When talking about indirect speech, we use words that refer to something that has already happened. The original words are modified and/or interpreted as opposed to being quoted. Indirect speech, also known as reported speech, is when words or phrases are reported in our own words. In these examples, the direct speech is shown in quotations, which signifies that the speech is taken directly from the source with no alterations. Jane said, ”It’s not my fault that you are a Red Sox fan.”.Jonah said, ”Please take off that Yankees hat.”.In other words, we take the words directly from the speaker and repeat them exactly as they were originally stated. With regard to direct speech, there is no interpretation or annotation the words are taken directly from one source and repeated to another. These words are quoted or written exactly as the words were originally spoken. He apologised for not getting back to me sooner.ĭo this exercise to test your grammar again.Direct speech, also known as quoted speech, consists of words or phrases that are taken directly from the source.

'I'm really sorry I didn't get back to you sooner.' Verbs like admit, apologise for, complain about, deny, insist on, mention and suggest can follow an -ing form pattern. The police officer warned us not to go in there.The guide told us to wait for her in reception.We can also use an infinitive to report imperatives, with a reporting verb like tell, order, instruct, direct or warn. They advised us not to write our passwords down.'It's not a good idea to write your passwords down.' She promised to do the report by Friday.'I'll do the report by Friday, for sure.' Verbs like advise, agree, challenge, claim, decide, demand, encourage, invite, offer, persuade, promise, refuse and remind can follow an infinitive pattern.

Many reporting verbs can be followed by another verb in either an infinitive or an -ing form. However, we can also use other reporting verbs. When we tell someone what another person said, we often use the verbs say, tell or ask. Reported speech 3 – reporting verbs: 1 Grammar explanation Indirect speech: He denied finishing the coffee. Indirect speech: He told us to wait there.ĭirect speech: 'It wasn't me who finished the coffee,' he said.

Indirect speech: She persuaded me to come. Look at these examples to see how reporting verbs are used.ĭirect speech: 'You should come, it's going to be a lot of fun,' she said.

English reported speech exercises