 'I' to 'she', for example. We also may need to change words like 'my' and 'your'. (As I'm sure you know, often, we can choose if we want to use 'that' or not in English. I've put it in brackets () to show that it's optional. It's exactly the same if you use 'that' or if you don't use 'that'.)

But , if the reporting verb is in the past tense, then usually we change the tenses in the reported speech:

• Reported speech: She said (that) she liked ice cream.

* doesn't change.

• Direct speech: The sky is blue.
• Reported speech: She said (that) the sky is/was blue.

Click here for a mixed tense exercise about practise reported statements. Click here for a list of all the reported speech exercises.

Reported Questions

So now you have no problem with making reported speech from positive and negative sentences. But how about questions?

• Direct speech: Where do you live?
• Reported speech: She asked me where I lived.
• Direct speech: Where is Julie?
• Reported speech: She asked me where Julie was.

• Direct speech: Do you like chocolate?
• Reported speech: She asked me if I liked chocolate.

Click here to practise reported 'wh' questions. Click here to practise reported 'yes / no' questions. Reported Requests

There's more! What if someone asks you to do something (in a polite way)? For example:

• Direct speech: Close the window, please
• Or: Could you close the window please?
• Or: Would you mind closing the window please?
• Reported speech: She asked me to close the window.

• Direct speech: Please don't be late.
• Reported speech: She asked us not to be late.

Reported Orders

• Direct speech: Sit down!
• Reported speech: She told me to sit down.

• Click here for an exercise to practise reported requests and orders.

• Click here for an exercise about using 'say' and 'tell'.
• Click here for a list of all the reported speech exercises.

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Direct and Indirect Speech Exercise

Turn the following sentences into indirect speech.

1.    John said, ‘I am very busy now.’ 2.    He said, ‘The horse has been fed.’ 3.    ‘I know her name and address,’ said John. 4.    ‘German is easy to learn,’ she said. 5.    He said, ‘I am writing letters.’ 6.    ‘It is too late to go out,’ Alice said. 7.    He said to me, ‘I don’t believe you.’ 8.    He says, ‘I am glad to be here this evening.’ 9.    He said to me, ‘What are you doing?’ 10.    ‘Where is the post office?’ asked the stranger. 11.    He said, ‘Will you listen to me?’ 12.    John said to Peter, ‘Go away.’ 13.    She said to me, ‘Please wait here till I return.’ 14.    ‘Call the witness,’ said the judge. 15.    The speaker said, ‘Be quiet and listen to my words.’

1.    John said that he was very busy then. 2.    He said that the horse had been fed. 3.    John said that he knew/knows her name and address. (Note that the tenses may not change if the statement is still relevant or if it is a universal truth.) 4.    She said that German is/was easy to learn. 5.    He said that he was writing letters. 6.    Alice said that it was too late to go out. 7.    He told me that he didn’t believe me. OR He said he didn’t believe me. 8.    He says that he is glad to be here this evening. (When the reporting verb is in the present tense, adverbs of time and place do not normally change in indirect speech.) 9.    He asked me what I was doing. 10.    The stranger asked where the post office is/was. 11.    He asked me if I would listen to him. 12.    John ordered Peter to go away. 13.    She asked me to wait there till she returned. 14.    The judge commanded them to call the first witness. 15.    He urged them to be quiet and listen to them.

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Reported Speech in English Grammar

Direct speech, changing the tense (backshift), no change of tenses, question sentences, demands/requests, expressions with who/what/how + infinitive, typical changes of time and place.

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Introduction

In English grammar, we use reported speech to say what another person has said. We can use their exact words with quotation marks , this is known as direct speech , or we can use indirect speech . In indirect speech , we change the tense and pronouns to show that some time has passed. Indirect speech is often introduced by a reporting verb or phrase such as ones below.

Learn the rules for writing indirect speech in English with Lingolia’s simple explanation. In the exercises, you can test your grammar skills.

When turning direct speech into indirect speech, we need to pay attention to the following points:

• changing the pronouns Example: He said, “ I saw a famous TV presenter.” He said (that) he had seen a famous TV presenter.
• changing the information about time and place (see the table at the end of this page) Example: He said, “I saw a famous TV presenter here yesterday .” He said (that) he had seen a famous TV presenter there the day before .
• changing the tense (backshift) Example: He said, “She was eating an ice-cream at the table where you are sitting .” He said (that) she had been eating an ice-cream at the table where I was sitting .

If the introductory clause is in the simple past (e.g. He said ), the tense has to be set back by one degree (see the table). The term for this in English is backshift .

The verbs could, should, would, might, must, needn’t, ought to, used to normally do not change.

If the introductory clause is in the simple present , however (e.g. He says ), then the tense remains unchanged, because the introductory clause already indicates that the statement is being immediately repeated (and not at a later point in time).

In some cases, however, we have to change the verb form.

When turning questions into indirect speech, we have to pay attention to the following points:

• As in a declarative sentence, we have to change the pronouns, the time and place information, and set the tense back ( backshift ).
• Instead of that , we use a question word. If there is no question word, we use whether / if instead. Example: She asked him, “ How often do you work?” → She asked him how often he worked. He asked me, “Do you know any famous people?” → He asked me if/whether I knew any famous people.
• We put the subject before the verb in question sentences. (The subject goes after the auxiliary verb in normal questions.) Example: I asked him, “ Have you met any famous people before?” → I asked him if/whether he had met any famous people before.
• We don’t use the auxiliary verb do for questions in indirect speech. Therefore, we sometimes have to conjugate the main verb (for third person singular or in the simple past ). Example: I asked him, “What do you want to tell me?” → I asked him what he wanted to tell me.
• We put the verb directly after who or what in subject questions. Example: I asked him, “ Who is sitting here?” → I asked him who was sitting there.

We don’t just use indirect questions to report what another person has asked. We also use them to ask questions in a very polite manner.

When turning demands and requests into indirect speech, we only need to change the pronouns and the time and place information. We don’t have to pay attention to the tenses – we simply use an infinitive .

If it is a negative demand, then in indirect speech we use not + infinitive .

To express what someone should or can do in reported speech, we leave out the subject and the modal verb and instead we use the construction who/what/where/how + infinitive.

Say or Tell?

The words say and tell are not interchangeable. say = say something tell = say something to someone

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Direct and indirect speech

Change into indirect speech

1. John said, ‘I am trying to find a new job.’

2. He said, ‘I wrote a letter.’

3. The girl said, ‘I want something to eat.’

4. The teacher said, ‘Stop writing.’

5. The man said, ‘I have nowhere to go.’

6. The girl said, ‘I have been practicing the violin for six months.’

7. Mother said, ‘I have laid the table.’

8. He said, ‘Who are you?’

9. He said, ‘Are you happy here?’

10. The father said to his son, ‘Go and pay your fee at once.’

11. He said, ‘Let’s go for a drive.’

1. John said that he was trying to find a new job.

2. He said that he had written a letter.

3. The girl said that she wanted something to eat.

4. The teacher asked them to stop writing.

5. The man said that he had nowhere to go. / The man lamented that he had nowhere to go.

6. The girl said that she had been practicing the violin for six months.

7. Mother said that she had laid the table.

8. He asked who I was.

9. He enquired if I was happy there?’

10. The father told his son to go and pay his fee at once.

11. He suggested going for a drive. / He suggested that we should go for a drive.

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1.  Direct: He said to me, “What are you doing?”

Indirect: He asked me what I was doing.

2.  Direct: Rama said to Arjun, “Go away”

Indirect: Rama ordered Arjun to go away.

3.  Direct: He said , ” I am unwell”

Indirect: He said that he was unwell.

4.  Direct: He said, “My master is writing letters “

Indirect: He said that his master was writing letters.

