reported speech of i would accept it

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“Would” in a reported statement

I am teaching some students changing original quotes into reported speech. Well, one of my students asked how the following quote can be changed into reported speech:

I would like to swim.

From my understanding, "would like to" simply means "want to". So, the whole sentence is a "present tense", am I right?

So, to change it to 'reported speech', is it:

You Bi said she wanted to swim .

Is the above grammatically correct?

• grammaticality
• modal-verbs
• indirect-speech

• Yes, your change is grammatically correct. "I would like to swim" (我想要游泳) is a polite way of saying "I want to swim" (我要游泳). –  user21497 Commented Jan 13, 2013 at 6:39

4 Answers 4

The expression does convey a sense of want, but it can take on several nuances, depending on the context. For example:

"What do you want to do today?" "I would like to swim."

sounds like a conversation between two friends, trying to schedule the day's activities. However:

"Did you see Michael Phelps win that race yesterday?" "Yes – I would like to swim like that."

conveys a longing for an ability to swim competitively, not necessarily a desire to go swimming that day.

As Barrie said in his answer, sometimes I would like to sounds more polite and less demanding than I want to . I also think it's more likely to be used in the realm of the hypothetical, like in the second conversation above. I think if the speaker was talking about concrete plans, instead of hopes and dreams, the expression I want to might be more likely to be used:

"I saw you at the pool yesterday." "Yes, I've been training hard. I want to swim in the state finals next year."

In that case, using want to instead of would like to shows more resolve and determination.

Although these expressions are almost interchangeable in what they mean fundamentally, the subtle nuances can be complex. Even which word that gets stressed can cause a slight shift in meaning:

For example:

"I would like to swim in the finals next year."

seems to convey a different kind of hope than:

Getting back to your question, though, there's nothing grammatically wrong with the sentence you asked about.

• +1 for exapanding my sketchy answer. There's always a difficulty in answering questions like this, because so much depends on factors beyond the content of the question itself. –  Barrie England Commented Jan 13, 2013 at 12:56

This is correct:

“You Bi would like to swim.” = “You Bi wants to swim.” → “You Bi said she wanted to swim.”

You can also use would unchanged:

“I would like to swim.” → “You Bi said she would like to swim.”

Here, you can analyse would as conditional—if You Bi went swimming, she would like it. Would is also (morphologically) the past form of will , so it doesn’t need to change tense for reported speech.

I would like and I want are different ways of expressing volition. For that reason, it would be inaccurate to report I would like to swim as She said she wanted to swim . It has to be She said she would like to swim.

This use of would is sometimes described as having ‘unreal meaning’, but in cases such as this it is perhaps better seen as expressing a degree of tentativeness. The speaker doesn’t want to express her wishes forcefully, and the more polite form I would like , as opposed to I want , allows her to avoid doing so.

A better choice is to use the verb as it is:

"You Bi said she would like to swim."

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Reported Speech – Rules, Examples

| Candace Osmond

Candace Osmond

Candace Osmond studied Advanced Writing & Editing Essentials at MHC. She’s been an International and USA TODAY Bestselling Author for over a decade. And she’s worked as an Editor for several mid-sized publications. Candace has a keen eye for content editing and a high degree of expertise in Fiction.

They say gossip is a natural part of human life. That’s why language has evolved to develop grammatical rules about the “he said” and “she said” statements. We call them reported speech.

Every time we use reported speech in English, we are talking about something said by someone else in the past. Thinking about it brings me back to high school, when reported speech was the main form of language!

Learn all about the definition, rules, and examples of reported speech as I go over everything. I also included a worksheet at the end of the article so you can test your knowledge of the topic.

What Does Reported Speech Mean?

Reported speech is a term we use when telling someone what another person said. You can do this while speaking or writing.

There are two kinds of reported speech you can use: direct speech and indirect speech. I’ll break each down for you.

A direct speech sentence mentions the exact words the other person said. For example:

• Kryz said, “These are all my necklaces.”

Indirect speech changes the original speaker’s words. For example:

• Kryz said those were all her necklaces.

When we tell someone what another individual said, we use reporting verbs like told, asked, convinced, persuaded, and said. We also change the first-person figure in the quotation into the third-person speaker.

Reported Speech Examples

We usually talk about the past every time we use reported speech. That’s because the time of speaking is already done. For example:

• Direct speech: The employer asked me, “Do you have experience with people in the corporate setting?”

Indirect speech: The employer asked me if I had experience with people in the corporate setting.

• Direct speech: “I’m working on my thesis,” I told James.

Indirect speech: I told James that I was working on my thesis.

Reported Speech Structure

A speech report has two parts: the reporting clause and the reported clause. Read the example below:

• Harry said, “You need to help me.”

The reporting clause here is William said. Meanwhile, the reported clause is the 2nd clause, which is I need your help.

What are the 4 Types of Reported Speech?

Aside from direct and indirect, reported speech can also be divided into four. The four types of reported speech are similar to the kinds of sentences: imperative, interrogative, exclamatory, and declarative.

Reported Speech Rules

The rules for reported speech can be complex. But with enough practice, you’ll be able to master them all.

Choose Whether to Use That or If

The most common conjunction in reported speech is that. You can say, “My aunt says she’s outside,” or “My aunt says that she’s outside.”

Use if when you’re reporting a yes-no question. For example:

• Direct speech: “Are you coming with us?”

Indirect speech: She asked if she was coming with them.

Verb Tense Changes

Change the reporting verb into its past form if the statement is irrelevant now. Remember that some of these words are irregular verbs, meaning they don’t follow the typical -d or -ed pattern. For example:

• Direct speech: I dislike fried chicken.

Reported speech: She said she disliked fried chicken.

Note how the main verb in the reported statement is also in the past tense verb form.

Use the simple present tense in your indirect speech if the initial words remain relevant at the time of reporting. This verb tense also works if the report is something someone would repeat. For example:

• Slater says they’re opening a restaurant soon.
• Maya says she likes dogs.

This rule proves that the choice of verb tense is not a black-and-white question. The reporter needs to analyze the context of the action.

Move the tense backward when the reporting verb is in the past tense. That means:

• Present simple becomes past simple.
• Present perfect becomes past perfect.
• Present continuous becomes past continuous.
• Past simple becomes past perfect.
• Past continuous becomes past perfect continuous.

Here are some examples:

• The singer has left the building. (present perfect)

He said that the singers had left the building. (past perfect)

• Her sister gave her new shows. (past simple)
• She said that her sister had given her new shoes. (past perfect)

If the original speaker is discussing the future, change the tense of the reporting verb into the past form. There’ll also be a change in the auxiliary verbs.

• Will or shall becomes would.
• Will be becomes would be.
• Will have been becomes would have been.
• Will have becomes would have.

For example:

• Direct speech: “I will be there in a moment.”

Indirect speech: She said that she would be there in a moment.

Do not change the verb tenses in indirect speech when the sentence has a time clause. This rule applies when the introductory verb is in the future, present, and present perfect. Here are other conditions where you must not change the tense:

• If the sentence is a fact or generally true.
• If the sentence’s verb is in the unreal past (using second or third conditional).
• If the original speaker reports something right away.
• Do not change had better, would, used to, could, might, etc.

Changes in Place and Time Reference

Changing the place and time adverb when using indirect speech is essential. For example, now becomes then and today becomes that day. Here are more transformations in adverbs of time and places.

• This – that.
• These – those.
• Now – then.
• Here – there.
• Tomorrow – the next/following day.
• Two weeks ago – two weeks before.
• Yesterday – the day before.

Here are some examples.

• Direct speech: “I am baking cookies now.”

Indirect speech: He said he was baking cookies then.

• Direct speech: “Myra went here yesterday.”

Indirect speech: She said Myra went there the day before.

• Direct speech: “I will go to the market tomorrow.”

Indirect speech: She said she would go to the market the next day.

Using Modals

If the direct speech contains a modal verb, make sure to change them accordingly.

• Will becomes would
• Can becomes could
• Shall becomes should or would.
• Direct speech: “Will you come to the ball with me?”

Indirect speech: He asked if he would come to the ball with me.

• Direct speech: “Gina can inspect the room tomorrow because she’s free.”

Indirect speech: He said Gina could inspect the room the next day because she’s free.

However, sometimes, the modal verb should does not change grammatically. For example:

• Direct speech: “He should go to the park.”

Indirect speech: She said that he should go to the park.

Imperative Sentences

To change an imperative sentence into a reported indirect sentence, use to for imperative and not to for negative sentences. Never use the word that in your indirect speech. Another rule is to remove the word please . Instead, say request or say. For example:

• “Please don’t interrupt the event,” said the host.

The host requested them not to interrupt the event.

• Jonah told her, “Be careful.”
• Jonah ordered her to be careful.

Reported Questions

When reporting a direct question, I would use verbs like inquire, wonder, ask, etc. Remember that we don’t use a question mark or exclamation mark for reports of questions. Below is an example I made of how to change question forms.

• Incorrect: He asked me where I live?

Correct: He asked me where I live.

Here’s another example. The first sentence uses direct speech in a present simple question form, while the second is the reported speech.

• Where do you live?

She asked me where I live.

Wrapping Up Reported Speech

My guide has shown you an explanation of reported statements in English. Do you have a better grasp on how to use it now?

Reported speech refers to something that someone else said. It contains a subject, reporting verb, and a reported cause.

Don’t forget my rules for using reported speech. Practice the correct verb tense, modal verbs, time expressions, and place references.

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Reported Speech: Rules, Examples, Exceptions

👉 Quiz 1 / Quiz 2

Advanced Grammar Course

What is reported speech?

“Reported speech” is when we talk about what somebody else said – for example:

• Direct Speech: “I’ve been to London three times.”
• Reported Speech: She said she’d been to London three times.

There are a lot of tricky little details to remember, but don’t worry, I’ll explain them and we’ll see lots of examples. The lesson will have three parts – we’ll start by looking at statements in reported speech, and then we’ll learn about some exceptions to the rules, and finally we’ll cover reported questions, requests, and commands.

So much of English grammar – like this topic, reported speech – can be confusing, hard to understand, and even harder to use correctly. I can help you learn grammar easily and use it confidently inside my Advanced English Grammar Course.

In this course, I will make even the most difficult parts of English grammar clear to you – and there are lots of opportunities for you to practice!

Backshift of Verb Tenses in Reported Speech

When we use reported speech, we often change the verb tense backwards in time. This can be called “backshift.”

Here are some examples in different verb tenses:

Reported Speech (Part 1) Quiz

Exceptions to Backshift in Reported Speech

Now that you know some of the reported speech rules about backshift, let’s learn some exceptions.

There are two situations in which we do NOT need to change the verb tense.

No backshift needed when the situation is still true

For example, if someone says “I have three children” (direct speech) then we would say “He said he has three children” because the situation continues to be true.

If I tell you “I live in the United States” (direct speech) then you could tell someone else “She said she lives in the United States” (that’s reported speech) because it is still true.

When the situation is still true, then we don’t need to backshift the verb.

But when the situation is NOT still true, then we DO need to backshift the verb.

Imagine your friend says, “I have a headache.”

• If you immediately go and talk to another friend, you could say, “She said she has a headache,” because the situation is still true
• If you’re talking about that conversation a month after it happened, then you would say, “She said she had a headache,” because it’s no longer true.

No backshift needed when the situation is still in the future

We also don’t need to backshift to the verb when somebody said something about the future, and the event is still in the future.

Here’s an example:

• On Monday, my friend said, “I ‘ll call you on Friday .”
• “She said she ‘ll call me on Friday”, because Friday is still in the future from now.
• It is also possible to say, “She said she ‘d (she would) call me on Friday.”
• Both of them are correct, so the backshift in this case is optional.

Let’s look at a different situation:

• On Monday, my friend said, “I ‘ll call you on Tuesday .”
• “She said she ‘d  call me on Tuesday.” I must backshift because the event is NOT still in the future.

Review: Reported Speech, Backshift, & Exceptions

Quick review:

• Normally in reported speech we backshift the verb, we put it in a verb tense that’s a little bit further in the past.
• when the situation is still true
• when the situation is still in the future

Reported Requests, Orders, and Questions

Those were the rules for reported statements, just regular sentences.

What about reported speech for questions, requests, and orders?

For reported requests, we use “asked (someone) to do something”:

• “Please make a copy of this report.” (direct speech)
• She asked me to make a copy of the report. (reported speech)

For reported orders, we use “told (someone) to do something:”

• “Go to the bank.” (direct speech)
• “He told me to go to the bank.” (reported speech)

The main verb stays in the infinitive with “to”:

• She asked me to make a copy of the report. She asked me  make  a copy of the report.
• He told me to go to the bank. He told me  go  to the bank.

For yes/no questions, we use “asked if” and “wanted to know if” in reported speech.

• “Are you coming to the party?” (direct)
• He asked if I was coming to the party. (reported)
• “Did you turn off the TV?” (direct)
• She wanted to know if I had turned off the TV.” (reported)

The main verb changes and back shifts according to the rules and exceptions we learned earlier.

Notice that we don’t use do/does/did in the reported question:

• She wanted to know did I turn off the TV.
• She wanted to know if I had turned off the TV.

For other questions that are not yes/no questions, we use asked/wanted to know (without “if”):

• “When was the company founded?” (direct)
• She asked when the company was founded.” (reported)
• “What kind of car do you drive?” (direct)
• He wanted to know what kind of car I drive. (reported)

Again, notice that we don’t use do/does/did in reported questions:

• “Where does he work?”
• She wanted to know  where does he work.
• She wanted to know where he works.

Also, in questions with the verb “to be,” the word order changes in the reported question:

• “Where were you born?” ([to be] + subject)
• He asked where I was born. (subject + [to be])
• He asked where was I born.

Reported Speech (Part 2) Quiz

Learn more about reported speech:

• Reported speech: Perfect English Grammar
• Reported speech: BJYU’s

If you want to take your English grammar to the next level, then my Advanced English Grammar Course is for you! It will help you master the details of the English language, with clear explanations of essential grammar topics, and lots of practice. I hope to see you inside!

I’ve got one last little exercise for you, and that is to write sentences using reported speech. Think about a conversation you’ve had in the past, and write about it – let’s see you put this into practice right away.

Master the details of English grammar:

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Reported Speech: Important Grammar Rules and Examples

Reported speech is a very common thing in the English language. We do it almost every day, in conversation and in writing. The problem is, sometimes there can be some confusion around the topic. So today we’ll take a look at reported speech: what it is, how to use it, and we’ll give some interactive exercises of reported speech too, so you can see how it looks in everyday conversations or writing.

Reported Speech

When we use reported speech, we are referring to something that was said either by ourselves or by someone else in the past. An example of this might be ‘he said that he was going shopping. This type of speech is used very frequently during both spoken and written examples of English and it is an important part of the language which any English student will find useful to learn. In this section, we are going to look at types of reported speech as well as how we can use it.

What is Reported Speech?

Reported speech is simply when we tell somebody what someone else said. You can do this in your writing, or in speech. Reported speech is very different from direct speech , which is when you show what somebody said  in the exact way that they said it . In reported speech though, you do not need to quote somebody directly.

Instead, we use a reporting verb, such as ‘say’ or ‘ask’. These reporting verbs are used to report the speech to someone else. There are many different reporting verbs that can be used, and we’ll try to use different ones throughout this article to show you some examples, but you can always do some research too if you want to learn more examples for yourself.

In short, reported speech is the linguistic technique that we use to tell somebody what someone else’s  direct speech  was. In reported speech though, you may need to make certain changes to the grammar to make the sentence make sense. So, we’ll look at some grammar change examples below and highlight what needs to be changed.

