Reported Speech: Statements

Reported speech lets you explain what someone said without repeating the exact quotation. Good reported speech keeps the meaning, adjusts the grammar, and makes the speaker clear. At an advanced level, accuracy depends on viewpoint: ask who said the words, who is hearing them now, and whether the information is still true.

Common transformations

Backshift is a choice

After a past reporting verb such as said or explained, English often moves the original tense one step back. This is called backshift. It is useful when you are reporting a past conversation, but it is not an automatic rule in every sentence.

• Use backshift when the original situation is connected to a past viewpoint: “She said she was tired.”

• Keep the present when the statement is still a general fact: “The teacher explained that water boils at 100°C.”

• Keep the original tense when the exact words or current truth are important and the context is clear.

Make the viewpoint clear

Check who is speaking, who is listening, and when the original sentence was said. Pronouns and time expressions change only when the viewpoint requires it.

Choose the reporting verb carefully

Time and place move with the speaker

A careful reporting routine

1. Choose a reporting verb such as said, told, explained, or admitted.

2. Change the pronouns so the sentence matches the new speaker and listener.

3. Move the tense back when the reporting verb is in the past and the meaning requires it.

4. Check time and place expressions such as today, yesterday, here, and tomorrow.

A final accuracy check

1. Underline the original speaker and listener before changing pronouns.

2. Decide whether the original time and place are still the same.

3. Choose a reporting verb that matches the speaker’s purpose and attitude.

4. Read the reported sentence without the original quotation and check that the meaning is still visible.

Reported speech is accurate when the grammar changes but the original meaning stays visible.