5.  Direct: ‘ I know her address ‘ said Gopi

Indirect: Gopi said that he know her address.

6.  Direct: He said that ‘ I have passed the examination.’

Indirect: He said that he had passed the examination.

7.  Direct: He said,’ The horse died in the night.’

Indirect: He said that the horse had died in the night.

8.  Direct: The teacher said that ‘ The earth goes around the sun.’

Indirect: The teacher said that the earth goes/went around the sun.’

9.  Direct: He said to me, ‘ I don’t believe you.’

Indirect: He said to me he did not believe me.

10.  Direct: He says, ‘I am glad to be here this evening.’

Indirect: He says that he is glad to be here this evening.

11.  Direct: He said to him, ‘ Please wait here till I return.’

Indirect: He requested him to wait there till he returned.

12.  Direct: ‘ Call the first witness,’ said the judge.

Indirect: The judge commanded them to call the first witness.

13.  Direct: He said,’ Alas! I am undone.’

Indirect: He exclaimed sadly that he was undone.

14.  Direct: ‘ Where do you live?’ asked the stranger

Indirect: The stranger enquired where I lived.

15.  Direct: He shouted, ‘ Let me go.’

Indirect: He shouted to them to let him go.

16.  Direct: He said,’ Be quiet and listen to my words.’

Indirect: He urged them to be quiet and listen to his words.

17.  Direct: Alice said, ‘How clever I am!’

Indirect: Alice exclaimed that she was very clear.

18.  Direct: They wrote,’ It is time we thought about settling this matter.’

Indirect: They wrote that it was time they thought about settling that matter.

19.  Direct: He enquired,” When do you intend to pay me.’

Indirect: He enquired when did I intend to pay him.

20.  Direct: He said to me,’ I have often told you not to play with fire.’

Indirect: He told me that he had often told me not to play with fire.

21.  Direct: ‘ Are you coming home with me?’ he asked.

Indirect: He asked if I was coming home with him.

22.  Direct: ‘ Bring me a glass of milk,’ said the Swami to the villagers.

Indirect: The swami asked the villagers to bring him a glass of milk.

23.  Direct: The teacher said to him,’ Do not read so fast.’

Indirect: The teacher asked him not to read so fast.

24.  Direct: He said to me, ‘Wait until I come.’

Indirect: He asked me to wait until he came.

25.  Direct: ‘ Sit down boys’ said the teacher.

Indirect: The teacher asked the boys to sit down.

26.  Direct: ‘ Hurry up’ he said to his servant ‘Do not waste time.’

Indirect: He asked his servant to hurry and not to waste time.

27.  Direct: ‘Run away children,’ said their mother.

Indirect: Their mother asked them to run away.

28.  Direct: ‘Do you really come from China?’ said the prince.

Indirect: The prince enquired if I really come from China.

29.  Direct: ‘ Do you write in a good hand?’ he said.

Indirect: He asked her if she wrote in a good hand.

30.  Direct: He said,’ I am glad to be here this evening.’

Indirect: He said that he was glad to be there that evening.

40.  Direct: ‘ Don’t you know the way home?’ asked I.

Indirect: I enquired if he didn’t know the way home.

41.  Direct: ‘ Take off your hat,’ the king said to the Hatter.

Indirect: The king asked the hatter to take off his hat.

42.  Direct: He said,’ Daughter, take my golden jug, and fetch me some water from the

Indirect: He asked his daughter to take his golden jug and fetch him some water

from the well.

43.  Direct: ‘ Go down to the bazaar and bring me a lump of ice.’ ordered his master.

Indirect: The master ordered his servant to go down the bazaar and bring him a

lump of ice.

44.  Direct: ‘ What a stupid fellow you are!’ he angrily remarked.

Indirect: He angrily exclaimed that he was a stupid fellow.

45.  Direct: He said, ‘ My God! I am ruined.’

Indirect: He called upon God and said he was ruined.

46.  Direct: He said, ‘ Alas! our foes are too strong.’

Indirect: He exclaimed sadly that their foes were too strong.

47.  Direct: ‘ How smart you are!’ she said

Indirect: She exclaimed that he was very smart.

48.  Direct: He said, ‘ I am tired and wish to go to bed.’

Indirect: He said that he was tired and wished to go to bed.

49.  Direct: An old mouse said, ‘Who will bell the cat?’

Indirect: An old mouse asked who would bell the cat.

50.  Direct: The stranger said to Alice,’ Where do you live?’

Indirect: The stranger asked Alice where she lived.

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Indirect Speech

Introduction.

Communicating effectively requires us to master a variety of grammatical rules. One such critical element is the appropriate use of ‘Indirect Speech’, also known as reported speech. Indirect speech allows us to convey what another person has said without quoting them directly.

Table of Contents

What is Indirect Speech?

Indirect Speech is a way of expressing the words or utterances of a speaker in a reported manner. In contrast to direct speech, where the original speaker’s words are quoted verbatim, indirect speech is more about reporting the essence or meaning of what the speaker said rather than quoting them exactly.

For example:

Direct Speech: Lisa said, “I am going shopping.”

Indirect Speech: Lisa said that she was going shopping.

Changes in Verb Tenses

Tense shifts.

When you transform sentences from direct to indirect speech, the verb tenses typically shift back a step in time. This phenomenon is often referred to as ‘sequence of tenses’ or ‘backshift’. However, the backshift is not applied if the spoken words still apply at the time of reporting or the words express a universal truth.

Here are the typical conversions:

• Present Simple changes to Past Simple. E.g., “I like pizza” becomes “She said that she liked pizza.”
• Present Continuous changes to Past Continuous. E.g., “I am eating pizza” becomes “She said that she was eating pizza.”
• Will changes to would. E.g., “I will go” becomes “He said that he would go.”
• Past Simple changes to Past Perfect. E.g., “I ate lunch” becomes “She said that she had eaten lunch.”

Exceptions to Tense Shifts

There are exceptions to these rules, such as when the direct speech element is a universal truth or a fact. Consider the below examples:

• John said, “The sun rises in the east” becomes “John said that the sun rises in the east.”
• She said, “Water boils at 100 degrees Celsius” becomes “She said that water boils at 100 degrees Celsius.”

Changes in Pronouns and Time Expressions

Pronoun changes.

When changing from direct to indirect speech, it’s often necessary to modify the pronouns to match the speaker and listener’s point of view. For example:

• “I love you,” he said. (Direct)
• He said he loved me. (Indirect)

Time Expression Changes

Time expressions often undergo necessary modifications when moving from direct to indirect speech. Here are some examples:

• “Today” becomes “That day.”
• “Now” becomes “Then.”
• “Tomorrow” becomes “The next day” or “the following day.”
• “Next week” becomes “The following week.”

Indirect Commands and Requests

We can also convey commands and requests indirectly. For indirect commands, we use “to” + base verb and for indirect requests we use “if” or “whether” + subject + could/would, followed by the base verb.

• Direct: “Close the window!” – Indirect: He told me to close the window.
• Direct: “Can you lend me the book?” – Indirect: She asked if I could lend her the book.

Indirect Questions

When posing indirect questions, we need to ensure that the word order follows the structure of a standard statement, rather than a direct question.

Direct: “Where are you going?” – Indirect: He asked me where I was going.

Mastering indirect speech is essential but can be challenging because of the need to adjust verb tenses, pronouns, and time expressions. However, with practice, it becomes easier, and steadily, you find yourself communicating more effectively and efficiently, especially in formal and written contexts. Keep practicing, and soon converting direct speech to indirect speech will become second nature.

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100 Reported Speech Examples: How To Change Direct Speech Into Indirect Speech

Reported speech, also known as indirect speech, is a way of communicating what someone else has said without quoting their exact words. For example, if your friend said, “ I am going to the store ,” in reported speech, you might convey this as, “ My friend said he was going to the store. ” Reported speech is common in both spoken and written language, especially in storytelling, news reporting, and everyday conversations.