Reported Speech Examples

When we use reported speech, we are usually talking  about the past (because obviously, the person who spoke originally spoke in the past). The verbs therefore usually have to be in the past too.

For example :

• Direct speech: I’ve lost my umbrella .
• Reported speech: He said (that) he had lost his umbrella.

Reported Speech Rules

When changing from direct to indirect speech, you need to change the grammar in certain ways. In this section, we are going to be looking a little more closely at direct and indirect speech and how they are used. 

Verb Tense Changes in Reported Speech

If the reporting verb is in the present tense, then very little needs to be done to the direct speech sentence to change it. Here’s an example.

• Direct speech:  I like dogs.
• Reported speech:  She  says  she likes dogs.

Here nothing really needed to be changed except the pronoun, because you are now talking about somebody else, so ‘I’ becomes ‘She’ or ‘He’. The tense is still the same because ‘says’ is the present tense version of the reporting verb. But what happens if the sentence needs to be changed to past tense?

Sometimes it is necessary to change the reporting verb into the past tense if what was said is no longer relevant, or was said sometime in the past. Here are the changes that would need to be made.

• Reported speech:  She  said  she  liked  dogs.

As well as changing the pronouns here, we’ve had to change the tense of both the reporting verb and the verb. So, ‘says’ becomes ‘said’ and ‘like’ becomes ‘liked’.

When the reporting verb is in the past tense, verb tense forms usually need to change. The tenses generally move backward in this way:

• Present Simple Tense into Past Simple Tense
• Present Continuous Tense into Past Continuous Tense
• Present Perfect Tense into Past Perfect Tense
• Past Simple Tense into Past Perfect Tense
• Past Continuous Tense into Past Perfect Continuous Tense
• Past Perfect Tense (the tense remains unchanged)

If somebody is talking about what will happen in the future then, again, you will need to change the tense of the reporting verb.

• Direct speech:  I shall leave in a moment.
• Reported speech:  She said that she would leave in a moment.

Notice how ‘shall’ and “will” become ‘would’ here in order for it to make sense.

• Will into Would
• Will be into Would be
• Will have into Would have
• Will have been into Would have been

Modal verbs actually have a very interesting relationship with reported speech, so we’ll look at that below too.

Modal Verbs and Reported Speech

We’ve already covered modal verbs in another article, but it’s interesting to see how they are changed in reported speech.

• Can into Could
• Could (The verb remains unchanged)
• Have to into Had to
• Must into Must/Had to
• May into Might
• Might (The verb remains unchanged)
• Should (The verb remains unchanged)

Let’s take a look at some examples.

• Direct speech:  Will I see you later?
• Reported speech:  He asked if he  would  see me later.

In the direct speech example you can see the modal verb ‘will’ being used to ask a question. Notice how in reported speech the modal verb ‘will’ and the reporting verb ‘ask’ are both written in the past tense. So, ‘will’ becomes ‘would’ and ‘ask’ becomes ‘asked’. It’s important in reported speech to make sure that each part of the sentence is in the same tense.

Sometimes though, modal verbs do not need to change tense because they already read correctly. Here’s an example.

• Direct speech:  I should go to the park.
• Reported speech:  He told me he  should  go to the park.

Notice that nothing needed to be changed here to fit the past tense reporting verb ‘told’. ‘Should’ does not need to be changed grammatically for either sentence to make sense. But you will notice that because we decided to use the reporting verb ‘told’ instead of ‘said’, we had to include the pronoun ‘me’ for it to make sense.

• Reported speech:  He told  me  he should go to the park.
• Reported speech:  He said he should go to the park.

Both of these sentences make grammatical sense, because we added the pronoun ‘me’ after ‘told’ in the first sentence, but we didn’t after ‘said’ in the second one. Here is the  incorrect  versions so you can see why it doesn’t work grammatically:

• Incorrect reported speech:  He told he should go to the park.
• Incorrect reported speech:  He said me he should go to the park.

In order to make the top one make sense, we need to add ‘me’ like we did in the correct examples above. In order to make the second one make sense, we would either have to remove ‘me’ like we did in the correct one above,  or  we would have to add  another  word. So that it looked like this.

• Reported speech:  He said  to  me he should go to the park.

The above sentence makes sense, but sometimes you have to watch your wording of certain things to make sure that you aren’t over-speaking/writing. This can be a problem if you are trying to get your point across quickly. You should always choose the option that is quickest to say/write because it sounds/looks better and you run less risk of making a grammatical mistake.

This guide could not possibly be extensive, because there are many grammar rules that need to be followed when reporting speech, but they vary wildly. The take-home message should really be that when reporting speech, it is important to think carefully about what you are going to say or write, so you know it makes sense. Hopefully, this guide served as a good starting point though, so you can identify reported speech now, and start to think about which grammar rules are applied.

Direct and Indirect Speech

Changes in time and place in reported speech.

Time and place references often have to change in Indirect Speech

• Now –> Then
• Today –> That day
• Here –> There
• This –> That
• Tomorrow –> The following day/ The next day/ The day after
• Next week –> The following week/ The next week/ The week after
• Yesterday –> The previous day/ The day before
• Last week –> The previous week/ The week before
• Ago –> Previously/ Before
• Tonight –> That night

No Change in Verb Tenses in Reported Speech

There is no change in verb tenses in Indirect Speech when:

• The introductory verb is in the Present, Present Perfect or Future .
• If the reported sentence deals with a fact or general truth .
• The reported sentence contains a time clause .
• The verb of the sentence is in the unreal past (the second or the third conditional ).
• The subjunctive stays unchanged in the subordinate clause .
• Had better , could , would , used to , should , might , ought to and mustn’t remain unchanged.
• If the speaker reports something immediately or soon after it was said .

Reporting Verbs in Indirect Speech

List of reporting verbs in reported speech.

• Tell, say, ask.
• Verb + that + clause : complain, deny, explain, exclaim, remark, promise, boast, inform somebody, claim, agree, suggest.
• Verb + to + infinitive : agree, offer, refuse, demand, threaten, promise, claim.
• Verb + indirect object + to + infinitive : advise, allow, beg, command, encourage, forbid, invite, want, instruct, permit, urge, order, remind, warn.
• Verb + “ing” form : admit (to), accuse somebody of, apologize for, boast about/ of, complain to somebody of, deny, insist on, suggest.
• Verb + how : explain to somebody.

Reported Questions in English

When you are changing a question from direct speech into indirect speech, you follow the same kinds of rules as for statements.

To report a question , we use verbs such as inquire, wonder, want to know, ask…

Reported Commands and Requests in English

Reported Orders, Commands, and Requests are formed using the to-infinitive and not to-infinitive.

The reporting verbs for the orders/ commands/ requests are order, shout, demand, warn, beg, command, tell, insist, beseech , threaten, implore, ask, propose, forbid…

When we change from direct to indirect speech, the pronoun and tense changes are also needed.

Reported Speech Video

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Reported Speech

Perfect english grammar.

Reported Statements

Here's how it works:

We use a 'reporting verb' like 'say' or 'tell'. ( Click here for more about using 'say' and 'tell' .) If this verb is in the present tense, it's easy. We just put 'she says' and then the sentence:

• Direct speech: I like ice cream.
• Reported speech: She says (that) she likes ice cream.

We don't need to change the tense, though probably we do need to change the 'person' from 'I' to 'she', for example. We also may need to change words like 'my' and 'your'. (As I'm sure you know, often, we can choose if we want to use 'that' or not in English. I've put it in brackets () to show that it's optional. It's exactly the same if you use 'that' or if you don't use 'that'.)

But , if the reporting verb is in the past tense, then usually we change the tenses in the reported speech:

• Reported speech: She said (that) she liked ice cream.

* doesn't change.

• Direct speech: The sky is blue.
• Reported speech: She said (that) the sky is/was blue.

Click here for a mixed tense exercise about practise reported statements. Click here for a list of all the reported speech exercises.

Reported Questions

So now you have no problem with making reported speech from positive and negative sentences. But how about questions?

• Direct speech: Where do you live?
• Reported speech: She asked me where I lived.
• Direct speech: Where is Julie?
• Reported speech: She asked me where Julie was.

• Direct speech: Do you like chocolate?
• Reported speech: She asked me if I liked chocolate.

Click here to practise reported 'wh' questions. Click here to practise reported 'yes / no' questions. Reported Requests

There's more! What if someone asks you to do something (in a polite way)? For example:

• Direct speech: Close the window, please
• Or: Could you close the window please?
• Or: Would you mind closing the window please?
• Reported speech: She asked me to close the window.

• Direct speech: Please don't be late.
• Reported speech: She asked us not to be late.

Reported Orders

• Direct speech: Sit down!
• Reported speech: She told me to sit down.

• Click here for an exercise to practise reported requests and orders.

• Click here for an exercise about using 'say' and 'tell'.
• Click here for a list of all the reported speech exercises.

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Reported Speech in English Grammar

Direct speech, changing the tense (backshift), no change of tenses, question sentences, demands/requests, expressions with who/what/how + infinitive, typical changes of time and place.

• Lingolia Plus English

Introduction

In English grammar, we use reported speech to say what another person has said. We can use their exact words with quotation marks , this is known as direct speech , or we can use indirect speech . In indirect speech , we change the tense and pronouns to show that some time has passed. Indirect speech is often introduced by a reporting verb or phrase such as ones below.

Learn the rules for writing indirect speech in English with Lingolia’s simple explanation. In the exercises, you can test your grammar skills.

When turning direct speech into indirect speech, we need to pay attention to the following points:

• changing the pronouns Example: He said, “ I saw a famous TV presenter.” He said (that) he had seen a famous TV presenter.
• changing the information about time and place (see the table at the end of this page) Example: He said, “I saw a famous TV presenter here yesterday .” He said (that) he had seen a famous TV presenter there the day before .
• changing the tense (backshift) Example: He said, “She was eating an ice-cream at the table where you are sitting .” He said (that) she had been eating an ice-cream at the table where I was sitting .

If the introductory clause is in the simple past (e.g. He said ), the tense has to be set back by one degree (see the table). The term for this in English is backshift .

The verbs could, should, would, might, must, needn’t, ought to, used to normally do not change.

If the introductory clause is in the simple present , however (e.g. He says ), then the tense remains unchanged, because the introductory clause already indicates that the statement is being immediately repeated (and not at a later point in time).

In some cases, however, we have to change the verb form.

When turning questions into indirect speech, we have to pay attention to the following points:

• As in a declarative sentence, we have to change the pronouns, the time and place information, and set the tense back ( backshift ).
• Instead of that , we use a question word. If there is no question word, we use whether / if instead. Example: She asked him, “ How often do you work?” → She asked him how often he worked. He asked me, “Do you know any famous people?” → He asked me if/whether I knew any famous people.
• We put the subject before the verb in question sentences. (The subject goes after the auxiliary verb in normal questions.) Example: I asked him, “ Have you met any famous people before?” → I asked him if/whether he had met any famous people before.
• We don’t use the auxiliary verb do for questions in indirect speech. Therefore, we sometimes have to conjugate the main verb (for third person singular or in the simple past ). Example: I asked him, “What do you want to tell me?” → I asked him what he wanted to tell me.
• We put the verb directly after who or what in subject questions. Example: I asked him, “ Who is sitting here?” → I asked him who was sitting there.

We don’t just use indirect questions to report what another person has asked. We also use them to ask questions in a very polite manner.

When turning demands and requests into indirect speech, we only need to change the pronouns and the time and place information. We don’t have to pay attention to the tenses – we simply use an infinitive .

If it is a negative demand, then in indirect speech we use not + infinitive .

To express what someone should or can do in reported speech, we leave out the subject and the modal verb and instead we use the construction who/what/where/how + infinitive.

Say or Tell?

The words say and tell are not interchangeable. say = say something tell = say something to someone

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What is Reported Speech and how to use it? with Examples

Published by

Olivia Drake

Reported speech and indirect speech are two terms that refer to the same concept, which is the act of expressing what someone else has said.

On this page:

Reported speech is different from direct speech because it does not use the speaker’s exact words. Instead, the reporting verb is used to introduce the reported speech, and the tense and pronouns are changed to reflect the shift in perspective. There are two main types of reported speech: statements and questions.

1. Reported Statements: In reported statements, the reporting verb is usually “said.” The tense in the reported speech changes from the present simple to the past simple, and any pronouns referring to the speaker or listener are changed to reflect the shift in perspective. For example, “I am going to the store,” becomes “He said that he was going to the store.”

2. Reported Questions: In reported questions, the reporting verb is usually “asked.” The tense in the reported speech changes from the present simple to the past simple, and the word order changes from a question to a statement. For example, “What time is it?” becomes “She asked what time it was.”

It’s important to note that the tense shift in reported speech depends on the context and the time of the reported speech. Here are a few more examples:

• Direct speech: “I will call you later.”Reported speech: He said that he would call me later.
• Direct speech: “Did you finish your homework?”Reported speech: She asked if I had finished my homework.
• Direct speech: “I love pizza.”Reported speech: They said that they loved pizza.

When do we use reported speech?

Reported speech is used to report what someone else has said, thought, or written. It is often used in situations where you want to relate what someone else has said without quoting them directly.

Reported speech can be used in a variety of contexts, such as in news reports, academic writing, and everyday conversation. Some common situations where reported speech is used include:

News reports:  Journalists often use reported speech to quote what someone said in an interview or press conference.

Business and professional communication:  In professional settings, reported speech can be used to summarize what was discussed in a meeting or to report feedback from a customer.

Conversational English:  In everyday conversations, reported speech is used to relate what someone else said. For example, “She told me that she was running late.”

Narration:  In written narratives or storytelling, reported speech can be used to convey what a character said or thought.

How to make reported speech?

1. Change the pronouns and adverbs of time and place: In reported speech, you need to change the pronouns, adverbs of time and place to reflect the new speaker or point of view. Here’s an example:

Direct speech: “I’m going to the store now,” she said. Reported speech: She said she was going to the store then.

In this example, the pronoun “I” is changed to “she” and the adverb “now” is changed to “then.”

2. Change the tense: In reported speech, you usually need to change the tense of the verb to reflect the change from direct to indirect speech. Here’s an example:

Direct speech: “I will meet you at the park tomorrow,” he said. Reported speech: He said he would meet me at the park the next day.

In this example, the present tense “will” is changed to the past tense “would.”

3. Change reporting verbs: In reported speech, you can use different reporting verbs such as “say,” “tell,” “ask,” or “inquire” depending on the context of the speech. Here’s an example:

Direct speech: “Did you finish your homework?” she asked. Reported speech: She asked if I had finished my homework.

In this example, the reporting verb “asked” is changed to “said” and “did” is changed to “had.”

Overall, when making reported speech, it’s important to pay attention to the verb tense and the changes in pronouns, adverbs, and reporting verbs to convey the original speaker’s message accurately.

How do I change the pronouns and adverbs in reported speech?

1. Changing Pronouns: In reported speech, the pronouns in the original statement must be changed to reflect the perspective of the new speaker. Generally, the first person pronouns (I, me, my, mine, we, us, our, ours) are changed according to the subject of the reporting verb, while the second and third person pronouns (you, your, yours, he, him, his, she, her, hers, it, its, they, them, their, theirs) are changed according to the object of the reporting verb. For example:

Direct speech: “I love chocolate.” Reported speech: She said she loved chocolate.

Direct speech: “You should study harder.” Reported speech: He advised me to study harder.

