Report statements with say or tell followed by a backshifted tense, as in she said that she was tired, changing present to past and will to would. Tell needs an object before the reported clause, as in he told me that he would call later, while say usually doesn’t.
Grammar Rule
When the reporting verb is in the past, the tense in the reported clause backshifts one step; tell needs an object, say usually doesn’t.
Reported Speech Statements: Rules and Examples
| Direct tense | Reported (backshift) | Example |
|---|---|---|
| present simple | past simple | She said that she was tired. |
| will | would | He told me that he would call later. |
| present perfect | past perfect | They said that they had finished the project. |
| can | could | She told us that she could speak French. |
Remember: backshift the tense one step back, and use tell with an object, say without one.
Practice Test
Instructions
Answer each question in the test below reporting the statement correctly with the right backshifted tense. You will get a new random set of questions every time you retake the test, plus a downloadable results summary with your name and score at the end.
Reported Speech – Statements
Click «Start the test» to begin right away — no signup required. You can get a personalized certificate with your name and score at the end, if you want one.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you report a statement made in the present simple?
Backshift it to the past simple, as in she said that she was tired.
What happens to will in reported speech?
Will becomes would, as in he told me that he would call later.
What is the difference between say and tell in reported speech?
Tell needs an object before the reported clause, as in he told me, while say usually doesn’t need one, as in he said.
What happens to can in reported speech?
Can becomes could, as in she told us that she could speak French.