Reported Speech: Changing Pronouns

Pronouns are usually changed to match the perspective of the person reporting the speech. For example, “I” in direct speech may become “he” or “she” in reported speech, depending on the context. Here are some example sentences:

Reported Speech: Reporting Verbs

Reported speech: tense shifts.

When converting direct speech into reported speech, the verb tense is often shifted back one step in time. This is known as the “backshift” of tenses. It’s essential to adjust the tense to reflect the time elapsed between the original speech and the reporting. Here are some examples to illustrate how different tenses in direct speech are transformed in reported speech:

Reported Speech: Changing Time and Place References

Reported speech: question format.

When converting questions from direct speech into reported speech, the format changes significantly. Unlike statements, questions require rephrasing into a statement format and often involve the use of introductory verbs like ‘asked’ or ‘inquired’. Here are some examples to demonstrate how questions in direct speech are converted into statements in reported speech:

Reported Speech: Omitting Quotation Marks

Reported speech quiz.

Direct and Indirect Speech: Useful Rules and Examples

Are you having trouble understanding the difference between direct and indirect speech? Direct speech is when you quote someone’s exact words, while indirect speech is when you report what someone said without using their exact words. This can be a tricky concept to grasp, but with a little practice, you’ll be able to use both forms of speech with ease.

Direct and Indirect Speech

When someone speaks, we can report what they said in two ways: direct speech and indirect speech. Direct speech is when we quote the exact words that were spoken, while indirect speech is when we report what was said without using the speaker’s exact words. Here’s an example:

Direct speech: “I love pizza,” said John. Indirect speech: John said that he loved pizza.

Using direct speech can make your writing more engaging and can help to convey the speaker’s tone and emotion. However, indirect speech can be useful when you want to summarize what someone said or when you don’t have the exact words that were spoken.

To change direct speech to indirect speech, you need to follow some rules. Firstly, you need to change the tense of the verb in the reported speech to match the tense of the reporting verb. Secondly, you need to change the pronouns and adverbs in the reported speech to match the new speaker. Here’s an example:

Direct speech: “I will go to the park,” said Sarah. Indirect speech: Sarah said that she would go to the park.

It’s important to note that when you use indirect speech, you need to use reporting verbs such as “said,” “told,” or “asked” to indicate who is speaking. Here’s an example:

Direct speech: “What time is it?” asked Tom. Indirect speech: Tom asked what time it was.

In summary, understanding direct and indirect speech is crucial for effective communication and writing. Direct speech can be used to convey the speaker’s tone and emotion, while indirect speech can be useful when summarizing what someone said. By following the rules for changing direct speech to indirect speech, you can accurately report what was said while maintaining clarity and readability in your writing.

Differences between Direct and Indirect Speech

When it comes to reporting speech, there are two ways to go about it: direct and indirect speech. Direct speech is when you report someone’s exact words, while indirect speech is when you report what someone said without using their exact words. Here are some of the key differences between direct and indirect speech:

Change of Pronouns

In direct speech, the pronouns used are those of the original speaker. However, in indirect speech, the pronouns have to be changed to reflect the perspective of the reporter. For example:

• Direct speech: “I am going to the store,” said John.
• Indirect speech: John said he was going to the store.

In the above example, the pronoun “I” changes to “he” in indirect speech.

Change of Tenses

Another major difference between direct and indirect speech is the change of tenses. In direct speech, the verb tense used is the same as that used by the original speaker. However, in indirect speech, the verb tense may change depending on the context. For example:

• Direct speech: “I am studying for my exams,” said Sarah.
• Indirect speech: Sarah said she was studying for her exams.

In the above example, the present continuous tense “am studying” changes to the past continuous tense “was studying” in indirect speech.

Change of Time and Place References

When reporting indirect speech, the time and place references may also change. For example:

• Direct speech: “I will meet you at the park tomorrow,” said Tom.
• Indirect speech: Tom said he would meet you at the park the next day.

In the above example, “tomorrow” changes to “the next day” in indirect speech.

Overall, it is important to understand the differences between direct and indirect speech to report speech accurately and effectively. By following the rules of direct and indirect speech, you can convey the intended message of the original speaker.

Converting Direct Speech Into Indirect Speech

When you need to report what someone said in your own words, you can use indirect speech. To convert direct speech into indirect speech, you need to follow a few rules.

Step 1: Remove the Quotation Marks

The first step is to remove the quotation marks that enclose the relayed text. This is because indirect speech does not use the exact words of the speaker.

Step 2: Use a Reporting Verb and a Linker

To indicate that you are reporting what someone said, you need to use a reporting verb such as “said,” “asked,” “told,” or “exclaimed.” You also need to use a linker such as “that” or “whether” to connect the reporting verb to the reported speech.

For example:

• Direct speech: “I love ice cream,” said Mary.
• Indirect speech: Mary said that she loved ice cream.

Step 3: Change the Tense of the Verb

When you use indirect speech, you need to change the tense of the verb in the reported speech to match the tense of the reporting verb.

• Indirect speech: John said that he was going to the store.

Step 4: Change the Pronouns

You also need to change the pronouns in the reported speech to match the subject of the reporting verb.

• Direct speech: “Are you busy now?” Tina asked me.
• Indirect speech: Tina asked whether I was busy then.

By following these rules, you can convert direct speech into indirect speech and report what someone said in your own words.

Converting Indirect Speech Into Direct Speech

Converting indirect speech into direct speech involves changing the reported speech to its original form as spoken by the speaker. Here are the steps to follow when converting indirect speech into direct speech:

• Identify the reporting verb: The first step is to identify the reporting verb used in the indirect speech. This will help you determine the tense of the direct speech.
• Change the pronouns: The next step is to change the pronouns in the indirect speech to match the person speaking in the direct speech. For example, if the indirect speech is “She said that she was going to the store,” the direct speech would be “I am going to the store,” if you are the person speaking.
• Change the tense: Change the tense of the verbs in the indirect speech to match the tense of the direct speech. For example, if the indirect speech is “He said that he would visit tomorrow,” the direct speech would be “He says he will visit tomorrow.”
• Remove the reporting verb and conjunction: In direct speech, there is no need for a reporting verb or conjunction. Simply remove them from the indirect speech to get the direct speech.

Here is an example to illustrate the process:

Indirect Speech: John said that he was tired and wanted to go home.

Direct Speech: “I am tired and want to go home,” John said.

By following these steps, you can easily convert indirect speech into direct speech.

Examples of Direct and Indirect Speech

Direct and indirect speech are two ways to report what someone has said. Direct speech reports the exact words spoken by a person, while indirect speech reports the meaning of what was said. Here are some examples of both types of speech:

Direct Speech Examples

Direct speech is used when you want to report the exact words spoken by someone. It is usually enclosed in quotation marks and is often used in dialogue.

• “I am going to the store,” said Sarah.
• “It’s a beautiful day,” exclaimed John.
• “Please turn off the lights,” Mom told me.
• “I will meet you at the library,” said Tom.
• “We are going to the beach tomorrow,” announced Mary.

Indirect Speech Examples

Indirect speech, also known as reported speech, is used to report what someone said without using their exact words. It is often used in news reports, academic writing, and in situations where you want to paraphrase what someone said.

Here are some examples of indirect speech:

• Sarah said that she was going to the store.
• John exclaimed that it was a beautiful day.
• Mom told me to turn off the lights.
• Tom said that he would meet me at the library.
• Mary announced that they were going to the beach tomorrow.

In indirect speech, the verb tense may change to reflect the time of the reported speech. For example, “I am going to the store” becomes “Sarah said that she was going to the store.” Additionally, the pronouns and possessive adjectives may also change to reflect the speaker and the person being spoken about.