Direct speech: “She is reading a book.” Reported speech: They noticed that she was reading a book.

2. Changing Adverbs: In reported speech, the adverbs and adverbial phrases that indicate time or place may need to be changed to reflect the perspective of the new speaker. For example:

Direct speech: “I’m going to the cinema tonight.” Reported speech: She said she was going to the cinema that night.

Direct speech: “He is here.” Reported speech: She said he was there.

Note that the adverb “now” usually changes to “then” or is omitted altogether in reported speech, depending on the context.

It’s important to keep in mind that the changes made to pronouns and adverbs in reported speech depend on the context and the perspective of the new speaker. With practice, you can become more comfortable with making these changes in reported speech.

How do I change the tense in reported speech?

In reported speech, the tense of the reported verb usually changes to reflect the change from direct to indirect speech. Here are some guidelines on how to change the tense in reported speech:

Present simple in direct speech changes to past simple in reported speech. For example: Direct speech: “I like pizza.” Reported speech: She said she liked pizza.

Present continuous in direct speech changes to past continuous in reported speech. For example: Direct speech: “I am studying for my exam.” Reported speech: He said he was studying for his exam.

Present perfect in direct speech changes to past perfect in reported speech. For example: Direct speech: “I have finished my work.” Reported speech: She said she had finished her work.

Past simple in direct speech changes to past perfect in reported speech. For example: Direct speech: “I visited my grandparents last weekend.” Reported speech: She said she had visited her grandparents the previous weekend.

Will in direct speech changes to would in reported speech. For example: Direct speech: “I will help you with your project.” Reported speech: He said he would help me with my project.

Can in direct speech changes to could in reported speech. For example: Direct speech: “I can speak French.” Reported speech: She said she could speak French.

Remember that the tense changes in reported speech depend on the tense of the verb in the direct speech, and the tense you use in reported speech should match the time frame of the new speaker’s perspective. With practice, you can become more comfortable with changing the tense in reported speech.

Do I always need to use a reporting verb in reported speech?

No, you do not always need to use a reporting verb in reported speech. However, using a reporting verb can help to clarify who is speaking and add more context to the reported speech.

In some cases, the reported speech can be introduced by phrases such as “I heard that” or “It seems that” without using a reporting verb. For example:

Direct speech: “I’m going to the cinema tonight.” Reported speech with a reporting verb: She said she was going to the cinema tonight. Reported speech without a reporting verb: It seems that she’s going to the cinema tonight.

However, it’s important to note that using a reporting verb can help to make the reported speech more formal and accurate. When using reported speech in academic writing or journalism, it’s generally recommended to use a reporting verb to make the reporting more clear and credible.

Some common reporting verbs include say, tell, explain, ask, suggest, and advise. For example:

Direct speech: “I think we should invest in renewable energy.” Reported speech with a reporting verb: She suggested that they invest in renewable energy.

Overall, while using a reporting verb is not always required, it can be helpful to make the reported speech more clear and accurate

How to use reported speech to report questions and commands?

1. Reporting Questions: When reporting questions, you need to use an introductory phrase such as “asked” or “wondered” followed by the question word (if applicable), subject, and verb. You also need to change the word order to make it a statement. Here’s an example:

Direct speech: “What time is the meeting?” Reported speech: She asked what time the meeting was.

Note that the question mark is not used in reported speech.

2. Reporting Commands: When reporting commands, you need to use an introductory phrase such as “ordered” or “told” followed by the person, to + infinitive, and any additional information. Here’s an example:

Direct speech: “Clean your room!” Reported speech: She ordered me to clean my room.

Note that the exclamation mark is not used in reported speech.

In both cases, the tense of the reported verb should be changed accordingly. For example, present simple changes to past simple, and future changes to conditional. Here are some examples:

Direct speech: “Will you go to the party with me?”Reported speech: She asked if I would go to the party with her. Direct speech: “Please bring me a glass of water.”Reported speech: She requested that I bring her a glass of water.

Remember that when using reported speech to report questions and commands, the introductory phrases and verb tenses are important to convey the intended meaning accurately.

How to make questions in reported speech?

To make questions in reported speech, you need to use an introductory phrase such as “asked” or “wondered” followed by the question word (if applicable), subject, and verb. You also need to change the word order to make it a statement. Here are the steps to make questions in reported speech:

Identify the reporting verb: The first step is to identify the reporting verb in the sentence. Common reporting verbs used to report questions include “asked,” “inquired,” “wondered,” and “wanted to know.”

Change the tense and pronouns: Next, you need to change the tense and pronouns in the sentence to reflect the shift from direct to reported speech. The tense of the verb is usually shifted back one tense (e.g. from present simple to past simple) in reported speech. The pronouns should also be changed as necessary to reflect the shift in perspective from the original speaker to the reporting speaker.

Use an appropriate question word: If the original question contained a question word (e.g. who, what, where, when, why, how), you should use the same question word in the reported question. If the original question did not contain a question word, you can use “if” or “whether” to introduce the reported question.

Change the word order: In reported speech, the word order of the question changes from the inverted form to a normal statement form. The subject usually comes before the verb, unless the original question started with a question word.

Here are some examples of reported questions:

Direct speech: “Did you finish your homework?”Reported speech: He wanted to know if I had finished my homework. Direct speech: “Where are you going?”Reported speech: She wondered where I was going.

Remember that when making questions in reported speech, the introductory phrases and verb tenses are important to convey the intended meaning accurately.

Here you can find more examples of direct and indirect questions

What is the difference between reported speech an indirect speech?

In reported or indirect speech, you are retelling or reporting what someone said using your own words. The tense of the reported speech is usually shifted back one tense from the tense used in the original statement. For example, if someone said, “I am going to the store,” in reported speech you would say, “He/she said that he/she was going to the store.”

The main difference between reported speech and indirect speech is that reported speech usually refers to spoken language, while indirect speech can refer to both spoken and written language. Additionally, indirect speech is a broader term that includes reported speech as well as other ways of expressing what someone else has said, such as paraphrasing or summarizing.

Examples of direct speech to reported

• Direct speech: “I am hungry,” she said. Reported speech: She said she was hungry.
• Direct speech: “Can you pass the salt, please?” he asked. Reported speech: He asked her to pass the salt.
• Direct speech: “I will meet you at the cinema,” he said. Reported speech: He said he would meet her at the cinema.
• Direct speech: “I have been working on this project for hours,” she said. Reported speech: She said she had been working on the project for hours.
• Direct speech: “What time does the train leave?” he asked. Reported speech: He asked what time the train left.
• Direct speech: “I love playing the piano,” she said. Reported speech: She said she loved playing the piano.
• Direct speech: “I am going to the grocery store,” he said. Reported speech: He said he was going to the grocery store.
• Direct speech: “Did you finish your homework?” the teacher asked. Reported speech: The teacher asked if he had finished his homework.
• Direct speech: “I want to go to the beach,” she said. Reported speech: She said she wanted to go to the beach.
• Direct speech: “Do you need help with that?” he asked. Reported speech: He asked if she needed help with that.
• Direct speech: “I can’t come to the party,” he said. Reported speech: He said he couldn’t come to the party.
• Direct speech: “Please don’t leave me,” she said. Reported speech: She begged him not to leave her.
• Direct speech: “I have never been to London before,” he said. Reported speech: He said he had never been to London before.
• Direct speech: “Where did you put my phone?” she asked. Reported speech: She asked where she had put her phone.
• Direct speech: “I’m sorry for being late,” he said. Reported speech: He apologized for being late.
• Direct speech: “I need some help with this math problem,” she said. Reported speech: She said she needed some help with the math problem.
• Direct speech: “I am going to study abroad next year,” he said. Reported speech: He said he was going to study abroad the following year.
• Direct speech: “Can you give me a ride to the airport?” she asked. Reported speech: She asked him to give her a ride to the airport.
• Direct speech: “I don’t know how to fix this,” he said. Reported speech: He said he didn’t know how to fix it.
• Direct speech: “I hate it when it rains,” she said. Reported speech: She said she hated it when it rained.

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StoryLearning

Learn A Language Through Stories

A Comprehensive Guide To Reported Speech In English

There are times when someone tells you something and you’ll have to report what they said to someone else.

How can you do this in English?

You’ll need to know how to use what's called reported speech in English and this is what you’ll learn in this blog post.

What Is Reported Speech In English?

Reported speech, also known as indirect speech, is a way of retelling what someone else has said without repeating their exact words. 

For example, let’s say you have a friend called Jon and one called Mary. Mary has organised a house party and has invited you and Jon. 

Jon, however, is not feeling well. He says to you, “Sorry but I cannot come to the party. I spent all day working outside under the rain and I feel ill today.” 

A few days after the party, you meet Sarah. She’s another one of your friends and she was at the party too, but she arrived late – a moment before you left. You only had time to say hello to each other. 

She asks you, “I saw you at the party but I didn’t see Jon. Where was he?”

When Sarah asks you, “Where was Jon?” you can say, 

“Jon said, ‘Sorry but I cannot come to the party. I spent all day working outside under the rain and I feel ill today’.”

However, it would be more natural to use indirect speech in this case. So you would say, “Jon said he couldn’t come to the party. He had spent all day working outside under the rain and he felt ill that day .” 

Did you notice how the sentence changes in reported speech?

Here’s what happened:

• “I” became “he”
• “Cannot” became “couldn’t”
• “Spent” became “had spent”
• “I feel ill today” became “he felt ill on that day” 

Let’s take a closer look at how we form reported speech.

How To Form Reported Speech In English

To form reported speech, you might have to make a few changes to the original sentence that was spoken (or written). 

You may have to change pronouns, verb tenses, place and time expressions and, in the case of questions, the word order.

There are certain patterns to learn for reporting promises, agreements, orders, offers, requests, advice and suggestions.

Let’s have a look at all these cases one by one.

Reported Speech In English: Changing Verb Tenses

In general, when we use reported speech, the present tenses become past tenses.  

We do this because we are often reporting someone else’s words at a different time (Jon’s words were spoken 3 days before you reported them to Sarah).

Here’s an example:

Jenny (on Saturday evening) says,  “I don't like this place. I want to go home now.”(present tenses)

Matt (on Sunday morning) talks to James and says, “Jenny said that she didn't like the place, and she wanted to go home. (past tenses)

So this is how different verb tenses change:

Simple Present → Simple Past

DIRECT: I need money.

INDIRECT: She said she needed money.

Present Progressive → Past Progressive

DIRECT: My French is improving.

INDIRECT: He said his French was improving.

Present Perfect → Past Perfect

DIRECT: This has been an amazing holiday.

INDIRECT: She told me that it had been an amazing holiday.

What if there is a past simple form of the verb in direct speech? Well, in this case, it can stay the same in reported speech or you can change it to past perfect .

Past Simple → Past Simple Or Past Perfect

DIRECT: I didn’t go to work.

INDIRECT: Mary said that she didn’t go to work / Mary said that she hadn’t gone to work 

Past Perfect Tenses Do Not Change

DIRECT: I arrived late because I had missed the bus.

INDIRECT: He said he arrived (or had arrived) late because he had missed the bus.

Modal verbs like “can,” “may,” and “will” also change in reported speech.

Will → Would

DIRECT: The exam will be difficult.

INDIRECT: They said that the exam would be difficult.

Can → Could

DIRECT: I can’t be there.

INDIRECT: He told me he couldn’t be there.

May → Might

DIRECT: We may go there another time.

INDIRECT: They said they might go there another time.

However, past modal verbs don’t change (would, must, could, should, etc.) don’t change in reported speech.

DIRECT: It would be nice if we could go to Paris.

INDIRECT: He said it would be nice if we could go to Paris.

Here are some other examples:

So, in summary, 

• am/is → were
• do/does → did
• have/has → had
• had done → had done
• will → would
• can → could
• may → might
• could → could
• would → would
• like/love/buy/see → liked/loved/bought/saw or had liked/ had loved/had bought/had seen.

You make these verb tense shifts when you report the original words at a different time from when they were spoken. However, it is often also possible to keep the original speaker’s tenses when the situation is still the same.

For example, 

1. DIRECT: I am feeling sick.

   INDIRECT: She said she is feeling sick.

2. DIRECT: We have to leave now.

   INDIRECT: They said they have to leave now.

3. DIRECT: I will call you later.

   INDIRECT: He said he will call me later.

4. DIRECT: She is not coming to the party.

   INDIRECT: He said she is not coming to the party.

5. DIRECT: They are working on a new project.

   INDIRECT: She said they are working on a new project.

What about conditional sentences? How do they change in reported speech?

Sentences with “if” and “would” are usually unchanged.

DIRECT: It would be best if we went there early.

INDIRECT: He said it would be best if they went there early.

But conditional sentences used to describe unreal situations (e.g. second conditional or third conditional sentences) can change like this:

DIRECT: If I had more money I would buy a new car.

INDIRECT: She said if she had had more money, she would have bought a new car OR She said if she had more money, she would buy a new car.

Reported Speech In English: Changing Pronouns

In reported speech, because you’re reporting someone else’s words, there’s a change of speaker so this may mean a change of pronoun.

An example:

Jenny says,  “I don't like this place. I want to go home now.”

Matt says, “Jenny said that she didn't like the place, and she wanted to go home.” 

In this example, Jenny says “I” to refer to herself but Matt, talking about what Jenny said, uses “she”.

So the sentence in reported speech becomes:

• Jenny said that she didn’t like . . . ( not Jenny said that I didn’t like . . .)

Some other examples:

1 . DIRECT: I have been studying for hours.

   INDIRECT: He said he had been studying for hours.

2. DIRECT: I don’t like that movie.

   INDIRECT: She said she didn’t like that movie.

3. DIRECT: He doesn't like coffee.

   INDIRECT: She said he doesn't like coffee.

4. DIRECT: We have a new car.

   INDIRECT: They told me they had a new car.

5. DIRECT: We are going on vacation next week.

    INDIRECT: They said they are going on vacation next week.

Reported Speech In English: Place And Time Expressions

When you’re reporting someone’s words, there is often a change of place and time.  This may mean that you will need to change or remove words that are used to refer to places and time like “here,” “this,” “now,” “today,” “next,” “last,” “yesterday,” “tomorrow,” and so on. 

Check the differences in the following sentences:

DIRECT: I'll be back next month.

INDIRECT: She said she would be back the next month , but I never saw her again.

DIRECT: Emma got her degree last Tuesday.

INDIRECT: He said Emma had got her degree the Tuesday before.

DIRECT: I had an argument with my mother-in-law yesterday .

INDIRECT: He said he’d had an argument with his mother-in-law the day before .

DIRECT: We're going to have an amazing party tomorrow.

INDIRECT: They said they were going to have an amazing party the next day.

DIRECT: Meet me here at 10 am.

INDIRECT: He told me to meet him there at 10 am.

DIRECT: This restaurant is really good.

INDIRECT: She said that the restaurant was really good.

DIRECT: I'm going to the gym now.

INDIRECT: He said he was going to the gym at that time.

DIRECT: Today is my birthday.

INDIRECT: She told me that it was her birthday that day .

DIRECT: I'm leaving for Europe next week.

INDIRECT: She said she was leaving for Europe the following week.

Reported Speech In English: Word Order In Questions

What if you have to report a question? For example, how would you report the following questions?

• Where’s Mark?
• When are you going to visit your grandmother?
• What do I need to buy for the celebration?
• Where are your best friend and his wife staying?
• Do you like coffee?
• Can you sing?
• Who’s your best friend?
• What time do you usually wake up?
• What would you do if you won the lottery?
• Do you ever read nonfiction books?

