Reported statements & questions

He said, “I am in love with your sister.”

• He said that he was in love with your sister.

• He said that he has been in love with my sister.

• He said that he was in love with my sister.

The reporter asked, “Where is the president staying?”

• The reporter wanted to know where was the president staying.

• The reporter wanted to know where the president was staying.

• The reporter wanted to know if the president was staying.

George said, “I can’t do it now but I’ll try later.”

• George said that he wouldn't do it then but he could try later.

• George said that he can't do it then but he will try later

• George said that he couldn't do it then but he would try later.

If the original statement is in past simple, the indirect speech has to be in...

"Must" changes to ... in reported speech.

I said, “Could you please pass me the salt?”

• I asked him if he could pass me the salt.

• I asked him if he might pass me the salt.

• I asked him could he pass me the salt.

I asked him, “Did you see the fire?”

• I asked him if he has seen the fire.

• I asked him if he had seen the fire.

• I asked him if he saw the fire.

The expression "last night" is reported as...

Dad explained, “I will be leaving this house next week.”

• Dad explained to us that he would be leaving that house next week.

• Dad explained to us that he would be leaving this house the following week

• Dad explained to us that he would be leaving that house the following week.

Reported speech is also known as ... speech