Overall, both direct and indirect speech are important tools for reporting what someone has said. By using these techniques, you can accurately convey the meaning of what was said while also adding your own interpretation and analysis.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is direct and indirect speech?

Direct and indirect speech refer to the ways in which we communicate what someone has said. Direct speech involves repeating the exact words spoken, using quotation marks to indicate that you are quoting someone. Indirect speech, on the other hand, involves reporting what someone has said without using their exact words.

How do you convert direct speech to indirect speech?

To convert direct speech to indirect speech, you need to change the tense of the verbs, pronouns, and time expressions. You also need to introduce a reporting verb, such as “said,” “told,” or “asked.” For example, “I love ice cream,” said Mary (direct speech) can be converted to “Mary said that she loved ice cream” (indirect speech).

What is the difference between direct speech and indirect speech?

The main difference between direct speech and indirect speech is that direct speech uses the exact words spoken, while indirect speech reports what someone has said without using their exact words. Direct speech is usually enclosed in quotation marks, while indirect speech is not.

What are some examples of direct and indirect speech?

Some examples of direct speech include “I am going to the store,” said John and “I love pizza,” exclaimed Sarah. Some examples of indirect speech include John said that he was going to the store and Sarah exclaimed that she loved pizza .

What are the rules for converting direct speech to indirect speech?

The rules for converting direct speech to indirect speech include changing the tense of the verbs, pronouns, and time expressions. You also need to introduce a reporting verb and use appropriate reporting verbs such as “said,” “told,” or “asked.”

What is a summary of direct and indirect speech?

Direct and indirect speech are two ways of reporting what someone has said. Direct speech involves repeating the exact words spoken, while indirect speech reports what someone has said without using their exact words. To convert direct speech to indirect speech, you need to change the tense of the verbs, pronouns, and time expressions and introduce a reporting verb.

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• List of Adjectives
• Predicate Adjective
• Superlative Adjectives

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This website is AMNAZING

MY NAAMEE IS KISHU AND I WANTED TO TELL THERE ARE NO EXERCISES AVAILLABLEE BY YOUR WEBSITE PLEASE ADD THEM SSOON FOR OUR STUDENTS CONVIENCE IM A EIGHT GRADER LOVED YOUR EXPLABATIO

sure cries l miss my friend

he saiad,” we are all sinners”. convert into indirect speech

He said that they were all sinners.

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Indirect speech to direct speech - exercise 5

Change the following sentences from indirect to direct speech.

Liz said she didn't speak Greek at all. I don't speak Greek at all.

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Direct and indirect speech exercises and grammar rules with examples.

From indirect to direct speech

If we want to tell someone what another person said or thought, we can use indirect or direct speech.

Indirect speech: Samantha said that she had stayed there the year before. Direct speech: "I stayed here last year," said Samantha.

Moreover, we use different punctuation (commas at the end of statements) and quotation marks in the direct speech.

They told me they didn't want to move to Bristol. "We don't want to move to Bristol," they told me.

Our grandma thought that Timothy would be the best student in his class. "Timothy will be the best student in his class," our grandma thought.

Reported Speech

Learn how to use  reported speech in English. Reported speech is also known as  indirect speech  and is used to tell somebody else what another person said. Using  reported speech in English can sometimes be difficult for non-native speakers as we (usually) change the verbs, pronouns and specific times.

Keep reading to understand how to use reported speech and download this free English lesson!

Let’s study reported speech !

Reported speech vs. direct speech.

When we want to tell somebody else what another person said, we can use either direct speech  or  reported speech .

When we use d irect speech, we use the same words but use quotation marks, “_”. For example:

Scott said, “I am coming to work.  I will be late because there is a lot of traffic now.”

When we use r eported speech, we usually change the verbs, specific times, and pronouns. For example:

Scott said that he was coming to work.  He said that he would be late because there was a lot of traffic at that time.

How do we use reported speech ?

Since reported speech is usually talking about the past, we usually change the verbs into the past. It is always necessary to change the verbs when the action has finished or is untrue.

We do not always change the verbs.  When you are reporting an action that is still current or true, it is not necessary to change the verb tense. For example:    

How old are you?  “ I am twenty-seven years old .” She said she is twenty-seven years old.

We usually follow the rules below.  When we are reporting speech, we are usually talking about the past; therefore, we change the verbs into the past.

Reporting Questions

We use a special form when we report questions:  

WH-Questions:    

Where is + Tom’s house ?   He asked where Tom’s house + was.

Where does Tom live?  He asked where Tom lived.

Yes/No Questions:  

Does Tom live in Miami?  She asked if Tom  lived in Miami.

Is Tom happy?  She asked if Tom was happy.

Say vs. Tell

Say Something

June:  “I love English .”

June said (that) she loved English.

Tell Someone Something

June:  “I love English.”

June told me (that) she loved English.

Modal Verbs and Reported Speech

Must, might, could, would, should , and ought to stay the same in re ported   s peech .  We usually change may to might .

Infinitives and Reported Speech

Infinitives  stay the same in reported speech:

“ I am going to the store to buy milk.”  He said he was going to the store to buy milk.

We also use infinitives when reporting orders and commands, especially when using tell .

“ Do  your homework.   Don’t use a dictionary!!”  He told me to do to my homework and not to use a dictionary.

Reporting Suggestions

When we are reporting another speakers suggestions, we can use a special form with suggest, recommend, or propose .

SUGGEST/ RECOMMEND/PROPOSE   +   (*THAT)   +    SUBJECT PRONOUN   +   **V1

SUGGEST/ RECOMMEND/PROPOSE   +   V1 + ING

“I think you should visit Viscaya.”     →  He suggested we visit Viscaya.  He suggested visiting Viscaya.

“Try to get there early to get good seats.”    →   He recommended we get there early to get good seats.

*That is often omitted in speech.

**The verb is always in the base form. We do not use third person.

Reporting Statements

A reported statement  begins with an introductory clause and is followed by the ‘information’ clause.  The speaker may choose different words, but the meaning remains unchanged.  Some formal words to introduce a reported statement or response are: declared, stated, informed, responded, replied, etc.

“I don’t agree with these new rules. I am not going to accept this change!” →  He declared that he was in disagreement with the new rules and stated that he would not accept the changes.

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Reported Speech ~ Exercises and Practice

A. Change each direct speech example into the reported speech . The first one has been done for you.

• Michelle said, “I love my Chihuahua, Daisy.”

Michelle said that she loved her Chihuahua, Daisy.

2. Republicans said, “We don’t support Obama’s plan to raise taxes.”

__________________________________________________________.

3.With her mouth full, Sarah said, “I am eating mashed potatoes.”

4. John Lee said, “This year, I will not pay my taxes.”

5. Lebron said, “I am going to win the championship next year.”

6. Patty said, “I can’t stomach another hamburger. I ate one yesterday.”

B. Rewrite the sentences/questions below using reported / indirect speech . Always change the tense, even though it is not always necessary. You can use ‘said’, ‘told me’ , or ‘asked’ .

1. Sarah:   “I am in the shower right now.”

_____________________________________________________________________________

2. John:   “I dropped my son off at school this morning.”

3. Samuel: “I am going to the beach with my sister this afternoon.”

4. John: “Jessica will call you later.”

5. The girls: “Who does John live with?”

6. Our classmate: “Did we have any homework last night?”

7. Sarah: “I am moving to Tokyo because I want to learn Japanese.”

8. John: “Why do you have an umbrella?”

9. The students: “Our teacher can’t find her books anywhere.”

10. Sarah and Jillian: “Is John British?”

11. Steve: “I’m going to the beach so that I can play volleyball.”

__________________________________________________________________________________

12. Ann: “Where is the bathroom?”

13. My parents: “What are you going to do with your life?”

14. Sarah: “I ate breakfast before I came to school.”

C. Your friend Megan is very nosy (she always wants to know what’s going on) so she constantly asks questions about your life and the lives of your friends. Rewrite her questions using the reported questions form. The first one has been done for you .