In reported questions, the subject normally comes before the verb and auxiliary “do” is not used.

So, here is what happens when you're reporting a question:

DIRECT: Where’s Mark?

INDIRECT: I asked where Mark was. 

DIRECT: When are you going to visit your grandmother?

INDIRECT: He wanted to know when I was going to visit my grandmother.

DIRECT: What do I need to buy for the celebration?

INDIRECT: She asked what she needed to buy for the celebration.

DIRECT: Where are your best friend and his wife staying?

INDIRECT: I asked where his best friend and his wife were staying.

DIRECT: Do you like coffee?

INDIRECT: I asked if she liked coffee.

DIRECT: Can you sing?

INDIRECT: She asked me if I could sing.

DIRECT: Who’s your best friend?

INDIRECT: They asked me who my best friend was. 

DIRECT: What time do you usually wake up?

INDIRECT: She asked me what time I usually wake up.

DIRECT: What would you do if you won the lottery?

INDIRECT: He asked me what I would do if I won the lottery.

DIRECT: Do you ever read nonfiction books?

INDIRECT: She asked me if I ever read nonfiction books.

You might have noticed that question marks are not used in reported questions and you don’t use “say” or “tell” either.

Promises, Agreements, Orders, Offers, Requests & Advice

When you’re reporting these, you can use the following verbs + an infinitive:

Here are some examples:

DIRECT SPEECH: I’ll always love you.

PROMISE IN INDIRECT SPEECH: She promised to love me.

DIRECT SPEECH: OK, let’s go to the pub.

INDIRECT SPEECH: He agreed to come to the pub with me.

DIRECT SPEECH: Sit down!

INDIRECT SPEECH: They told me to sit down OR they ordered me to sit down.

DIRECT SPEECH: I can go to the post office for you.

INDIRECT SPEECH: She offered to go to the post office.

DIRECT SPEECH: Could I please have the documentation by tomorrow evening?

INDIRECT SPEECH: She requested to have the documentation by the following evening.

DIRECT SPEECH: You should think twice before giving him your phone number.

INDIRECT SPEECH: She advised me to think twice before giving him my phone number.

Reported Speech In English

All right! I hope you have a much clearer idea about what reported speech is and how it’s used. 

And the good news is that both direct and indirect speech structures are commonly used in stories, so why not try the StoryLearning method ? 

You'll notice this grammatical pattern repeatedly in the context of short stories in English.

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Reported Speech

Learn how to use  reported speech in English. Reported speech is also known as  indirect speech  and is used to tell somebody else what another person said. Using  reported speech in English can sometimes be difficult for non-native speakers as we (usually) change the verbs, pronouns and specific times.

Keep reading to understand how to use reported speech and download this free English lesson!

Let’s study reported speech !

Reported speech vs. direct speech.

When we want to tell somebody else what another person said, we can use either direct speech  or  reported speech .

When we use d irect speech, we use the same words but use quotation marks, “_”. For example:

Scott said, “I am coming to work.  I will be late because there is a lot of traffic now.”

When we use r eported speech, we usually change the verbs, specific times, and pronouns. For example:

Scott said that he was coming to work.  He said that he would be late because there was a lot of traffic at that time.

How do we use reported speech ?

Since reported speech is usually talking about the past, we usually change the verbs into the past. It is always necessary to change the verbs when the action has finished or is untrue.

We do not always change the verbs.  When you are reporting an action that is still current or true, it is not necessary to change the verb tense. For example:    

How old are you?  “ I am twenty-seven years old .” She said she is twenty-seven years old.

We usually follow the rules below.  When we are reporting speech, we are usually talking about the past; therefore, we change the verbs into the past.

Reporting Questions

We use a special form when we report questions:  

WH-Questions:    

Where is + Tom’s house ?   He asked where Tom’s house + was.

Where does Tom live?  He asked where Tom lived.

Yes/No Questions:  

Does Tom live in Miami?  She asked if Tom  lived in Miami.

Is Tom happy?  She asked if Tom was happy.

Say vs. Tell

Say Something

June:  “I love English .”

June said (that) she loved English.

Tell Someone Something

June:  “I love English.”

June told me (that) she loved English.

Modal Verbs and Reported Speech

Must, might, could, would, should , and ought to stay the same in re ported   s peech .  We usually change may to might .

Infinitives and Reported Speech

Infinitives  stay the same in reported speech:

“ I am going to the store to buy milk.”  He said he was going to the store to buy milk.

We also use infinitives when reporting orders and commands, especially when using tell .

“ Do  your homework.   Don’t use a dictionary!!”  He told me to do to my homework and not to use a dictionary.

Reporting Suggestions

When we are reporting another speakers suggestions, we can use a special form with suggest, recommend, or propose .

SUGGEST/ RECOMMEND/PROPOSE   +   (*THAT)   +    SUBJECT PRONOUN   +   **V1

SUGGEST/ RECOMMEND/PROPOSE   +   V1 + ING

“I think you should visit Viscaya.”     →  He suggested we visit Viscaya.  He suggested visiting Viscaya.

“Try to get there early to get good seats.”    →   He recommended we get there early to get good seats.

*That is often omitted in speech.

**The verb is always in the base form. We do not use third person.

Reporting Statements

A reported statement  begins with an introductory clause and is followed by the ‘information’ clause.  The speaker may choose different words, but the meaning remains unchanged.  Some formal words to introduce a reported statement or response are: declared, stated, informed, responded, replied, etc.

“I don’t agree with these new rules. I am not going to accept this change!” →  He declared that he was in disagreement with the new rules and stated that he would not accept the changes.

Free English Lesson PDF Download

Reported Speech ~ Exercises and Practice

A. Change each direct speech example into the reported speech . The first one has been done for you.

• Michelle said, “I love my Chihuahua, Daisy.”

Michelle said that she loved her Chihuahua, Daisy.

2. Republicans said, “We don’t support Obama’s plan to raise taxes.”

__________________________________________________________.

3.With her mouth full, Sarah said, “I am eating mashed potatoes.”

4. John Lee said, “This year, I will not pay my taxes.”

5. Lebron said, “I am going to win the championship next year.”

6. Patty said, “I can’t stomach another hamburger. I ate one yesterday.”

B. Rewrite the sentences/questions below using reported / indirect speech . Always change the tense, even though it is not always necessary. You can use ‘said’, ‘told me’ , or ‘asked’ .

1. Sarah:   “I am in the shower right now.”

_____________________________________________________________________________

2. John:   “I dropped my son off at school this morning.”

3. Samuel: “I am going to the beach with my sister this afternoon.”

4. John: “Jessica will call you later.”

5. The girls: “Who does John live with?”

6. Our classmate: “Did we have any homework last night?”

7. Sarah: “I am moving to Tokyo because I want to learn Japanese.”

8. John: “Why do you have an umbrella?”

9. The students: “Our teacher can’t find her books anywhere.”

10. Sarah and Jillian: “Is John British?”

11. Steve: “I’m going to the beach so that I can play volleyball.”

__________________________________________________________________________________

12. Ann: “Where is the bathroom?”

13. My parents: “What are you going to do with your life?”

14. Sarah: “I ate breakfast before I came to school.”

C. Your friend Megan is very nosy (she always wants to know what’s going on) so she constantly asks questions about your life and the lives of your friends. Rewrite her questions using the reported questions form. The first one has been done for you .

1. Why do you date Ryan?

She asked me why I dated Ryan.

2. How much money do you make at your new job?

________________________________________________________________________________

3. Does Ryan think I’m pretty?

4. Where is your favorite restaurant?

5. Do I look good in these jeans?

6. Can I borrow some twenty bucks?

D. Your American grandfather is telling you about how things used to be. Using the reported speech , tell your friends what he said.

“In the 1930s, people were very poor. They ate watery soup and hard bread. Many people lost their jobs. To make matters worse, a horrible drought ruined most of the farmland in the American midwest. People went to California to look for a better life. They picked strawberries in the hot California sun.”

Did you download this lesson? If not, don’t forget to download this free English lesson.

If you have any questions about English grammar, please contact us via email us or just comment below. I hope this lesson helped you understand how to use reported speech in English.

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• English Grammar
• Reported Speech

Reported Speech - Definition, Rules and Usage with Examples

Reported speech or indirect speech is the form of speech used to convey what was said by someone at some point of time. This article will help you with all that you need to know about reported speech, its meaning, definition, how and when to use them along with examples. Furthermore, try out the practice questions given to check how far you have understood the topic.

Table of Contents

Definition of reported speech, rules to be followed when using reported speech, table 1 – change of pronouns, table 2 – change of adverbs of place and adverbs of time, table 3 – change of tense, table 4 – change of modal verbs, tips to practise reported speech, examples of reported speech, check your understanding of reported speech, frequently asked questions on reported speech in english, what is reported speech.

Reported speech is the form in which one can convey a message said by oneself or someone else, mostly in the past. It can also be said to be the third person view of what someone has said. In this form of speech, you need not use quotation marks as you are not quoting the exact words spoken by the speaker, but just conveying the message.

Now, take a look at the following dictionary definitions for a clearer idea of what it is.

Reported speech, according to the Oxford Learner’s Dictionary, is defined as “a report of what somebody has said that does not use their exact words.” The Collins Dictionary defines reported speech as “speech which tells you what someone said, but does not use the person’s actual words.” According to the Cambridge Dictionary, reported speech is defined as “the act of reporting something that was said, but not using exactly the same words.” The Macmillan Dictionary defines reported speech as “the words that you use to report what someone else has said.”

Reported speech is a little different from direct speech . As it has been discussed already, reported speech is used to tell what someone said and does not use the exact words of the speaker. Take a look at the following rules so that you can make use of reported speech effectively.

• The first thing you have to keep in mind is that you need not use any quotation marks as you are not using the exact words of the speaker.
• You can use the following formula to construct a sentence in the reported speech.

• You can use verbs like said, asked, requested, ordered, complained, exclaimed, screamed, told, etc. If you are just reporting a declarative sentence , you can use verbs like told, said, etc. followed by ‘that’ and end the sentence with a full stop . When you are reporting interrogative sentences, you can use the verbs – enquired, inquired, asked, etc. and remove the question mark . In case you are reporting imperative sentences , you can use verbs like requested, commanded, pleaded, ordered, etc. If you are reporting exclamatory sentences , you can use the verb exclaimed and remove the exclamation mark . Remember that the structure of the sentences also changes accordingly.
• Furthermore, keep in mind that the sentence structure , tense , pronouns , modal verbs , some specific adverbs of place and adverbs of time change when a sentence is transformed into indirect/reported speech.

Transforming Direct Speech into Reported Speech

As discussed earlier, when transforming a sentence from direct speech into reported speech, you will have to change the pronouns, tense and adverbs of time and place used by the speaker. Let us look at the following tables to see how they work.

Here are some tips you can follow to become a pro in using reported speech.

• Select a play, a drama or a short story with dialogues and try transforming the sentences in direct speech into reported speech.
• Write about an incident or speak about a day in your life using reported speech.
• Develop a story by following prompts or on your own using reported speech.

Given below are a few examples to show you how reported speech can be written. Check them out.

• Santana said that she would be auditioning for the lead role in Funny Girl.
• Blaine requested us to help him with the algebraic equations.
• Karishma asked me if I knew where her car keys were.
• The judges announced that the Warblers were the winners of the annual acapella competition.
• Binsha assured that she would reach Bangalore by 8 p.m.
• Kumar said that he had gone to the doctor the previous day.
• Lakshmi asked Teena if she would accompany her to the railway station.
• Jibin told me that he would help me out after lunch.
• The police ordered everyone to leave from the bus stop immediately.
• Rahul said that he was drawing a caricature.

Transform the following sentences into reported speech by making the necessary changes.

1. Rachel said, “I have an interview tomorrow.”

2. Mahesh said, “What is he doing?”

3. Sherly said, “My daughter is playing the lead role in the skit.”

4. Dinesh said, “It is a wonderful movie!”

5. Suresh said, “My son is getting married next month.”

6. Preetha said, “Can you please help me with the invitations?”

7. Anna said, “I look forward to meeting you.”

8. The teacher said, “Make sure you complete the homework before tomorrow.”

9. Sylvester said, “I am not going to cry anymore.”

10. Jade said, “My sister is moving to Los Angeles.”

Now, find out if you have answered all of them correctly.

1. Rachel said that she had an interview the next day.

2. Mahesh asked what he was doing.

3. Sherly said that her daughter was playing the lead role in the skit.

4. Dinesh exclaimed that it was a wonderful movie.

5. Suresh said that his son was getting married the following month.

6. Preetha asked if I could help her with the invitations.

7. Anna said that she looked forward to meeting me.

8. The teacher told us to make sure we completed the homework before the next day.

9. Sylvester said that he was not going to cry anymore.

10. Jade said that his sister was moving to Los Angeles.

What is reported speech?

What is the definition of reported speech.

Reported speech, according to the Oxford Learner’s Dictionary, is defined as “a report of what somebody has said that does not use their exact words.” The Collins Dictionary defines reported speech as “speech which tells you what someone said, but does not use the person’s actual words.” According to the Cambridge Dictionary, reported speech is defined as “the act of reporting something that was said, but not using exactly the same words.” The Macmillan Dictionary defines reported speech as “the words that you use to report what someone else has said.”

What is the formula of reported speech?

You can use the following formula to construct a sentence in the reported speech. Subject said that (report whatever the speaker said)

Give some examples of reported speech.

Given below are a few examples to show you how reported speech can be written.

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Reported Speech with Examples and Test (PDF)

Reported speech is used when we want to convey what someone else has said to us or to another person. It involves paraphrasing or summarising what has been said , often changing verb tenses , pronouns and other elements to suit the context of the report.

*doesn’t change

Formula of Reported Speech

The formula for reported speech involves transforming direct speech into an indirect form while maintaining the meaning of the original statement. In general, the formula includes:

• Choosing an appropriate reporting verb (e.g., say, tell, mention, explain).
• Changing pronouns and time expressions if necessary.
• Shifting the tense of the verb back if the reporting verb is in the past tense.
• Using reporting clauses like “that” or appropriate conjunctions.
• Adjusting word order and punctuation to fit the structure of the reported speech.

Here’s a simplified formula:

Reporting Verb + Indirect Object + Conjunction + Reported Clause

For example:

• She said (reporting verb) to me (indirect object) that (conjunction) she liked ice cream (reported clause).

Here’s how we use reported speech:

Reporting Verbs: We use verbs like ‘say’ or ‘tell’ to introduce reported speech. If the reporting verb is in the present tense, the tense of the reported speech generally remains the same.

If the reporting verb is in the past tense , the tense of the reported speech often shifts back in time.

Tense Changes: Tense changes are common in reported speech. For example, present simple may change to past simple, present continuous to past continuous, etc. However, some verbs like ‘would’, ‘could’, ‘should’, ‘might’, ‘must’, and ‘ought to’ generally don’t change.

Reported Questions: When reporting questions, we often change them into statements while preserving the meaning. Question words are retained, and the tense of the verbs may change.

Reported Requests and Orders: Requests and orders are reported similarly to statements. Reported requests often use ‘asked me to’ + infinitive, while reported orders use ‘told me to’ + infinitive.

Time Expressions: Time expressions may need to change depending on when the reported speech occurred in relation to the reporting moment. For instance, ‘today’ may become ‘that day’ or ‘yesterday’, ‘yesterday’ might become ‘the day before’, and so forth.

