REPORTED SPEECH (INDIRECT SPEECH) EXERCISE 2 (ESL)
B1–B2 · IntermediateUseful for:✓ IELTS✓ Cambridge B2/C1
This second reported speech exercise covers a range of tense types and goes beyond simple tense backshift to include pronoun changes and time expression shifts. The grammar review below covers these additional changes. Start with exercise 1 if you haven't already.
Need a refresher? Review the grammar ↓
Complete each sentence with the correct reported speech form.
Example: 'We will go to the concert.' → They said that they would go to the concert.
Next exercise: Reported Speech — Mixed – Exercise 3 →
Grammar review
Reported speech — pronoun and time expression changes
Beyond tense backshift, reported speech also requires changes to pronouns and often to time and place expressions. These changes happen because the speaker and context have shifted.
Pronoun changes:
Pronouns shift to reflect who is doing the reporting and who is being reported.
“I love this job,” she said. → She said she loved that job.
“We will help you,” they said. → They said they would help me/us.
“You should try it,” he told me. → He told me I should try it.
Time and place expression changes:
now → then today → that day yesterday → the day before
tomorrow → the next/following day here → there
this → that these → those
Example with multiple changes:
Direct: “I will see you here tomorrow.”
Reported: He said he would see me there the next day.
Reporting verbs beyond say and tell:
Different reporting verbs carry different meanings: admit, promise, refuse, explain, warn, ask, suggest, offer. Each is followed by a specific pattern:
He promised to help. She refused to go. They suggested leaving early.
Beyond tense backshift, reported speech also requires changes to pronouns and often to time and place expressions. These changes happen because the speaker and context have shifted.
Pronoun changes:
Pronouns shift to reflect who is doing the reporting and who is being reported.
“I love this job,” she said. → She said she loved that job.
“We will help you,” they said. → They said they would help me/us.
“You should try it,” he told me. → He told me I should try it.
Time and place expression changes:
now → then today → that day yesterday → the day before
tomorrow → the next/following day here → there
this → that these → those
Example with multiple changes:
Direct: “I will see you here tomorrow.”
Reported: He said he would see me there the next day.
Reporting verbs beyond say and tell:
Different reporting verbs carry different meanings: admit, promise, refuse, explain, warn, ask, suggest, offer. Each is followed by a specific pattern:
He promised to help. She refused to go. They suggested leaving early.
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