1. Why do you date Ryan?

She asked me why I dated Ryan.

2. How much money do you make at your new job?

________________________________________________________________________________

3. Does Ryan think I’m pretty?

4. Where is your favorite restaurant?

5. Do I look good in these jeans?

6. Can I borrow some twenty bucks?

D. Your American grandfather is telling you about how things used to be. Using the reported speech , tell your friends what he said.

“In the 1930s, people were very poor. They ate watery soup and hard bread. Many people lost their jobs. To make matters worse, a horrible drought ruined most of the farmland in the American midwest. People went to California to look for a better life. They picked strawberries in the hot California sun.”

Did you download this lesson? If not, don’t forget to download this free English lesson.

If you have any questions about English grammar, please contact us via email us or just comment below. I hope this lesson helped you understand how to use reported speech in English.

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Direct To Indirect Speech: Complete Rules With Examples

Direct and indirect speech is often a confusing topic for English learners. The basic idea is this:

• In direct speech, we quote a person’s exact words. For example, Meera said, “I can speak English fluently.”
• In indirect speech, we do not quote the person’s exact words but provide a summary of what was said. For example, Meera said that she could speak English fluently.

The critical difference is that direct speech uses the exact words spoken by a person, while indirect speech summarizes what was said. While the definition is simple, the challenge for English language learners is using the proper tenses when converting a phrase from direct to indirect and vice versa.

Why Should You Learn Direct To Indirect Speech Rules?

There are several occasions – in your professional and personal – where you might need to describe an action or event to others. For example, you might have to repeat the team leader’s instructions to your teammates at the workplace. In this scenario, you convert your team leader’s direct to indirect speech.

Knowing conversion rules can help you present or describe the event correctly without making any grammatical errors or spoken English blunders.

In this post, we walk you through the rules of converting direct to indirect speech, helping you speak English fluently online and offline.

How To Use Direct Speech?

The rule is simple: Use direct speech when you want to repeat what someone says as it is, and ensure that the spoken text is sandwiched between quotation (speech) marks.

John said, “I want to learn to speak English fluently.”

It’s common to see the direct speech in newspaper articles and books. For example,

The District Collector announced, “The Chief Minister will inaugurate the city centre next week.”

As you can notice, in direct speech, we use the verb say (said in the past tense) to denote what was spoken. You can also use related verbs like ‘asked,’ ‘replied,’ ‘told,’ ‘informed,’ ‘shouted,’ etc.

How To Use Indirect Speech?

Indirect speech is also reported speech, as we use it to inform/repeat what someone else said. Using the two examples above, we can convert it into indirect speech as follows:

John said that he wanted to learn to speak English fluently.

The District Collector announced that the Chief Minister would inaugurate the city centre the week after.

Another example,

Direct Speech: “I feel cold.”

Indirect Speech: She says that she feels cold.

If you notice these examples carefully, you can see that the tense changes when converting from direct to indirect speech. To illustrate this point, in the following example, direct speech is in the present simple tense, while indirect speech is written in the simple past tense.

Direct Speech: “I live in the city centre.”

Indirect Speech: He said he lived in the city centre.

Tense Change Rules: Direct To Indirect Speech

Similarly, other tenses follow similar rules when changing from direct to indirect speech. Use the following table to help you better understand the tense change rules:

Modal Verbs: Direct To Indirect Speech

When converting direct to indirect speech, you must change modal verbs accordingly. Here are a few examples to help you understand better:

Changing Time Expressions: Direct To Indirect Speech

Sometimes it becomes necessary to change the time expressions when converting from direct to indirect speech. A few examples,

• Direct speech: Sheila said, “I am meeting my brother tomorrow.”
• Indirect speech: Sheila said that she was meeting her brother the following day.

Here are a few examples of other typical time expressions and how they change:

Changing Place Expressions: Direct To Indirect Speech

Like time expressions, you might also have to change words representing places when reporting indirect speech. For example,

• Direct speech: “It’s raining here.”
• Indirect speech: She said that it was raining there.

Here are a few examples of other common place expressions and how they change:

However, the place words only change when you report something from a different location.

Over To You

Now that you’ve seen the rules to convert direct to indirect speech, it’s time to put them into practice. The most efficient way to improve English speaking is to practice what you’ve learned. Join online English-speaking practice classes to gain confidence and mastery in your daily conversations.