Reported Speech with Examples PDF

  Reported Speech PDF – download

Reported Speech Test

  Reported Speech A2 – B1 Test – download

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Grammar: Reported Speech in English

Test your understanding of this English lesson

358 comments.

Dear Madam I thank you very much for your efforts & hard work to help people like me. I loved above video abuot repported speech. i got it but what is reported speech when original sentence it a past perfect / past perfect continuous and future’s other 3 tenses.

Some more things i m not sure are . how would be negative sentence of this

1.she has a nice car.

she doesn’t have a nice car. or she doesn’t has a nice car.

Ravi Burlington, Canada

She doesn’t have a car

sorry has is wrong

She doesn’t have a car.

Hello Rebecca!!

i love ur lectures, infact im now in love with this website. all of u are doing great.

your lesson on reported speech is very clear n precised. it helped me a lot. but could u please, if possible, manage to record a lesson on “WH” words (like who, what, when, where, and how) reported speech with their affirmative, negative and interrogative also please try to cover the topic about “let” reported speech sentences.

hoping to hear from you soon. thanks.

she told me that he doesn’t have a car

Hey! i can help you with this sentences: 1. She has a nice car (Present Simple Tense) Angela said me that she had a nice car. 2. she doesn’t have a nice car(the same tense) Angela mentioned that she didn’t has a nice car. there is nothing hard. you must also take it in next tense (present simple to past simple; present continuous to past continuous and so on).

James, sorry but you have done a mistake. Use always said without me. You have to use me as told me. An example: She told me she had a car or She said she had a car. Tks.

she doesn’t have a nice car because you’re usind DOES. You can say : She hasn’t a nice car

According with Essential Grammar in use 2nd edition unit 7 section c pag 20 she hasn’t got a car indicates a possession (like she has got green eyes or she has green eyes) when you are using a negative sentence in present simple the auxiliary verb doesn’t indicates the third singular person and the negation so the main verb goes in its base form: she doesn’t have a car otherwise using has after doesn’t will be a grammatical error (she doesn’t has a car) because you will be making two negations in the same sentence. Good night!

hi hgnis 76; past perfect doesn’t change: She said, “The lesson had already started when he arrived.”= she said that she had already started when he arrived. past perfect continous doesn’t change: She said, “I’d already been teaching for five minutes.”=She said she’d already been teaching for five minutes.

-she dosn’t have a nice car

We thank her

Dear hgnis76,

my English has a poor level but I’m sure “she doesn’t has a nice car” is ungrammatical. Only one verb can give -s in one sentence (clause).

Dear Rebecca,

does exist a reporting speech? I mean for example: I tell you (not past tense!) that you’re very nice because of this cool online teaching.

Yes, reported speech exists but not in your sentence. Thanks for your feedback. All the best to you,Skalkaz.

hello english teacher. how are you doing? this is deepak. could u please tell me difference between, do, does, did, don’t, & has, have, had, &how to use them like, he don’t, or he doesn’t, he has, had. please help me with this, hoping for a very soon reply. T.K.G.B….

Thanks for helping and for the cool comments.

Thanks for the ideas for future lessons. We’ll try and help you in this way.

Please explain the followinng:

In indirect speech after writing reporting verb “THAT” is written while you did not use “that” in indirect speech please explain

The conjunction that is often dropped, especially after common reporting verbs (e.g. say, think) in informal speech. She said (that) she’d had enough. I think (that) you’re probably right.

That cannot be dropped after certain verbs, especially intransitive verbs – e.g. reply, email, shout. James replied that he was feeling better, (NOT James replied he was …) She shouted that she was busy, (NOT She shouted she was busy.)

(source: Practical English Usage)

Thanks for your question, Noor, and thanks for providing the answer, Shalkaz! Good work!

Hi Rebecca,

Just a thought… In the first set of examples: to change “He is a teacher” into “He told me he was a teacher” does kind of mean he wasn’t a teacher anymore. This might be mis-leading (although I know it doesn’t intend to).

Does this mean the listener to the report should also adjust himself to the english style of reporting?

When you say “He told me he was a teacher.” , you are using reported speech correctly. It means the person is still a teacher, even though it may sound like it’s not true right now.

If you say, ” He told me he used to be a teacher.” then it means he is not a teacher any more.

See the difference?

hi, mrs Rebecca u really r the best teacher of mine!!!!

Mrs. Rebecca, If the original sentence was “He USED to be a teacher”, would the reported speech be “He told me he HAD used to be a teacher” or “He told me he USED to be a teacher”? Thank you for the reply and the nice lesson.. :)

Thanks for this reply. It’s quite clear now.

Hello Rebecca .

Just stopped by to say Hi to you and James . I am an English teacher here in Brazil and always recomend your website to my students . I think it is a great tool for them . Thank YOU ! God bless you . tchau …

Thanks for help, I will have exam for 2 days and it it helped me to understand my problems. by love from Zagreb

Hope you got a really high score on your exam! Thanks for your feedback, Matej.

You are doing a great job with this site to teach English. Thank you very much. And I would like to tell, I felt that I was learned something about your “Reported Speech” lesson. I like to learn more in future.

Best Regards. Prabath – Sri lanka

Thanks Prabath. Glad I could help you understand Reported Speech a little better. Good luck with your English.

A lesson is really good, Madam!

first of all thanks for your help ,but i still have a doubt ,i read that when that If the sentence starts in the present, there is no backshift of tenses in Reported speech. Example: Susan: “I work in an office.” Susan says that she works in an office. If the sentence starts in the past, there is often backshift of tenses in Reported speech. (see: Note) Example: Susan: “I work in an office.” Susan said that she worked in an office.

as you can see both examples are in present. how to know if i have to change the sentence at past or not?——————————————————————————–

Thanks for your feedback, Elizabet. Please see my detailed comments to Jonathan below.

My best wishes to you.

thank you very very very very very much

i realy benfite from you thanks alot alot alot

You’re very, very, very welcome! So glad the lesson helped you.

thank you can you explan time perfect??

Okay, I will record a lesson on this just for you and the many others who are confused by the perfect tenses in English.

In the meantime, make sure to review the present and past simple, present and past continuous and the future tenses, because you can also express your thoughts quite adequately using just these tenses. So making sure you master these first will make your life easier.

Thanks again for your suggestion.

I enjoyed your lesson and I wanted to give you my thanks.

I would like if you could do a video with the explication to use the words “by” and “for”. They mean very similar in spanish. Also about “Although” and “despite”.

Have a nice day Raul

Thanks, Raul for the compliment and your suggestion. I will be recording some new lessons soon and will do the ones you’ve suggested. Thanks.

Thanks again your another useful video lesson. I have had 100.00 score. That’s cool. Tata very much.

Great stuff!

These lessons are so very important,I was need it.Now I feel better because day by day I´m improving faster than a few years ago.

Thank you Rebecca,God Blees you!

So glad the lesson helped you. Good for you!

Thank you for refreshing my memory teacher. :-)

My pleasure.

Dear Rebecca, thanks for the great things you have shared with the world. I do understand the reported Speech, but I am not sure with the qouted speech. What is the differences between the other two? when should I use reported Speech and when should I use the qouted speech. Please educate me here.

Thanks Dismas

Thanks for your feedback.

Well, usually, it’s difficult to quote someone when we’re speaking. We usually only refer to famous quotations in speech.

In writing, it’s possible to use the exact quotation because we can see the quotation marks and understand that it is a direct quote.

Also, while speaking we only use the exact words when there is a special reason to quote the person. Perhaps what he or she said was surprising or shocking or wonderful…something exceptional.

Otherwise, we just use reported speech. Hope this helps to clarify the issue a little.

Hi, Teacher !

I love yr lesson ! Tks for enlighten me ! I will keep updating lessons here, hope u dont mind..

Yes, please do come back as we add new lessons all the time. Happy I could help you.

I have some questions about reported specch. 1. Can we keep the tense in reported speech if it still true? For example: Jay said,” I like / love/ hate eating apples.” ( Jay said that he likes/ loves/ hates eating apples)

2. Can we use ‘say(s)’ as reporting verb in reported speech? Jane says, ” I like action film.” ( Jane says that she likes action film.)

3. Any rules in reported speech about stative verbs (like, love, see, seem, etc)?

Thanks for your questions, Itim.

1) Yes, it is possible.

3) The same rules apply as to other verbs.

frist to all, thank you very much for the lessons, they are very useful for me. I think that never had seen “she doesn’t have”… I thought that the correct form was: “she hasn´t” are both forms correct? Thanks!

thanks for teach. Good luck to you!!!

Thanks; the same to you!

wow.. it’s difficult.. but i must try to loved it.. thanks for the teach.. and good luck for your job

Good for you, for not giving up! My best to you, Karel.

Hi thank you very much . I have learnt a lot. However I have some questions about time indicators: for example: I am going to see my mother today. I think that this film is amazing. could you please change them to indirect speech, and explain.

Thanks a lot

He said he was going to see his mother today.

She said she thought this film was amazing.

All the best to you, Souri.

hi rebecca, thank you for your all help.best wishes for you.

And to you too, Noureen. Thanks for watching and for your feedback.

hi ! My name is anh . I come from vietnam. Ilike you very much when you teach english . I could ask you some questions if you agree I will ask you later. do you teach me english on internet ? which way I pay money to you

Thank you kindly for your offer, Anh. At this time, I don’t teach English over the Internet. There are many other excellent teachers who do. I wish you the best, Anh.

Thanks a lof …. The lesson was very useful.. I learnt a lot!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So glad I could help, Nathy. All the best to you in the future.

thank you very much your lesson very useful Thank you very very very very much again I am very happy for your lossen

My pleasure, Ebrahim. Thank you for your kind comments. All the best to you, too.

Dear Rebicca, I thank you vey much for your effort to help people to learn the most great language in all over the world . I was so happy when i found your site because I think that the teaching directly by videos is most usefull and helpsull. Thanks again and may allah pless and help you .

Thank you for your kind feedback, Ali. I wish you all the best.

Dear Rebecca

Thanks a lot, this lesson was very useful for me.

So glad the lesson helped you. My best wishes to you, elhidrologo.

Dear Rebbecca Thank you very much for your excellent explanation english lessons that you corronspound to your worldwide students,and i hope you you will be the winner of english teachers all over the world THANK YOU AGAIN.

Thank you kindly, Ahmed. Everyone gains when we help each other. I learn from my students each day, too. There are so many lessons to learn in life, and luckily, learning keeps life interesting.

My best wishes to you, Ahmed.

Hi Rebecca, I have some questions to you about some special usage of the word get. Here is the pattern. get+noun+adjective. i saw it in the dictionary but i can’t understand the explanation it says here that the word get is being used to cause somebody or something to be or become. i hope you will answer my question as soon as possible. May the lord always blessed you. Thank you.

Thanks so much for your comments, Bg.

I am not sure exactly what you’re asking me so please give me an example so I can help you. Maybe you mean, “You got your mother worried by not calling for so long.’ This would mean that you made your mother become worried.

We use get in lots of different ways in English. I wish you all the best.

thank u mam.i really happy to watch your web site.my speaking power is week and i m so happy to see u.again thanks..

Keep practicing and you will improve each day. All the best to you, Anjali.

hi Rubecca,i am Dibad and i am from Somlia,i recently joined this wonderful sate which i realy found helpful, particularly report speech lessons so i strongly say to you, thank you very much for your effort that you have done for sake of us.

Welcome to engvid, Dibad. So glad you are enjoying the lessons and learning from them too. My best to you.

hi i am juhi i am in 7th std thank u for explaning so nicely

Thanks. I am sure you will do very well in your English studies, since you are taking the initiative to increase your knowledge at such a young age. Good for you, Juhi! My best wishes to you.

i am very thankful to you for your priceless advice here

.thnks ,thanks alot madam

You’re very welcome, Ashu. All the best to you.

Thanks mam. The way u teach us is awesome.

That’s very kind of you. Thanks!My best wishes to you, Jack.

Hello, dear Rebbeca. thanks for your help. I see that you are very generous and humble. you deserve all the best. just a questions. what is the difference between indirect quesiotns and reposted questions. indirect questions=embedded questions Do you know what time it is? REPORTED QUESTIONS He asked me what time it is.

thanks in advance from Peru Norma

Thanks for your comments, Norma.

In embedded questions, we change the order of the words, but we do not change the tense.

Example: Where is the supermarket? becomes Do you know where the supermarket is?

In reported speech questions, we usually change the tense.

Where is the supermarket/ becomes He asked me where the supermarket was.

My best wishes to you, Norma.

hello madam, first of all thank you for the effort you make to help us,may god bless you. second i’m a student from an arabic country,and my question is :some times we are given exersices in which we find indirect speeches and we are asked to write the direst ones, my problem is with the past perfect,for exemple:(mike said that he had finished writing his book), i don’t know whether i write :mike said:”i have finished/finished or had finished writing my book”. thank you in advance fifi

In this case, because you are adding a direct quote, you would write:

Mike said, : I have finished writing my book.”

All the best to you, Fifi.

i like your maner of teaching. you make your lessons understood easily and staying in mind of people.

I’m glad you found the lesson effective. Thank you kindly for your feedback. my best wishes to you, Clovis.

good lesson

Thanks, Samreen. All the best.

Hi Rebecca, I came across your videos because I was looking for reported speech in Spanish and was curious because I had just had a minor disagreement with my Venezuelan-born teacher over how English reported speech is constructed. Her position was the same as yours, that there is always a back-step in tense in reporting, however I do not believe that this is a universal truth. The back-step, if made, is almost always in the context of some other point that the speaker wants to stress. So for example, there is nothing at all that I can see that is wrong with the construction “the professor said that you are smart”. To use the past tense in this case would likely indicate some other issue within the sentence and likely a one-time situation, so for example “the professor said that you were smart to choose the MBA course ” for example, although in such a case it is likely that the original sentence would also have been in the past “Jane, you were smart to choose the MBA course”. Alternatively, the use of the past tense might indicate a true past event “the professor said that you were smart once but are not any more” but again in that case, the original sentence would also have been expressed in the past “you were smart once but not anymore”. Sorry therefore, but I cannot agree with your analysis that you always step back a tense in reporting speech and I believe that this is something that should be corrected with the people that are learning English through your programme.

Thanks for your question, Jonathan. I can understand your point of view.

In these video lessons, we explain the basic rules of English grammar, as applicable most of the time. There are always grammatically correct exceptions, and there are also grammatically incorrect expressions used commonly by native speakers of a language without too much regard to the rules. Reported speech certainly falls into this category. This is why your sample sentence, “The professor said you are smart.” seems quite acceptable and certainly understandable.

In terms of the grammatical rules, when we report what someone has said though, we are supposed to do the back step. The exceptions are as follows:

a) Sentences with should, ought to and might do not change b) Sometimes, if reporting something immediately after or soon after it was said, we need not do a back step in tense. c) If we’re talking about general truths, we need not make the change. d) If the reporting verb itself is simple present, present perfect or future, we do not change the tense. Example: She SAYS she jogs every day.

Hope this helps to clarify the issue.

I want lesson of concession please. thanks bye

you are smart and good job of ours lessons video thank you so much.

hı teacher I am from turkey everyday I watchıng your lesson very usefull for me..

Dear Rebecca, How can I change the following sentence into a reported speech? “It’s can’t be very nice having all these cars going by all the time” Thank you in advance!

thank you teacher rebbeca!^^ it will help me a lot for my study in english..

