Reported speech: Other tenses

We've already looked at changing the present simple to the past simple in reported speech.

• Direct speech: I live in London.

• Reported speech: She said that she lived in London.

We also usually backshift the other tenses.

Present continuous

• Direct speech: I am going to work.

• Reported speech: She said that she was going to work.

Present perfect simple

• Direct speech: I have seen Lucy.

• Reported speech: She said that she had seen Lucy.

Past simple (this one is an exception)

• Direct speech: I met James.

• Reported speech: She said that she had met James OR she said that she met James.

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Let's review! Make reported speech. Always start with 'Julie said that...'

1. James is coming to the meeting.

Julie said that ________________________________________________________________

2. I have had lunch.

Julie said that ________________________________________________________________

3. We are going home.

Julie said that ________________________________________________________________

4. I studied Portuguese.

Julie said that ________________________________________________________________

5. The children have eaten.

Julie said that ________________________________________________________________

6. I am working.

Julie said that ________________________________________________________________

7. She has finished her essay.

Julie said that ________________________________________________________________

8. I am playing tennis.

Julie said that ________________________________________________________________

9. They have passed the exam.

Julie said that ________________________________________________________________

10. Amanda called.

Julie said that ________________________________________________________________

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May be freely copied for personal or classroom use.
Answers

1. Julie said that James was coming to the meeting.

2. Julie said that she had had lunch.

3. Julie said that they were going home.

4. Julie said that she had studied Portuguese (or ... she studied ...).

5. Julie said that the children had eaten.

6. Julie said that she was working.

7. Julie said that she had finished her essay.

8. Julie said that she was playing tennis.

9. Julie said that they had passed the exam.

10. Julie said that Amanda had called (or ... Amanda called...).

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May be freely copied for personal or classroom use.