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The conversion of generally presents no special difficulties. Follow all the rules which we learned for changing the Direct to Indirect Speech in reverse for changing Indirect to Direct Speech. The following examples will show you how simple and easy it is. • Indirect: He enquired whether his name was Ahmed. • Direct: He said to him, “Is not your name Ahmed?" • Indirect: As the stranger entered the town, he was met by a police man who asked him if he was a traveler. He answered carelessly that it would appear so. • Direct: As the stranger entered the town, he was met by a police, man who asked, “Are you a traveler?" “So it would appear", He replied carelessly. • Indirect: She asked how she, a girl, who can not ride or use sword or lance, be of any help. Rather, she would stay at home and spin beside her dear mother. • Direct: She said, “How can I, a girl, who can not ride or use sword or lance, be of any help? Rather would I stay at home and spin beside my dear mother?" Follow all the rules which we learned for changing the Direct to Indirect Speech in reverse for changing Indirect to Direct Speech. • Indirect: Clinton asked John to go with him. • Direct: Clinton said to John, “Come with me." • Indirect: The stranger asked Alice where he lived. • Direct: The stranger said to Alice, ‘where do you live?’ • Indirect: An old mouse asked who would bell the cat. • Direct: An old mouse said, “Who will bell the cat?" • Indirect: Ram said to his mother that he would be late that night. • Direct: Ram said to his mother, “I will be late today night." These examples are enough for you to understand how to change an Indirect to Direct Speech. Follow all the rules which we learned for changing the Direct to Indirect Speech in reverse for changing Indirect to Direct Speech. ",szColor:"#99FFFF",whatIsThisLabel:"What’s this?",whatIsThisUrl:"/help/whats-this2.html",background_color:"",version:1,display_variant:""}); Quick Links Teach Starter, part of Tes Teach Starter, part of Tes Search  everything  in all resources Changing Indirect Speech to Direct Speech Worksheet Updated:  25 Jun 2024 Practice converting indirect speech to direct speech with differentiated editing worksheets. Editable:  Google Slides Non-Editable:  PDF Pages:  1 Page Curriculum Curriculum:  CCSS, TEKS Grades:  5 - 7 Differentiated:  Yes Printable PDF (pdf) Sign up to Plus Google Slides Sign up to Plus Get inspired! Tag #TeachStarter on Instagram for a chance to be featured! Reinforce Understanding of Indirect/Direct Speech Being able to convert indirect speech to direct speech is quite a handy writing skill. It requires subtle changes to the grammar and punctuation of the sentence. This worksheet pack allows ample opportunity to practice the correct use of speech marks, commas, question marks and periods when recording the exact words spoken. Students are provided with 10 sentences reporting something that has happened. They convert each sentence from reported speech to quoted speech. An answer key is included with your download to make grading fast and easy! Grab Your Differentiated Punctuation Worksheets!  In addition to individual student work time, use this worksheet as: a Writing Group Activity homework assignment whole-class review (via smartboard.) The worksheet comes in two differentiated versions. Reading levels and the amount of writing required vary. The worksheet labeled with a square is more challenging than the one labeled with a triangle. You could further modify the resource/write new sentences by using the Google Slides version. 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Common Core State Standards Progression Trackers - Kindergarten - Language Individual student and whole class trackers using the Language Common Core Standards. Multiple-Meaning Word Puzzles 16 puzzles to use in the classroom when identifying homonyms. Bring Your Characters To Life Poster A poster to remind your students to add detail and description to their writing to bring their characters to life. Vocabulary Dice Roll Activity 6 vocabulary activities to use with a range of words. Past Tense, Present Tense and Future Tense Posters A set of four posters providing simple descriptions and examples of past, present and future tense. Verb Past Tense Worksheet A worksheet with simple and irregular past tense verbs added to complete the sentences. Skip to main content Keyboard shortcuts for audio player Tonight Biden and Trump will have their first debate of 2024. Here’s what you need to know Elena Moore Biden and Trump will debate on Thursday. Here’s what you need to know President Biden and former President Donald Trump will face off Thursday night in Atlanta. Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images; Carlos Osorio/AP hide caption President Biden and former President Donald Trump will face off in the first presidential debate of the 2024 general election tonight in Atlanta . It begins a new phase of the presidential race, less than five months out from Nov. 5, Election Day, as the matchup remains extremely tight. Biden and Trump stand virtually tied, according to the latest NPR/PBS News/Marist poll , which echoes a months-long trend of recent national surveys. The debate also breaks with campaign tradition, occurring months earlier than usual and with a new set of rules both candidates have agreed to, including no live audience. It’s also the first debate either candidate has participated in this campaign season. Biden largely ran unopposed, and Trump notably skipped the GOP primary debates. How Biden is getting ready for his high-stakes debate with Trump Here’s what you need to know about this first debate. When and how to watch The event starts at 9 p.m. ET and will run for 90 minutes. It will be moderated by CNN’s Jake Tapper and Dana Bash and take place at the network’s studios in Atlanta. The debate will be available on CNN and the streaming platform Max, formerly known as HBO. Viewers without a cable login can watch on CNN’s website . NPR will be providing live on-air special coverage of the CNN Presidential Debate Simulcast. Plus, you can follow NPR’s live blog for updates and analysis during the debate. Who will be there? Biden and Trump are the only presidential candidates who qualified for the debate stage. Independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. failed to meet the threshold , which required candidates to poll at 15% or higher in four national surveys and appear on enough state ballots that could theoretically push them past the needed 270 Electoral College votes to secure the presidency. How is this debate different from those in the past? Typically, presidential debates occur in front of a live audience, often in an event space on a college or university campus, and are coordinated by the bipartisan Commission on Presidential Debates (CPD). As Trump takes to the debate stage Thursday, his signature style may be muted But not this year. Both candidates have said they will not participate in the CPD’s previously scheduled and announced debates, lobbying for earlier matchups . Instead, Biden and Trump will take part in tonight’s debate on CNN and then a second in September hosted by ABC News. Biden and Trump have agreed to the following rules : Microphones will be muted unless a candidate is directed to speak. Candidates are not allowed to bring prewritten notes or props. They will receive a pen and paper, as well as a bottle of water. A coin toss determined podium positions and the order of closing statements. According to CNN, Biden’s campaign won the coin toss and chose the podium to the viewers' right. As a result, the Trump team chose to deliver the final closing statement of the evening. What to watch for Candidates will likely speak to recent respective legal dramas. The debate comes about a month after Trump was found guilty of 34 criminal charges in New York, becoming the first U.S. president in history to be convicted of felony crimes. Biden’s son, Hunter, who is not running for office, was convicted on felony gun charges in Delaware in mid-June and faces a second federal trial in September over failing to pay his taxes. Biden will also likely address concerns over his age and ability to serve a second term. At 81, he is the oldest sitting president in U.S. history, and if elected for a second term, he would exit office at 86. While the president has had public slipups throughout his first term, Trump, who is 78, has repeatedly criticized Biden’s mental ability , most recently speculating he should take a cognitive test. In that same speech, Trump incorrectly named the doctor who conducted his own cognitive exam while president. On the issues, it’s expected the candidates will discuss the state of the economy and immigration policy, as both are consistently top issues for voters in national polling. It’s also possible the candidates will weigh in on international politics, given voters remain divided on whether the U.S. should be sending military aid to Ukraine and Israel in their respective wars. The debate may also be an opportunity for Biden to address his decreasing support, when compared to 2020, among key parts of his base, notably Blacks and Latinos and young voters . Trump is losing some ground among older voters, and the Biden campaign is trying to capitalize on that . Plus, the former president may still need to repair relations with Nikki Haley supporters who remain uncertain about backing him again. What's next? Trump will likely announce his pick for vice president in the coming weeks. There will also be a vice presidential debate this summer. The date has not been finalized, but Vice President Harris agreed to one held on either July 23 or Aug. 13. On the legal front, Trump will appear for sentencing in his criminal trial on July 11, just days before the Republican National Convention, which begins on July 15 in Milwaukee. A month later, the Democratic National Convention will kick off on Aug. 19 in Chicago. Trump and Biden will debate for a second time on Sept. 10. presidential debate 2024 elections Donald Trump Kamala Harris Direct and Indirect Speech Javier Ramirez Lopez Change from direct and indirect speech Loading ad... Google Classroom Microsoft Teams Download PDF Election latest: Farage on defensive after supporters caught on camera making racist, murderous and homophobic remarks Rishi Sunak has spoken out after a Reform UK supporter