Everything is correct in this quiz.I was very excited,I know this very good.

hello again,let me try with your sentence ANH: first there is a mistake at the beginning,there shouldn’t be an auxiliary before the modal verb “can”, so you may say: it couldn’t be very nice having all those cars going all that time. I wish the teacher would agree with me.goodluck for all.

hi rebecca, i have a question for you …

when you were explaining the first part of the video you didn’t use the word “that” in the sentences , but when you asked to the audience some examples, you used “that”…. is “that” an optional word?

you are a great teacher!!! ^.^b greetings from Mexico

Thank you so much. I really learned a lot.I am going through more on your website.Thank you so much, I really found it helpful.

THIS IS A WONDERFULL PAGE TO PRECTICE MY ENGLISH I´M HAPPY TO HAVE FOUND IT! :)

i got 100 score))))…thanks Mrs.Rebecca.U r great teacher.

rebecca u r amazing teacher.i have problem that i understand all english but im scare to speak english and do some mistkes when i go to speak actually i know all the tenses but i do mistakes when i speak plz rebecca help me out thanks waithing for replay

thanks a lot it was really helpful

THANK YOU MS.REBECCA;*

“I used to smoke” he said He said he used to smoke /OR hE SAID HE HAD USED TO SMOKE. PLEASE WHICH ONE IS APPROPRIATE. mANY THANKS MRS REBECCA

heloo rebecca,,,, nice to see your video,,, thanks to teach us english

Hi Rebecca :) what are the different functions of reported speech?…actually me and my friends are going to report “Reported Speech” in our English class and because of your video we are somewhat enlightened to what is “Reported Speech”…thanks :)

I need ask you something when we write he toled me ….. it always like this and … when we can write said thnx:)

Thank you for your teaching. It’s very helpful. I couldn’t using grammar correctly before. but from now, I have a little bit increasing. Thank you again.

What a nice explination it’s my first time to understand this grammer clearly thanks alot.

Thanks a lot My Score in the Reported Speech was : 100.00 . I got 10 correct out of 10. you are the best I’m Arabic and I am English teacher. I will learn from you a lot about how to teach English because you are the best . :)

hi Rebecca. Could you please give me a lesson about the differences between MUST and HAVE TO.I sometimes make a mistake between them.

Thank you very much for your help

Dear Madam , I have a very important question. Is it possible to use present perfect tense,or past perfect tense in the main sentence? I have told you that….. I had told you that….. If yes, does the tenses changes after them or not like after the simple past tense? For example: I had told you that you would be happy. /instead of you will be happy/ I wait for your answer urgently Thank you in advance Teoleander

Hi rebaca, your lessons are excellent. I attended for many English classes but I never met a teacher like you.

In your profile by saying that “there is no bad student” you given me lot of confidence.

your accent is neutral.please suggest good books(novels,grammer) which will help in improving my English. I am from India.

Hi, rebaca Iam from Indonesia and your lesson are excellent but sorry my english is not good, Rebaca, Do you know Toeic ?

Rebecca, when we use told and said in reported speech. I don’t understand. Please help me!

“Cindy’s voice was music to my ears,” Roger told me. Was changes to what?

Dear Rebecca i am from Afghanistan i would like to thank you so much for vidio teaching i learned so much from it and i appreciate your hard work and your friendly teaching. best regards

hi. rebecca what do u mean for ‘one step back in tense’? is that i have understood below? simple present ——>simple past present conti.——->past conti. present perfect——>past perfect present perfect conti——> past perfect conti simple past———->past perfect past perfect———>past perfect past conti.———->past perfect conti. past perfect conti—–>past perfect conti simple future——->simple past future conti——>past conti future perfect——->past perfect future perfect conti——->past perfect conti.

am i right? please throw light. thanks.

Thank you Rebecca! It was a very useful lesson to me.

I can’t come to the party tonight.”

Why is it? couldn’t came… It is couldn’t come?

Thanks ma am You theach very very well!!!

thanks my angel

This is very, very useful lesson for all of us who have been practising English as foreign language. Just keep doing that, you are the best. . .

Hi Rebecca, I am confused.In spoken english people always use the tense in a diffrent way.Once I was talking with one English man.He used the following. ” Yeasterday I told Thomas to arrange a car for me.He told I will do it .But he did not do anything .I think these people are irresponsible.” later I called him he said sorry, I forgot ” .In this sentence as per correct grammer He should say 1) ” He told he would do it” and 2) he said he was sorry, he had forgotten”.Any comments from your side.

Very simple: people don’t always speak correctly.

what about “you should say that”? Would it be “he told me:”you could say that”? So, ‘should’ becomes ‘could’, ‘shall’ becomes ‘should’, is this correct? Lastly, what about ‘could’, ‘would’, and ‘must’?

Thank you Rebecca.You’re very nice to explain.Lily from Brasil

thank you.u’re very patient to explain a lot..thanks to ur brain…

Thanks Rebeca. could you please tech about third conditional or second. I really appreciate.

dear madam rebeca,ur’just fantastick!

What makes you perfect, that you are versed of what you say. Thanks.

thaaank you so much for the hard work that you are doing i have an exam tom and en sa2 allh i will bass it

I like your lessons so much, please do more lessons soon. Thanks.

Love u much teacher Rebecca for what you have done

Hello Madam . You explained the reported speech very well but what about the imperative and the question in the reported speech ?

Thank you so much. I did not understand “Future report speech”. Example on the test: Rachel: “Michael and I are getting married next summer.” Rachel announced that _____ next summer. May i use “were” or “are” ..

Thank you so much

hi what about the imperative and the question ?

Hi Rebecca that was excellent on reported speech. I would really like to know the difference between indirect and reported speech. Kamal

Would u like to give me some lectres on WH question.

very nice explanation,good teacher

Thanks a lot Rebecca!

It was a nice video. I’ve been watching these videos from past few months. They are very interesting.

sincerely, Vivek

i’m happy, i got full marks. thank you teacher

really useful

dear madam: i like your teaching way. i got 80 marks this lesson.

Hi Rebecca!

When I was high school,I got lowest grade on my English subject because I didn’t know how to use the grammar rules correctly.But when I was watching your video Ive learned a lot.My English skills are improving and I can’t thank you enough for the help… God Bless and more power!

What about the example of She said, “My name is Sally”. Do you change the tense in the reported speech and make it. She said her name was Sally?! I think it should be “her name is..”.. What do you think? Need to know your opinion about this one and about the change of tense when you report facts.

we must change “to be”,so its indirect speech must be (her name was),if reporting verb is in past simple,this rule is followed,am i rite Rebbeca?

oh! i need learn english

Hai rebecca , it was a nice video and i learnt a lot from your website. I dont have a strong foundation in english but still i am planning to give GRE and TOEFL in next four months. Could u please give some tips for english preparation. It will be helpful for me.

in the indirect speech we also change the pronouns as u did’nt change “you” into another pronoun.

Hi! And what’s the reported speech for this:”I would like to speak to you”?

this video site it’s really helpful for everyone including me,i’ve learnt English since i was young and i’m becoming an English Teacher now but i’m still learning and increasing my ability to explain some material to my students because i think the good explanation give the good impact and result,and you guys are the best tutor,espesially you Rebecca.say hi from Indonesia =)

Dear Teacher,

I would like to express my profound thanks to you for explaining clearly about report speed grammar and I think that your lesson and your explanation will really help me improve my English. Teacher could I ask you about English words outside the lesson? I have wondered so long already about one English word and that word is :the plant which produce cauliflower what is English called ? because I have ever seen the cauliflower only but never seen its plant’s name. I’m sorry teacher asking that word which is not related to the lesson above.

Respectfully,

SOM.SOPHEAK RITH FROM CAMBODIA

The plant is also called cauliflower.

Dear Teacher REBECCA,

Thank you very much for answering my question.

SOM.SOPHEAK RITH

Actually i don’t know how to thank you miss Rebecca. thank you so much

Dear Rebecca, in my test I made just one mistake, the 5th one. Could you tell me why the correct answer is “she couldn´t come” instead “she couldn´t came”, suposed to be the verb must be changed to past.

Thank you in advanced.

I was really excited to come across this site that provides comprehensive details in grammar. My question to you is how do we identify a habitual action? This in turn means that we don’t have to change the verb tense? I need some constructive examples.

I love study English!!! do and accecpt is wonderful…thanks very much Rebecca…

Hi Rebecca, I really got excited after I found this site that provides comprehensive details in grammar. My question to you is about the differences between “indirect Questions” and “Embedded Questions”. They seem to be the same to me. I need some constructive examples. Thanks

Hi Rebecca, What about indirect questions??

Sue said that she was very happy with her new job.into direct speech I am very happy with her new job,Sue said

thank vrey much for this fantastck lesoon <3

Hello madam Rebecca, Direct Speech And Indirect Speech…. is it same with reported speech??… Thanks

Dear Madam: Could you explain me the difference using “Must and Have to” in indirect speech?

I am waiting for answer!!

Past tomorrow I will have a exam and I´m really very happy watching your class about Report Speech. In a short time you explained the subject very clear. Actually I´m very glad to have found these excellent teachers spending the time for teaching us. I let to you my hug and Hello from Chile. I´m Brazilian but I’m living at Chile and I studying at Chilean College, Translation from English to Spanish. It’s no easy because both languages are not mine, but I can say to you that it’s very interesting challenge. My best regards from South America to everybody.

Bye, Marcio

Day after tomorrow I will have a exam and I´m really very happy watching your class about Report Speech. In a short time you explained the subject very clear. Actually I´m very glad to have found these excellent teachers spending the time for teaching us. Receive my hug and Hello from Chile. I´m Brazilian (Portuguese language)but I’m living in Chile and I’m studying at Chilean College, Translation from English to Spanish. It’s no easy because both languages are not mine, but I can say to you that it’s very interesting challenge. My best regards from South America to everybody. Bye, Màrcio

We like these hugs!

Dear Rebbeca,

In Brazil we have this greeting like normal to say goodbye. I think is too important to change our energies through the hugs. Let the physical distance to the Asiatics!

Many hugs to you.

Thank you… :)

Hello,teacher.I think i may be your young student. i want to know lesson Report Speech, if it is posible Can you explain me.

Thanks a lot!

hello madam, i would like to ask you how to speak direct and indirect speech.if anybody tell something ,the same word tell to the third person.most of the peoples are using said that,said,he was saying,told me.please explin me with example and send to my mail id

Thank you Rebicca you are awesome teacher and you will say in reported speach: he said : I was awesome.Thank you and “Merry Christmas”

thank you it was useful

I liked this lesson. It is easy to understand. Happy new year to all.

This lesson helps a lot! Thanks so much. This lesson will really improve grammatically and verbally my English skills.

Thanks! It is very useful for me. I was afraid to learn grammar before but I try to understand now……

Thank you. I was struggle in how to use Reported speech properly,now,I clarifies this concept.

Thank you so much!!!

Ma’am

In your 1st set of examples, “You are smart” isn’t it changed into “he said that I was smart” ?

thank you :D

thanx rebecca ..10/10 ı did. my friend told me rebecca was very good teacher. yes he is right..:)))

Hello Rebecca,

You are awesome teacher !!! I understand the whole lessen perfectly. Write down one fan to this website.

Thank you very much.

thank you Rebeca I listed this class several times with other teacher and you´re the best

hi you are a clever teacher.

Hello everybody. I’m Ole.

Hello! It of great help to me as I took that quiz just below the video.I did not see the video, but I could get all the answers correct except for the first one.I am very happy with my results.I whole-heartedly thank you.

Hmm.. do we use reported speech after: -He noticed….. -They suggested… -She proposed… etc. when it is clear that the person was saying something ?

{Jeevan said to his teacher ,” I cannot understand this lesson .Will you teach it to me once again?}

MAM THIS IS A QUESTION THAT REWRITE IN A REPORTED SPEECH….

I feel that oral questions more effective for me than written.

questions is more fix

Rebecca i want to say something for you: YOU ARE SWEET AND THE BEST ONE…love you! Bisous

what is the meaning of WOULD i really be mad :((( please help me my teacher i will wait your unswer it is so important for me

hello !!! i have a question : jean asked jeany “are you a student ?” – “yes, i am” can you transform this question to reported speech for me ? Thanks

hi mrs,it’s for the first time i get on this website,i really love this lesson,it is so useful for me,my name is Jeff,from haiti bye

Hi Rebecca, I have a question. What if the reporting person is first and second person who report about themselves. Does the pronoun remain the same in the reported speech? Eg: I said:’I am here’ and You said:’you are here’ Thanks in advance

Hi Rebecca. Thanks so much all of you teaching.

Hi Rebecca, Fantastic lesson…it will be useful for my students

it is really confusion bt i understood it well n thank u alot for making me understand it well

That is so wonderful. I will try to learn from you and I will ask you whenever I have the question. Please you good luck and please you keep your mission to help to many people around the world. Thanks from Pharin.

i have no words to express my feelings .because this site solve my big problems .but now i want to start from the start but how??

HI REBECCA, VERY GOOD LESSON. I GOT A QUESTION ABOUT EMBEDDED QUESTION. DO YOU CHANGE THE SENTENCE FROM PRESENT TO PAST IN THE EMBEDDED QUESTION?

Thanks teacher for your nice lesson I hope that you will bring new Technic for this subject. Thanks.

can you explain how i can Utter sounds

I hate to see you tell students that we use ‘reported speech’ because we use ‘reported speech’. I think you said we HAVE to use ‘reported speech. But only if you don’t care about accuracy. You say, ‘He told me he was a teacher’, but that’s not true. He told you he IS a teacher, if he is still a teacher. If he was a teacher from 1995 to 2006, then you would say, ‘He told me he was a teacher (from 1995 to 2006). The notion of ‘reported speech’ is a CONSTRUCT, it is not something that makes any sense. We should stop trying to teach it. It is NOT useful. Sorry, I’m not shouting but there is no way to underline. Contact me if you like .

br dot hadvines at yahoo dot com

Thanks a lot. it was helpful :)

Rebecca, could you explain the topic of: the direct and indirect questions with reported speech please? thank you =)

Rebecca, I just watched your VDO, It’s very good VDO !!! Now I’m studying english in USA ,I’m looking for writing learning on internet.

Could you please recommend me.

Regards,Kit

Hello Madam, could you please help me to identify whether the following sentence is in reported speech or not? “The death toll is expected to rise.”

thanks alot

Thank you so much Rebecca! You’re great :)

Hey Rebecca, nice videos you’re great! I have a question regarding reported speech. For example:

Mary: There’s a great movie on TV today.

In reported speech it could written in two ways right? First: “Mary told me there was a great movie on TV that day.” – Which implies the day she said it was before the day I was talking.

Second: “Mary told me there’s a great movie on TV today”. – It can stay the same because we are living the day the movie is going to be on right? Thanks in advance!

Hi miss…

ty for ur lesson…10/10—actually reported speeches are a bit confusing, yet we have to practice to gain more confidence… regards… carlos,lima..peru

Very useful! Thanks for your classes.

Thank you!! Finally I understood “reported speech”!!

Could you complete the list please:

Present simple becomes Past Simple Past Simple…..Past Perfect Past Perfect….? Past Continuos….Past Perfect Continuous Present Perfect…Past Perfect

And all verb tenses

Thank you again!!

sometimes it is a little difficult to understand that kind of thing, but thanks to you it is easier for me.

he tOLD me he would ( wrong) I WOULD TRUE 7 .00

hi Rebica thank you for all hose who stand in front of the cam to teach and gives there time to us, I have problem when i talk to the people who are poor in the english language i ll be confused and i can not understand from them at all not like the native one second pro. is when i talk i m posing or tattering any suggestion best regard Hassan

10 out of 10 thanks Rebeca

Hi,thanks for a very nice lesson about reported speech. But would you like give us a lesson about REPORTING VERBS?

