Reported speech

When you report the things people said, the verb tense often "shifts
back."

Direct speech

Reported speech

Michael Landy:

"My goal is to destroy all my

possessions."

"I want to bury them underground."

His goal was to destroy all his

possessions.

"I haven't found the right shopping

center"
"I have been making an inventory."

He said (that)

He wanted to bury them underground.

He hadn't found the right shopping
center.

When you report information that is still true, the verb tense often
He hac been making an inventory
remains the same

Exercise Reported Speech

Construct Reported Speech
1. My dream is to be an astronaut.
2. Yesterday I ate at an Italian restaurant.
3. I have been waiting for a long time.
4. I havent played soccer since college.
5. The next Friday I will go shopping with my Mom.

Reported Questions
Reported questions are one form of reported speech.
Direct question

Reported question

She said: "Are you cold?

She asked me if I was cold.

He asked where his pen was.

He said: "Where's my pen?

We usually introduce reported questions with the verb

"ask" :
-He asked (me)
if/whether.... (YES/NO
questions)

-He asked (me)

why/when/where/what/how...
(Question-word questions)

Complete the sentences

Mauricio: Do you want to dance?

Mauricio asked me _________________________.

Efran: When i go to the supermarket?

Efran wanted to know________________________.

Rafael :Has John arrived from school?

Rafael asked me ______________________.

Jorge: Where do you park your car?

Jorge asked me _____________________.

Mario: Did you watch the latest movie of Marvel?

Mario asked me ____________________.

Eduardo: Can I help you?

Eduardo want to know ____________________.