was filmed making racist comments about him - with party leader Nigel Farage forced on to the defensive. Meanwhile, Sir Keir Starmer has distanced himself from a Labour colleague's previous criticism of Donald Trump. Friday 28 June 2024 16:30, UK General Election 2024 Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player Sunak: Farage supporter using racial slur 'makes me angry' Farage on defensive after supporters filmed making racist, murderous and homophobic comments Police 'urgently assessing' comments to see if 'criminal offences' committed Reform UK racism and homophobia scandal: What do we know? Starmer says he would resign if Labour lost badly Analysis : Sunak's tetchiness over betting scandal speaks volumes PM accuses Farage of Putin 'appeasement' Rylan would 'love' to get into politics Politics at Jack and Sam's : The last weekend Live reporting by Ben Bloch Election essentials Manifesto pledges: Conservatives | Greens | Labour | Lib Dems | Plaid | Reform | SNP Trackers:  Who's leading polls? | Is PM keeping promises? Campaign Heritage:  Memorable moments from elections gone by Follow Sky's politics podcasts:  Electoral Dysfunction | Politics At Jack And Sam's Read more:  Who is standing down? | Key seats to watch | What counts as voter ID? | Check if your constituency is changing | Guide to election lingo How to watch election on Sky News Last night, Channel 4 broadcast a report in which a Reform UK campaigner called Rishi Sunak a "P***". Asked about this today, the prime minister told broadcasters: "Well, my two daughters have to see and hear Reform people who campaign for Nigel Farage calling me an effing 'P***'. "It hurts, and it makes me angry, and I think he has some questions to answer.  "And I don't repeat those words lightly. I do so deliberately because this is too important not to call out clearly for what it is." Asked about repeating the word the Reform supporter used, he said: "I hate having to do it, I chose my words deliberately, I hate having to repeat them, absolutely hate it. "But I also think it's important to call this out for what it is and be clear about what it is." TV presenter Rylan Clark has said he would "love" to become a politician - and replace the party system with a "Power Rangers of government" model. The TV personality, 35, joined political editor Beth Rigby and former Scottish Conservative leader Baroness Ruth Davidson for this week's Sky News Electoral Dysfunction podcast. Asked if he would ever consider the career change, he said: "If I wasn't in the job that I was in, I would love nothing more." Rylan, who won Celebrity Big Brother and also appeared on the X Factor, appeared on the podcast in place of Labour candidate Jess Phillips after tweeting his praise for Rigby on the day Rishi Sunak announced the general election. Sharing a clip of her and Sky presenter Sophy Ridge outside a rainy Downing Street waiting for Mr Sunak to appear at the lectern, he said: "Obsessed with the Rigby." Speaking to her and Davidson, he said his "obsession" with politics began with Brexit - "as we've seen so many promises which weren't fulfilled" since then. He added: "I lie there at night sometimes, and I think about [Volodymyr] Zelenskyy. He hosted one of the same shows I've hosted in Ukraine." The TV presenter also shared his idea of abandoning political parties altogether. Read the full story here:  Our live poll tracker collates the results of opinion surveys carried out by all the main polling organisations - and allows you to see how the political parties are performing in the run-up to the general election. With under a week to go, the Tories and Labour have taken a drop, while support for Reform UK and the Liberal Democrats is on the rise. Read more about the tracker  here . We've just been hearing from the leader of the Liberal Democrats, and he was asked about the Channel 4 report showing Reform activists using a racial slur about the prime minister and using homophobic language. Speaking on a campaign visit to Little Paxton, Cambridgeshire, Sir Ed Davey said: "I heard the comments on the television, and they were clearly racist, homophobic and abhorrent, and I hope the party deals with these and any other people who speak like this." We've just had a statement from Essex Police after Reform activists were heard using a racial slur about the prime minister and using homophobic language. The force said in a statement: "We are aware of comments made during a Channel 4 News programme and we are urgently assessing them to establish if there are any criminal offences." The footage, captured by an undercover Channel 4 reporter in Clacton, where Mr Farage is a candidate, showed Reform campaigner Andrew Parker calling Mr Sunak a "P***", and suggesting migrants should be used as "target practice". He also described Islam as a "disgusting cult". Another canvasser described the Pride flag as "degenerate" and suggested members of the LGBT community were paedophiles. Mr Farage has sought to distance himself from the inflammatory comments,  saying he was "dismayed"  by the "appalling sentiments" expressed. By Megan Harwood-Baynes , digital investigations reporter Reform and Labour have bought up advertising on two major national news sites in a bid to sway voters in the remaining days before the general election. When looking at MailOnline, Nigel Farage's stern face beams down from both the main banner and the left of the site. Their manifesto - which have they been calling their "contract" with the public - is pasted down the side of the news website. Meanwhile, Labour, perhaps in a bid to emulate 1992's "It's the Sun Wot Won It" front page, have pasted their advertising all over The Sun online. With a countdown to 4 July, they also bemoan "14 years of Tory chaos". Crucially, neither of these papers have openly endorsed a candidate, although a regular reader may be forgiven for not noticing this nuance. In 1992, The Sun claimed credit for the victory of the Conservative Party, after openly campaigning to drive voters away from the then-Labour leader Neil Kinnock. It is regularly cited as demonstrative of the influence the tabloid press could have over politicians and elections. So far, the Daily Telegraph has come out in support of the Tories, while the Guardian, Daily Mirror, Economist, New Statesman and Daily Record have all backed the Labour Party. The Times, The Sun and the Daily Mail have not endorsed anyone, and the Daily Star has taken the unusual (but perhaps unsurprising) approach of supporting Count Binface, labelling him the "most sane politician in the UK". And while the Mirror has already backed Labour, and despite - at first glance - appearing to be plastered with advertising for the party, the red banners promising "change" are actually for coffee brand Nespresso. Sky News has been looking at the advertising as part of the Online Election project - a Sky News initiative to cover how the campaign is playing out online, led by Tom Cheshire , Online Campaign correspondent . We also found  one party has been dominating social media  - but it's not the one spending the most. Reform UK has been dominating, with its page growing by more than 32,000 followers over the course of the campaign.  Meanwhile, the Tories have only seen 596 new followers. Sixteen of the top 20 most-loved posts were also from Mr Farage. And for some Tories, the only brand has been seen as so bad, that  some have ditched it altogether . There has been uproar today about comments made by Reform UK supporters. So what do we know? Channel 4 publishes expose On Thursday evening, Channel 4 publish an article about racism and homophobia being used by Reform UK canvassers. This included undercover footage of a man called Andrew Parker in Mr Farage's constituency, who used a racial slur about Rishi Sunak. He also said young army recruits should be sent to "f****** just shoot" migrants arriving on the beach in Kent. Another Reform supporter made homophobic comments, describing the Pride flag as "degenerate" and suggesting members of the LGBT community were paedophiles. Party leader Nigel Farage said he was "dismayed" by the comments. Allegations of impropriety By Friday morning, Mr Farage and his deputy Richard Tice were challenging the reporting, alleging that Mr Parker was an actor and insisting the whole thing "stinks". Sky News spoke to Mr Parker. He says that while he has worked as an actor, he was volunteering for Reform. He denied taking money, and said he supported Mr Farage. Channel 4 also said they did not pay anyone and stood by their reporting. Sunak reacts At 1pm, Mr Sunak reacted to what had been said.  He repeated the word used by Mr Parker - "P***" - and said it "hurts" and makes him "angry". He also said his two daughters had to hear it being said. Sir Keir Starmer earlier declined to say that Mr Farage was racist - but said the words used were. Farage doubles down Fifteen minutes later, Mr Farage appeared on ITV show Loose Women. He doubled down on his suggestion that the incident had somehow been staged, without providing details. The Reform leader says he had previously met Mr Parker - and claimed the man was putting on "an act right from the start". Mr Farage said: "I have to tell you, this whole thing was a complete and total set-up, I have no doubt about that." By Darren McCaffrey, political correspondent, in Teeside I've spent much of the last five weeks with the prime minister, dozens of visits, dozens of questions. But I've never seen him as angry as today. The broadcast last night of a Reform canvasser making a targeted racist slur against the prime minister has left Rishi Sunak not just angry - but hurt too.  When asked why he had deliberately decided to repeat the slur itself in an interview, he said it was not something he wanted to do. "I hate it, I hate having to do it, I choose my words deliberately, I hate it, but I have to call it out for what it is," he said. On a personal level, this clearly matters to the prime minister and his desire to protect his family.  He has mentioned his daughters having to hear racism like this several times. Politically, the Conservatives are hoping that this will also make voters think twice about Reform and about Nigel Farage.  