OK I got 10 out of 10 corect, so I can’t explain why I can’t pass an exam that I’m doing online about reported speech. By the way I saw you didn’t talk about “asked” form of reported speech, so if you can do it in future lessons that will be great. Thank so much for your help.

thanks I got from 10 -10 grade

Hi Rebecca Thank u very much for ur great lessons on reported speech. Please explain to me when do we use “that” in reported speech. I noticed u have used in some sentences and left in others. What is the right set of rule to follow.? Waiting for ur reply, thanks

THANK YOU SO MUCH !REBECCA .YOU ARE MY IDOL !

it helped me a lot and thank you because it was an assignment in my school thanks a lot.

good job teacher i really love ur explaination

Thanks dear Rebecca it was easy and understanduable Thanks again

please explain for students how to make question in reported speach ! i heard that it is a bit difficult

Dear rebecca madam, tomorrow is my eng. Exam n ur dis video wz vry helpful to me n u made it vry clr..now i feel i don need to open the book..thnxx.. U r even better den mah english teacher..:)

thank you very much for the lessons

9 out of 10

Thank you very much for clear lesson :-)

hi every one I want to know if some one told me “you ate dinner” the reported speech will be “he said that I had eaten dinner” or as the teacher said it will be “he said that you had eaten dinner”?

Thanks ma’am this lesson’s realy work!!!

Thnahs Rebecca…very very helpful lesson

Dear Rebecca, I am a form two student from Hong Kong.It is my first time to ask questions here.Thanks your help first. I want to ask you three questions. First, do we need to change the tense in reported speech if it is a fact or it is a opinion in direct speech. I asked many people before but someone answered “Yes” and someone answered “No”. So,I really feel confused about it. For example,Mary said”It is a fantastic place.” A.Mary said that it was a fantastic place. or B. Mary said that it is a fantastic place. Which answer is correct? Second, I want to ask a question about pronoun in reported speech. For example,”You needn’t wait for me” said Mary. We need to answer [Mary said that I needn’t wait for her.] or [Mary said that he/she need’t wait for her.]This means if the direct speech doesn’t mention which person it is talking to but there is “you”, we need to change “you” to “I” or”he” or”she”? For example, [“She will take you all to Stanley Market.” said Mary] We need to answer [Mary said that she would take us all to Stanley Market] or {Mary said that she would take them all to Stanley Market] Lastly, I want to ask what is the different about “said” and”told” For example, [Mary said to us”We got married six months ago.” We should say[Mary told us they had got married six months before.” or [Maru said to us they had got married six months before.]? Please answer the questions as soon as possible because I had a test on Monday about reported speech. Thanks you so much! Best wishes, Alice

tnx reBecca Very HelpFul lessOn

Hello Rebecca! Thanks for the videos. In fact I had a test on the 3rd of march and my grammer class work was with one of my classmates.It was just then that i came across the website of eduvid and got a practice on reported speech. Thanks a million, Regard, prashant,banglore,india

Excellent! It’s easier than I thought! Thanks for your explanations :)

I used to be panic about reported speech–too complicated . I had to change the tense , paid attention to pronoun and felt slight boring to say told told told… From your given quiz , I got D too, I learned more useful words , such as comment , admit , announce,confide. I am so excited. Thank you.

i’m going to cry :( this is the first time in my life… it did not happened to me before i got many full marks in the same day realy i don’t know how can i thank you rebecca

hi rebacca i’m amine in morrocco i love the way how you explain thank you

Great lesson !

Hi Rebacca, Can we use this concept in writing as well? Or it’s only in speech

hi mam if there is an universal sentence how we could change it , into reported speech ? for example. sun rises from east i am waiting for your answer .I hope u will be replay me an answer

Thanks Rebecca, it’s so useful lesson.

i got 7/10 ;(

Rebacca, you are An amazing Teacher … You make The English More Easier to Me :)

i have a question about it, is it correct?

john: What did you do? mary : John asked what i did

why could it be correct? if past switched to past perfert.

thank a lot for this lesson video!

Hello,teacher Rebecca.Thanks you so much for your teaching you are perfect teacher.

A little difficult to catch it immediately but I’m pleased for the lesson, thanks!

I had a little problem with this subject. But not any more. I got the lesson. :) I got 10 correct out of 10. :) Thanks Rebecca. Whatever a lesson is difficult, you make it very simple. And I like your teaching because you are very patient, and you give us many examples. :)

thank you so much .i have a question i don’t know when to say in reported speech she told and she said…i really get confused when it comes to said and told.do they have the same meaning or not if not when to use them correctly. thank you

hi rebecca can you explain to us about active and passive voice because these days i will be an exam and you will have helped me by the and of this month

I loved this explanation. Thank you so much for all the effort that you guys do for teaching us in wherever places we are. I’m so grateful. However in my case it could’ve been more useful if instead of the original sentences that were writing on the board we had the report speech examples.

Hello Rebeca, Thank you very much for your lesson. I learned Reported Speech in high school as well as in ESL classes and here watched your lesson, the rules are same, but I find native speakers often don’t follow the rules. It’s very confusing. Finally I found this site that explains the why. I wanted to run by you and see if what it says is right, http://esl.fis.edu/grammar/rules/repspee.htm “The main problem for the learner of English is to decide which tense is needed for the verb(s) in what is reported. Generally, English speakers do not change the tense if what is said is still true or has not happened yet, and they believe the speaker.” it has examples, which are exactly what I often hear how native speakers talk. I look forward to hearing your reply. Thank you very much.

In the video you had this example: “you ate dinner.” and you reported it as “he said that you had eaten dinner.” Shouldn’t we report you as I in this sentence and report it like this: “He said that I had eaten dinner.” ?

great lesson

Thank you very much

Simply excelent

Thanks Rebbeca.

I’m deeply grateful for your lesson!It’s was very interesting!)

Thank you Ms Rebbeca

super ı have 100 points

Hi, Rebecca thank you for your teaching, you are great. I got 100 %. Was very usefull.I appreciate

Thank you very much, got 90%.

Thank you dear Rebecca, you are a saviour ;)

I GOT 100% ON THE TEST!!! IT WAS EASY THANKS TO YOUR LESSON DEAR REBECCA, xoxoxoxo

i got 10 correct out of 10…..thanks rebecca.

Rebecca, thank you very much for your interesting lesson! I like it very much!

I’ve got 100! thanks,Rebecca

Thank you sir.

I got 100, thanks for your help Rebecca!

Thank you ,Rebecca.

i got 100 score :) thank you :*

Hi MS REBECCA! WHAT WOULD BE THE REPORTED SPEECH OF “HE IS MY BROTHER”. THANK YOU!

thank a lot of mam . God bless…

Thank you Rebecca

merci madam

Hello Rebecca! I got 100%, but I have a doubt if I had to pass PRESENT SIMPLE or WILL from REPORTED SPEECH to DIRECT SPEECH, how would be it? Do I have to change the tense or not? for example:

Reported speech: He refuses to sell the movie rights

Direct speech: I refuse to sell the movie rights

Is it right?

Thanks, Rebecca!

Thamks millions

Thanks, Nice.

thank you for the help it was amazing

I want to ask the question of whether I can put [ told me that ]

9 of 9 thank you very much

Thanks for this useful video. This help me to understand clearly about this grammar. Thank you very much.

Dear Rebecca, I convey you a great thank you for this lesson. Yours sincerely.

my quiz 100 You got 10 correct out of 10. :D

hi, teacher your lessons are good, but I noticed that you don’t explain every example on blackboard, you always face to the camera and give us examples, whereas using the board is effective for students! thanks teacher

hi rebecca how will you tell someone in a polite way that he’s/she’s using a wrong grammar.

thank you so much Rebeecca

i am just ask when say He/She Said and when i say He/She Told me ?

Thank you Rebecca.

why you don’t use (that)

He told me that he was a teacher ????

help plz!!!

Thank you teacher , I got 100 :) I like this lesson very easy to understand .

I like this part of the grammer very much. I got 10. thanks.

Hello Rebecca, In the question, “John: “I love chocolate cake.” John told me _____ chocolate cake.”

Is it “he loved” or “that he loved”?

Kindly clarify the difference.

Thank you in advance,

Hi,teacher,hope,you’ll be fine.I’m a student of O levels,Teacher please will you help me with the english,I go through from many mistakes.

I really admire the way,you teach,I did 8 idioms yesterday from your given lecture,really adoring,thank you loads

Yessss. I got 10 correct out of 10. :D

This grammar was new for me, thanks a lot Rebbeca.

Thank you, dear Rebecca!

what is the difference between they live in Russia and They are living in Russia…?

I scored 100% in the quiz. thank you! :)

I wish to understand correctly this lesson, but I can’t. It is so confussing to learn the English tenses. How you can help me the different way or What technique I should to use for that?

Thanks Rebecca Nice lesson :)

Hi Rebecca I’d like to ask you a question…. I watched a video of yours in which you were teaching the reported speech….you mentioned an example in direct speech “he is a teacher.” Then you wrote the corresponding indirect form of it…like ( he told me he was a teacher ) … My question is that doesn’t it have to be like ( he told me he were a teacher) because I read in the English grammar digest by Trudy Aronson it is to be always “were” form of be instead of “was”

Hi I myself found the answer….I was confusing it with the conditional forms….but I didn’t know how to remove the comment…

Thank you so much, very useful.

My friend told me that she had eaten rice and kimchi for lunch today.:D Thank you Rebecca.

thank you ma’am i got 90

You are the only teacher that I could understand every lesson very well without getting confused or tired

thank you teacher I got 100 % you’re a vary good teacher thanks allot.

Easy peasy lemon squeezy

10/10 …. very good lesson thanks for your help ?

Thanks Rebecca! You made it so simple to understand.

nice speech regarding narrations moreover I have passed the test by giving correct answers 10 / 10

Thanks Rebecca!

You got 10 correct out of 10.

I was watching the following video https://www.engvid.com/english-grammar-if-will-would-were/ and tried to practice reported speech with something that James said.

James: If I were to pay atention what I was doing I would be better at the board.

So James commented on the fact that if he had been paying atention what he had been doing he would be better at the board.

Well I kindly ask you to advice whether the reported speech was applied correctly.

Thanks in advance. Best regards,

This lesson was very hard. Could you please make more videos about reported speech? thanks

Hi Mrs.Rebecca.

My name is Ilgar.I am 32 years old and from Azerbaijan. I would like to improve my english skill and get IELTS certificate.I have watched yours videos on YouTube and enjoy your tutoring. I am looking for English tutor and I think if you will be agree,I would be glad to improve my english to the high level by your support. How can it be possible to be your student?Do you conduct lessons on SKYPE? I will look forward to hearing about the ways how I can be your student.

Thanks for attention

Hi Rebecca Do you have any personal website? If you have, please send me it’s URL address. My email: [email protected] My websites: http://www.sheshjavan.ir http://www.venuscomputer.ir

it’s the first time to understand his lesson. thank you very much.

thank you. You said that we had to use the reported speech when we had to say something that someone else had said.

i am happy i got 10/10

Thank you …

9/10. Thank you! Rebecca, could you please to explain, why in the 4th question the right answer is she “couldn’t come”? Thank you for all your help to us!!

i think can not-could not.therefore come no past tense.

thank you Rebecca. you are really helping for my study processing.

THANKS A LOT

‘do you have exams this Friday?’ mum asked me. can you please tell me how to write this sentence in reported speech.

10/10 tanks again

I watched this video twice on July 30, 2021, and took the quiz after watching it once. I got ten out of 10.

Hello….I’d like to brush my speaking up. Is there anyone else who is interested in speaking to me on a regular basis? My whatsapp number is +88 01812788727. Thank you. Rasho.

10/10 thanks Rebecca <3

10/10 thanks Rebecca

Regarding the 5th question. Angela: “I can’t come to the party tonight.” Angela explained she couldn’t come to the party tonight. Aren’t we supposed to change the word ‘tonight’ into ‘that night’ as well?

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100 Reported Speech Examples: How To Change Direct Speech Into Indirect Speech

Reported speech, also known as indirect speech, is a way of communicating what someone else has said without quoting their exact words. For example, if your friend said, “ I am going to the store ,” in reported speech, you might convey this as, “ My friend said he was going to the store. ” Reported speech is common in both spoken and written language, especially in storytelling, news reporting, and everyday conversations.

Reported Speech: Changing Pronouns

Pronouns are usually changed to match the perspective of the person reporting the speech. For example, “I” in direct speech may become “he” or “she” in reported speech, depending on the context. Here are some example sentences:

Reported Speech: Reporting Verbs

Reported speech: tense shifts.

When converting direct speech into reported speech, the verb tense is often shifted back one step in time. This is known as the “backshift” of tenses. It’s essential to adjust the tense to reflect the time elapsed between the original speech and the reporting. Here are some examples to illustrate how different tenses in direct speech are transformed in reported speech:

Reported Speech: Changing Time and Place References

Reported speech: question format.

When converting questions from direct speech into reported speech, the format changes significantly. Unlike statements, questions require rephrasing into a statement format and often involve the use of introductory verbs like ‘asked’ or ‘inquired’. Here are some examples to demonstrate how questions in direct speech are converted into statements in reported speech:

Reported Speech: Omitting Quotation Marks

Reported speech quiz.

Reported speech

Tense changes in reported speech

Indirect speech (reported speech) focuses more on the content of what someone said rather than their exact words.  In indirect speech, the structure of the reported clause depends on whether the speaker is reporting a statement, a question or a command.

Normally, the tense in reported speech is one tense back in time from the tense in direct speech: She said, "I  am  tired." = She said that she  was  tired.

You do not need to change the tense if the reporting verb is in the present, or if the original statement was about something that is still true (but this is only for things which are general facts, and even then usually we like to change the tense) , e.g.

• He says  he has missed  the train but  he'll catch  the next one.
• We explained that  it is  very difficult to find our house.
• Direct speech: The sky is blue.
• Reported speech: She said (that) the sky  is/was  blue.

These modal verbs do not change in reported speech:  might, could, would, should, ought to :

• We explained, "It  could  be difficult to find our house." = We explained that it  could  be difficult to find our house.
• She said, "I  might  bring a friend to the party." = She said that she  might  bring a friend to the party.

Course Curriculum

• Direct and indirect speech 15 mins
• Tense changes in reported speech 20 mins
• Changing time and place in reported speech 20 mins
• Reported questions 20 mins
• Reporting verbs 20 mins
• Reporting orders and requests 15 mins
• Reporting hopes, intentions and promises 20 mins

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Reported speech provides a challenge for most learners of English. The shifting tenses and changes to both pronouns and modal verbs take time to learn and practice to use effectively. This practice is key because reported speech requires accuracy on the part of the speaker. Even minor errors can make it difficult for the listener to understand when the action in the reported speech occurred.

When working with reported speech, it is helpful to have the students work through the sentence by identifying the following grammar aspects of the direct speech that is to be converted to reported speech.

1.     Identify the type of sentence. Is it a statement, a command, or a question?

• This will determine the reporting verb used, such as said , told , or asked .

2.     Identify the verb tense used in the direct speech as the verb tenses will backshift when being changed to reported speech.

• Note: Although it is not standard, some native speakers may not change present tense into past tense for facts. For example “Mt. Everest is the tallest mountain in the world” can change to “She said Mt. Everest is the tallest mountain in the world.”

