REPORTED SPEECH — QUESTIONS EXERCISE 1 (ESL)

level: Intermediate (B1/B2)

When we report a question in English, we do not use question word order — the verb comes after the subject, just like in a normal statement. We also need to shift the tense back one step. This exercise practises both yes/no questions and wh- questions across a range of tenses.

Read the direct question, then complete the reported version by filling in the blank. The verb you need to use is given in brackets. Pay attention to tense shifts and word order.

EXAMPLE: “Do you like coffee?” → She asked me if I liked coffee. (to like)

GRAMMAR REVIEW: Reported questions

When reporting a question, use statement word order (subject + verb), not question word order. Do not use a question mark.

Yes/no questions → use if or whether:
“Are you tired?” → He asked me if I was tired.

Wh- questions → keep the question word, use statement order:
“Where do you live?” → She asked me where I lived.

Tense shifts (backshift):
• present simple → past simple
• present continuous → past continuous
• past simple / present perfect → past perfect
• will → would • can → could

MORE REPORTED SPEECH EXERCISES:
Reported speech: commands 1 (I)
Reported speech: commands 2 (I)
Reported speech: mixed tenses 1 (I)
Reported speech: mixed tenses 2 (I)
Reported speech: mixed tenses 3 (I)
Reported speech: simple past 1 (I)
Reported speech: questions 1 (I)