Direct and Indirect Speech: Definitions, Rules, with Examples and Exercise + Free PDF
Reported speech, also called indirect speech, is used to tell someone what another person said without using their exact words. For intermediate learners, it is important to understand how verbs, pronouns, and time expressions change when transforming direct speech into reported speech. Mastering these basic rules will improve both your spoken and written English.
These grammar worksheets help you practice degrees of certainty in English. Free downloadable PDF worksheets with answers are available for offline practice.
Quick Rules and Exercises.
Tense Backshift Rules
When the reporting verb is in the past (said, told, asked, etc.), the tense usually moves one step back.
Present Simple → Past Simple
“I work hard.”→ He said that he worked hard.
Present Continuous → Past Continuous
“I am studying.” → He said that he was studying.
Present Perfect → Past Perfect
“I have finished.”→ He said that he had finished.
Present Perfect Continuous → Past Perfect Continuous
“I have been working.”→ He said that he had been working.
Past Simple → Past Perfect
“I saw him.”→ He said that he had seen him.
Past Continuous → Past Perfect Continuous
“I was sleeping.”→ He said that he had been sleeping.
Past Perfect → No Change
“I had finished.”→ He said that he had finished.
Past Perfect Continuous → No Change
“I had been waiting.”→ He said that he had been waiting.
Future Simple → Would
“I will help you.”→ He said that he would help me.
Future Continuous → Would Be + V-ing
“I will be working.”→ He said that he would be working.
Future Perfect → Would Have + Past Participle
“I will have finished.”→ He said that he would have finished.
Future Perfect Continuous → Would Have Been + V-ing
“I will have been working.”→ He said that he would have been working.
When No Backshift Is Needed
Universal Truth
The teacher said, “The Earth revolves around the Sun.” → The teacher said that the Earth revolves around the Sun.
Scientific Facts
She said, “Water boils at 100°C.”→ She said that water boils at 100°C.
Still True Now
He said, “I live in Stockholm.”→ He said that he lives in Stockholm.
‘We are watching a movie.’
They said that they
a movie.
‘I bought a new car.’
She said that she
a new car.
‘I will call you tomorrow.’
He said that he
me the next day.
‘We can help you.’
They said that they
me.
‘I am tired today.’
She said that she
.
‘I have finished my homework.’
Tom said that he
his homework.
‘We live in this town.’
They said that they
in that town.
‘I saw her yesterday.’
He said that he
her the day before.
‘I am going to the market now.’
She said that she
to the market then.
‘My brother likes football.’
Anna said that her brother
football.
‘We finished the project last week.’
They said that they
the project the week before.
‘I cannot attend the meeting.’
He said that he
the meeting.
‘We are not ready yet.’
They said that they
.
This free PDF includes more exercises with answers. Suitable for students and teachers