Reported Speech: Choosing reporting Verbs

In reported speech, reporting verbs are used to help relay what someone else said. Different reporting verbs are used based on the type of speech act (e.g., statements, questions, requests) and the relationship between the speaker and the reported speech.

Say:

Used for general statements and information.

Examples:

Direct speech: "I am going to the store."

Reported speech: He said that he was going to the store.

Direct speech: "I'll be late."

Reported speech: She said that she would be late.

Tell:

Used when the speaker specifically addresses or informs someone.

Examples:

Direct speech: "remember to bring the book back."

Reported speech: She told me to remember to bring the book back.

Direct speech: "meet me at the café tomorrow."

Reported speech: He told me to meet him at the café.

Ask:

Used for direct and indirect questions.

Examples:

Direct speech: "Where is the nearest bus stop?"

Reported speech: She asked where the nearest bus stop was.

Direct speech: “Can I borrow your pen?"

Reported speech: He asked his teacher if he could borrow her pen.

Mention:

Used to refer to briefly or casually mentioning something.

Examples:

Direct speech: "I saw that movie last night."

Reported speech: He mentioned that he had seen that movie last night.

Direct speech: "I'm going on vacation next week."

Reported speech: She mentioned that she was going on vacation next week.

Explain:

Used to convey a detailed explanation or clarify information.

Examples:

Direct speech: "I understand the math because of the video we watched."

Reported speech: He explained that he understood the math because of the video they watched.

Direct speech: "I chose this option because it offers more benefits."

Reported speech: He explained his decision, stating that he had chosen this option because it offered more benefits.

Try it!

Look at the quotes below and imagine you are talking to me now and that your friend said these quotes to you and now you want to tell me what they said. Because this is exactly the scenario that you use the reported speech in.

**there is more than one answer, so there is not an answer sheet, post your answers in the comments for feedback! 😀

1. "Can you explain how this works?"

2. "I didn't mention anything about the party,"

3. "May I ask you a favor?"

4. "I have something important to tell you,"

5. "I wanted to say I'm sorry for my behavior,"

6. "Could you please explain the concept one more time?"

7. "I didn't mention it earlier, but I have an idea,"

8. "Can I ask you for some advice?"

9. "I'll tell you a funny story,"

10. "I just wanted to say how proud I am of you,"

11. "Can you explain the reason behind your decision?"

12. "I didn't mention it before, but I found your lost item,"

13. "May I ask you a personal question?"

14. "I have something important to tell you, so please listen carefully,"

15. "I just want to say how much I appreciate your help,"