When I asked Mr Sunak if he would now describe Reform as a racist party - he wouldn't go that far, but suggested "Nigel Farage has questions to answer". Reform UK leader Nigel Farage is appearing on ITV's Loose Women. He doubles down on the suggestions that Channel 4 - or a production company - paid a Reform supporter to say racist things about the prime minister. Andrew Parker, referred to Rishi Sunak as a "P***" and said young army recruits should be sent to "f****** just shoot" migrants arriving on the beach in Kent. Mr Parker has spoken to Sky News and denied he took any money, while praising Mr Farage. He has worked as an actor but says he was volunteering when he was caught on undercover camera making the remarks. Mr Farage claimed "no one speaks" how the man spoke in the footage and that he was putting on an accent. Mr Parker used the same voice as he did in the Channel 4 video when he spoke to Sky. The Reform UK leader adds that the whole thing was "a set up" - and that "something is wrong here". Asked about other Reform supporters who were seen making homophobic comments, Mr Farage says the group were "drunk" after watching the football, and were "vulgar" and "wrong" and "gone" from the party. Following on from its reporting last night - and claims from Reform that the man involved might have been paid - Channel 4 has defended its expose. A spokesperson said in a statement: "We strongly stand by our rigorous and duly impartial journalism which speaks for itself. "We met Mr Parker for the first time at Reform UK party headquarters, where he was a Reform party canvasser. "We did not pay the Reform UK canvasser or anyone else in this report. Mr Parker was not known to Channel 4 News and was filmed covertly via the undercover operation." Be the first to get Breaking News Install the Sky News app for free 294 COMMENTS Changes in Indirect Speech Modals also change when transforming direct speech into indirect speech. Here are some common changes: 'Can' changes to 'could'. 'May' changes to 'might'. 'Will' changes to 'would'. 'Shall' changes to 'should'. Reported Speech reported speech for difficult tenses; exeptions for backshift; requests with must, should, ought to and let's; → more on additional information and exeptions in reported speech. Exercises on Reported Speech Statements in Reported Speech. no backshift - change of pronouns; no backshift - change of pronouns and places; with backshift Indirect speech What is indirect speech or reported speech? When we tell people what another person said or thought, we often use reported speech or indirect speech. To do that, we need to change verb tenses (present, past, etc.) and pronouns (I, you, my, your, etc.) if the time and speaker are different.For example, present tenses become past, I becomes he or she, and my becomes his or her, etc. Transformation of Sentence: Direct & Indirect Speech Verbs of Reported speech (if the reporting verb is in past tense) (list 2) Direct speech → Indirect speech Am / is / are → was / were Was / were → had been Has / have → had Had → had had Shall / will → would Can → could May → might Must, should → must, should Verb1 → verb2 Verb2 → had + verb3 Change of time and place expressions in past tense (list 3) now → then ago → ... Reported speech: indirect speech Reported speech: indirect speech - English Grammar Today - a reference to written and spoken English grammar and usage - Cambridge Dictionary Changing Direct Speech to Indirect Speech Rule 1: Change the verb tense in the quoted speech. With past tense reporting verbs, shift the tense back. For example, if the direct speech is in the present simple, shift it to the past simple in the reported speech. Hence, "He says, 'I am busy'" will change to "He said he was busy." Rule 2: Adjust pronouns and time/place words as necessary. Reported Speech Time Expressions with Reported Speech Sometimes when we change direct speech into reported speech we have to change time expressions too. We don't always have to do this, however. It depends on when we heard the direct speech and when we say the reported speech. For example: It's Monday. Julie says "I'm leaving today". Direct Indirect Speech Exercise The speaker said, 'Be quiet and listen to my words.'. Answers. 1. John said that he was very busy then. 2. He said that the horse had been fed. 3. John said that he knew/knows her name and address. (Note that the tenses may not change if the statement is still relevant or if it is a universal truth.) Reported Speech in English Grammar Introduction. In English grammar, we use reported speech to say what another person has said. We can use their exact words with quotation marks, this is known as direct speech, or we can use indirect speech.In indirect speech, we change the tense and pronouns to show that some time has passed.Indirect speech is often introduced by a reporting verb or phrase such as ones below. Reported speech What is reported speech or indirect speech? When we tell people what another person said or thought, we often use reported speech or indirect speech. To do that, we need to change verb tenses (present, past, etc.) and pronouns (I, you, my, your, etc.) if the time and speaker are different.Sally: ' I don't have time.' ⇒ Sally said that she didn't have time. Direct and indirect speech Change into indirect speech. 1. John said, 'I am trying to find a new job.' 2. He said, 'I wrote a letter.' 3. The girl said, 'I want something to eat.' 4. The teacher said, 'Stop writing.' 5. The man said, 'I have nowhere to go.' 6. The girl said, 'I have been practicing the violin for six months.' 7. Convert from Direct to Indirect 2. Direct: Rama said to Arjun, "Go away". Indirect: Rama ordered Arjun to go away. 3. Direct: He said , " I am unwell". Indirect: He said that he was unwell. 4. Direct: He said, "My master is writing letters ". Indirect: He said that his master was writing letters. Indirect Speech Indirect Speech is a way of expressing the words or utterances of a speaker in a reported manner. In contrast to direct speech, where the original speaker's words are quoted verbatim, indirect speech is more about reporting the essence or meaning of what the speaker said rather than quoting them exactly. For example: Direct Speech: Lisa said ... 100 Reported Speech Examples: How To Change Direct Speech Into Indirect Direct: "I will help you," she promised. Reported: She promised that she would help me. Direct: "You should study harder," he advised. Reported: He advised that I should study harder. Direct: "I didn't take your book," he denied. Reported: He denied taking my book. Direct: "Let's go to the cinema," she suggested. Direct and Indirect Speech: Useful Rules and Examples Differences between Direct and Indirect Speech. Change of Pronouns. Change of Tenses. Change of Time and Place References. Converting Direct Speech Into Indirect Speech. Step 1: Remove the Quotation Marks. Step 2: Use a Reporting Verb and a Linker. Step 3: Change the Tense of the Verb. Step 4: Change the Pronouns. Indirect to direct speech Indirect speech to direct speech - exercise 5. Change the following sentences from indirect to direct speech. Liz said she didn't speak Greek at all. I don't speak Greek at all. Peter admitted that he had never met us. "I ," admitted Peter. They told us they would start the voyage the following day. "We the voyage tomorrow," they told us. Direct to Indirect Speech 1. Direct Speech We may quote the actual words of the speaker. This method is called Direct Speech. 2. Indirect Speech We may report what he said without quoting his exact words. This method is called Indirect Speech or Reported Speech. Example: • Direct: Clinton said, "I am very busy now." Reported Speech or Indirect Speech Learn how to use reported speech in English.Reported speech is also known as indirect speech and is used to tell somebody else what another person said.Using reported speech in English can sometimes be difficult for non-native speakers as we (usually) change the verbs, pronouns and specific times.. Keep reading to understand how to use reported speech and download this free English lesson! Reported Speech RS006 - Reported Speech Intermediate. RS005 - Reported Speech - Introductory Verbs Advanced. RS004 - Reported Speech Intermediate. RS003 - Reporting Verbs Intermediate. RS002 - Reported Speech Intermediate. RS001 - Reported Speech Intermediate. Reported Speech - English Grammar Exercises. Direct To Indirect Speech: Complete Rules With Examples Direct speech: Sheila said, "I am meeting my brother tomorrow.". Indirect speech: Sheila said that she was meeting her brother the following day. Here are a few examples of other typical time expressions and how they change: Direct Speech. Indirect Speech. Yesterday. The day before. Now. Indirect to Direct Speech • Indirect: Ram said to his mother that he would be late that night. • Direct: Ram said to his mother, "I will be late today night." These examples are enough for you to understand how to change an Indirect to Direct Speech. Follow all the rules which we learned for changing the Direct to Indirect Speech in reverse for changing Indirect ... Direct and Indirect speech online activity Language: English (en) ID: 1625614. 10/11/2021. Country code: TH. Country: Thailand. School subject: English language (1061957) Main content: Reported speech (2012149) From worksheet author: Change direct speech to indirect speech. Changing Indirect Speech to Direct Speech Worksheet Reinforce Understanding of Indirect/Direct Speech. Being able to convert indirect speech to direct speech is quite a handy writing skill. It requires subtle changes to the grammar and punctuation of the sentence. This worksheet pack allows ample opportunity to practice the correct use of speech marks, commas, question marks and periods when ... 2024 election: What time is the debate? Biden and Trump to face off Here's what you need to know about this first debate. When and how to watch. The event starts at 9 p.m. ET and will run for 90 minutes. It will be moderated by CNN's Jake Tapper and Dana Bash ... Direct and Indirect Speech online exercise 08/04/2022. Country code: MX. Country: Mexico. School subject: English as a Second Language (ESL) (1061958) Main content: Speech (1988494) From worksheet author: Change from direct and indirect speech. Other contents: Report Speech. Election latest: Farage and Sunak clash again on Putin; Rylan Clark Reality star Rylan Clark has revealed the changes he would make to the political system - including introducing a "Power Rangers government". And on the last Friday of the election campaign, the ... assignment essay homework paper report resume review speech thesis