3.     Identify the pronoun and change it accordingly. For example, “I like soccer” requires a change of pronoun to he or she “She said she likes soccer”.

4.     Identify any times and/or places. These will need to be changed when converting to reported speech. For example, “I will come there after class” changes to “She told me she would come here after class.”

In this month’s Teacher’s Corner, we will showcase four activities that can be used to practice reported speech. These activities are designed to give students practice using reported speech in a variety of ways. The activities create opportunities for students to practice reported speech in both spoken and written form.

Week 1 – Reported Speech Overview

Week 2 – Gossip and Rumors

Week 3 – Trace Effects

Week 4 – World News Report

The goal in each of these activities is to provide students opportunities to work through the steps above to convert direct speech to reported speech. Week 1 works with the mechanics of reported speech and centers on an interview activity. Week 2 encourages students to get to know each other better by using a variation of the game “two truths and a lie.” Week 3 provides a variety of reported speech activities that utilize the game Trace Effects . Week 4 gives students the chance to work with reported speech to deliver news reports in the classroom.

Table of Contents

Low-Intermediate to Advanced

Language Focus

Speaking, listening (primary focus); writing (secondary focus)

Students will increase their understanding of reported speech through a matching and interview activity.

• Teacher: whiteboard/chalkboard, markers or chalk, a timing device, a world map for reference, match-up cards (Appendix 1), reported speech interviews worksheet (Appendix 2).
• Students: pencils or pens, notebooks or writing paper.

Preparation

This week’s Teacher’s Corner introduces students to the grammatical structures in reported speech. Students will practice matching direct speech to reported speech and then practice changing direct speech to reported speech via interviews with fellow students.

1.     Read through all the materials carefully.

2.     Print one copy of the reported speech match-up cards found in Appendix 1 for the class activity. For larger classes, multiple copies may be needed.

• There are 39 cards in total. For smaller classes, the match-up activity can be completed in rounds – first the verb tenses and then the modals.

3.     Once the match-up cards have been printed, cut them into individual cards. These cards are in three categories: verb tense (x13 cards), direct speech (x13 cards), and reported speech (x13 cards).

4.     For the interview activity, print enough of the reported speech interviews worksheets in Appendix 2 so that each student has a copy. These print outs do not need to be cut into individual cards.

Part 1 – Reported Speech Match Up

1.     Begin the class activity by having the students stand up and mix themselves around.

2.     Next, give each student one of the 39 cards found in Appendix 1.

• Students should keep their card hidden at the start and not show it to their classmates.
• Instruct the students that when you say “Go!” they should move around the room and match their card with the correct cards held by other students.
• Once they find the students with the matching cards, they should stand in a group.

Note : Students will end up forming groups of three – one student with the verb tense card, one with the direct speech card, and one with the reported speech card. For example:

        Student #1                            Student #2                                                Student #3

3.     Yell “Go!” and have the students mingle and find the students with the correct cards.

4.     Once all of the groups of students have been formed, have them read their card aloud to the rest of class. Have them begin with the verb tense, then the direct speech, and then the reported speech.

5.     Once finished, have the students turn in their cards, mix them up and then play again. Play as many rounds as time permits.

Part 2 – Interviews

1.     Have the students sit down. The first portion of this activity is individual work, so they do not need to sit with a partner or group.

2.     Give each student a copy of the reported speech interviews worksheets found in Appendix 2.

3.     Have the students read through the sheet. Ask them if they have any questions before beginning the writing portion of the activity.

4.     Next, instruct the students to choose 10 out of the 13 possible verb tenses or modals. The students then write 10 questions using the verb tenses or modals that they selected.

• Students should write their questions in the left column under Verb Tenses . For example:

5.     After the students have written their questions, have them find a partner.

6.     Once the students are in pairs, organize each pair into student A or student B.

7.     Student A begins by asking their questions to student B. When student B answers, student A should write down the answer under the column Direct Speech .

8.     Once student A is finished asking questions, have the pair switch roles: Student B asks questions and student A answers the questions. Student B should write down student A’s answers in the Direct Speech column as well.

9.     After the interviews have been completed, have the students return to their seats. Now, each student should take the answers provided by their partner and convert them to reported speech. Instruct them to write down the reported speech in the column on their worksheet labeled Reported Speech .

Part 3 – Information Sharing

1.     Once students have converted their partner’s direct speech to reported speech, have them stand up and find a new partner.

2.     With their new partner, have the students share the answers provided by their previous partner. Circulate around the room to ensure that students are using reported speech.

• For more advanced classes, have them also use reported speech to report the questions they asked as well. For example:  Susan: “I asked Robert if he likes to read. Roberto said he enjoys reading  mystery stories.”

3.     Once each student has reported on the answers of their previous partner, bring the class back together. If time permits, have the students share the answers with the rest of the class.

Appendix 1: Reported Speech Match-Up

Verb Tenses

Appendix 2: Reported Speech Interviews

Students will practice using reported speech through discussing gossip and rumors.

• Teacher: whiteboard/chalkboard, markers or chalk, “Two Truths” Appendix 1.

This week’s Teacher’s Corner is using a variation on the game “Two Truths and a Lie”. The game is simple; each player tells two facts that are true and one that is a lie. The other players must correctly guess which one of the three statements is a lie. In this variation of the game, students will write their statements down on a sheet of paper, trade them with other students, and then use reported speech to share these statements with the class.

• Read through all the materials carefully.
• Print out the “Two Truths and a Lie” cards in Appendix 1. Make enough copies so that each student in class has a statement card. Note : If playing multiple rounds, print enough copies so each student has one card per game.
• Each game will have five rounds. In the first round, student A will talk to his/her partner, reporting on the statements. Their partner (student B) will choose the statement they believe is a lie. Student A will then note on their card student B’s choice in the “Vote for a Lie” table at the bottom of their card. The pair of students will repeat this process for student B’s card. Once both students have noted their partner’s vote, they will find new partners and repeat the process. Once each student has talked to five other students and registered the votes, the game is over.
• After students have played two rounds and have become familiar with the game, encourage them to expand the game to include statements about their favorite celebrities and/or sports stars. For example a student may write:

Lionel Messi has won eight La Liga titles.

Lionel Messi plays for Real Madrid.

Lionel Messi has won three European Golden Shoes.

Part 1 – Two Truths and a Lie Statements Cards

• Tell the students to think about two facts and one untrue fact about themselves. Encourage the students to think carefully so that the lie is difficult to detect!
• Next, pass out the “Two Truths and a Lie” statement card to the students.
• Have the students write down their name at the top of the card and their three statements in the numbered spaces provided. Note : Remind students to mix up their statements. If each student writes the lie as the third statement, the game will become predictable!

Part 2 – “Did you know that…?”

• Next, have each student switch their card with a classmate so that each student now has another student’s card.
• Instruct the students to read the card and convert the statements to reported speech.  For example : Susan writes, “I went to America”, so John should change it to, “Susan said that she has gone to America.  Note : When gossiping in English, the beginning of a sentence is typically altered to make the news more exciting. For example, instead of “Susan said that…” the sentence may begin with a phrase such as, “Did you hear that…”or “Do you think that…” or “I heard that…” While lower level classes may need to practice the more formal structures, more advanced students can use these more informal phrases.
• Next, have the students stand up and find a partner. They can choose any partner except the person who has their original card (and whose card they now have).
• Each student should report the information on the card to their partner. After hearing the three statements, their partner should guess which one is the lie. Each student should mark down their partner’s guess at the bottom of their card.
• Have the students switch and find a new partner and repeat the process.
• After five rounds, have the students find the classmate whose card they have. Have the students share the results with their partner. Note : If time permits, have students volunteer to share their results with the class. Which student had the most believable lie?

Optional Activity

If time permits, have the students play another round. This time, have them create statements about each other or their favorite celebrities or sports stars.

Appendix 1: Two Truths and a Lie

1. 2. 3. #1 #2 #3 #4 #5           1. 2. 3. #1 #2 #3 #4 #5           Intermediate to Advanced Speaking, listening (primary focus); reading (secondary focus) Students will increase their reported speech skills through role play activities centered on the game Trace Effects . Teacher: whiteboard/chalkboard, markers or chalk, computer and projector, computer lab if possible, copies of Trace Effects (online or DVD version). Copies of the Trace Effects Chapter 1 comics, which can be found in the downloads section of this webpage. This week’s Teacher’s Corner uses the video game Trace Effects to practice reported speech. Trace Effects , like other video games, requires players to solve problems using the information provided. Gathering information in Trace Effects requires asking questions and listening to the answers. This question and answer format makes it an effective way for students to practice reported speech. This week’s Teacher’s Corner provides a series of activities centered on Trace Effects to help students practice reported speech. If you have never played Trace Effects, you can find it here . These activities are best used in a computer lab, if possible. Have students work on the computers in pairs or small groups. The fourth activity is an information gap using Chapter 1 of the Trace Effects Comic book. When students are paired for the activity, one student will have the regular version of the comic and his/her partner will have a special version of the same comic. This special version will have some of the text missing. Both are included in the “Downloads” section of this week’s Teacher’s Corner web page. Trace Telephone – Pairs or Small Groups 1.     Before class, ensure that each computer has a set of headphones. 2.     Have the students form pairs or small groups. Each pair or small group should have a computer on which to work. 3.     Next, have the students go to the webpage Trace Effects . If your school has DVD copies of Trace Effects , or the game is installed on school computers, have the students use that version. 4.     Provide each student a role during gameplay: one student (the controller) should control the mouse and keyboard, while a second student (the reporter) listens to the audio in the headphones. a.     If playing in small groups, the third student can be the “grammar checker.” Their job is to listen to what they reporter tells the controller and check the reported speech that the reporter uses. 5.     Let the groups begin a game of Trace Effects . The player with the headphones must communicate the responses of the other characters to their partner or group. a.     If playing as a whole class, have one student come to the front of the class to be the reporter. The remainder of the class can shout out/vote for what should be selected next in the dialogue chain. Trace Telephone – Class Version 1.     If a computer lab is not available, a similar activity to the one above can be conducted as a whole class. 2.     In this version of the activity, one student works as the controller of the game while another student uses the headphones to listen to the audio. 3.     Taking turns, students come to the front of the class and put on the headphones. The student must listen to the dialogue from the NPCs (Non-Playable Characters) and change the speech they hear to reported speech. Using reported speech, they must tell the class what they heard. 4.     If the student uses reported speech successfully, they continue to be the class reporter. If the student does not use the correct reported speech, the reporter must sit down and a new student comes to the front of the class to assume the role. a.     Optional: When a student reports the dialogue incorrectly, they can take over controlling the game. 5.     The student who correctly reports the dialogue the most number of times in a row wins! Trace Summary – Chapter 2 Reported speech is regularly used when summarizing an event or telling a story. In this activity, students will report on the events of Trace Effects Chapter 2. 1.     Place students into pairs or small groups. These pairs/small groups will work together to complete Trace Effects Chapter 2. 2.     Have the students play Chapter 2 of the game. a.     While students play the chapter, have them take notes about the events in the game. Encourage them to take notes on who Trace talks to and what the characters say to Trace. b.     If students are playing in pairs or small groups, have them take turns at the controls. This chapter of Trace Effects has two scenes: the farmers’ market and a high school. Students can switch turns on the controls when the scene changes. 3.     Once students have completed the chapter, have them provide a summary of the chapter in the form of a story. For example: Trace asked the woman at the tomato booth if she was Emma Fields. The woman said no and told Trace to ask the people at the corn booth. 4.     Depending on the level of the students, the summary can be presented in class as a spoken activity, or students can take their notes home and write a summary to be presented in class the following day. Trace Effects – Comic Book This activity is best completed after students have played Trace Effects Chapter 1. This activity can also benefit from being conducted in a computer lab if possible. 1.     Have the students form pairs of A and B. 2.     Give half the students (student A) copies of the Trace Effects Chapter 1 – Blanks comic book included with this activity. 3.     Give the other half of the class (student B) a copy of the Trace Effects Chapter 1 comic. 4.     Instruct student A to fill in the blanks in their comic by asking student B what was said by the characters with the missing text. Student B should give the missing lines using reported speech. Student A should listen to the reported speech and convert it to direct speech and fill in the words missing in the speech bubbles. Note: to extend the activity and give both students in the pair the opportunity to work with reported speech, hand out only half of the comic (pages 3-5) to the students. Then, once the pairs have completed those pages, have them switch roles and to complete the second half of the comic (pages 6-8). High-Intermediate to Advanced Speaking, reading (primary focus); writing, listening (secondary focus) Students will practice using reported speech by giving news reports. Teacher: whiteboard/chalkboard, markers or chalk, copies of the article “ Scott Kelly Reflects On His Year Off The Planet ”. This week’s Teacher’s Corner practices reported speech through reporting on news stories. Reporting on events, such as news stories, allow students to practice a larger variety of verbs when using reported speech. Read through all the materials carefully before starting the activity. Read the article “ Scott Kelly Reflects On His Year Off The Planet ” before class to identify vocabulary that may be new or challenging to students. Identify the quotes made by astronaut Scott Kelly in the article; students will convert these quotes to reported speech. Print a copy of the article for each student to read or, if possible, complete part one of the activity in a computer lab. Part 1 – In-Class Practice 1.     Pass out copies of the article “ Scott Kelly Reflects On His Year Off The Planet ”, or provide students a link to the article if working in a computer lab. 2.     Have the students read the article. 3.     Once the students have finished reading, have the students underline or highlight the quotes made by astronaut Scott Kelly in the article. If students are reading the article online, have them write the quotes on a sheet of paper. 4.     Next, have the students write a short summary of the article. Instruct them to use at least two quotes from astronaut Kelly. These quotes must be changed to reported speech. a.     For lower level classes, students can do the summary in pairs or small groups. b.     Advance classes can use this opportunity not only to practice reported speech but to cite sources as well. For example, with Scott Kelly’s quote, "I have taken a lot of pictures because I've been up here for a long time," can be changed to: Kelly told reporters that he had taken a lot of pictures because he had been up there a long time . More advanced classes can also use reported speech to summarize what the author of the article wrote, such as: Brumfiel states that when Kelly had returned to Earth he had spent 340 days aboard the International Space Station . 5.     Have students switch summaries with another student. The students read their partner’s summary and analyze how closely it matches the information in the article. Instruct the students to make corrections to any errors they see in the reported speech contained in the summary. a.     Optional: The summaries can be collected and corrections made to the reported speech. Part 2 – Homework 1.     Now that students have practice with the in-class article, assign them homework to find a new article on which to report. 2.     Encourage students to find an article on a topic they enjoy. A resource for articles designed for learners of English is Voice of America . 3.     Have the students summarize their article and, as in the class example, include at least two instances of reported speech. Part 3 – In-Class Report 1.     In the next class, have the students present their article summary to the class. Give each student two minutes to present their summary to the class. 2.     Encourage students not to rely on their writing but to try giving the summary from memory. Optional variations 1.     Make this a regular activity in your class by requiring students to present a news report each week. Each class period, a set number of students can provide a report, such as two students at the start of each class. 2.     If class time is limited, have the students record their summaries and submit them as audio journals. For ideas on student recordings, see the September 2015 Teacher’s Corner on using Audacity recording software. For more ways to incorporate global affairs and news into your classroom check out the Teacher’s Corner for March 2016 . Privacy Notice Copyright Info Accessibility Statement Get Adobe Reader For English Language Teachers Around the World The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, U.S. Department of State, manages this site. External links to other Internet sites should not be construed as an endorsement of the views or privacy policies contained therein. RNC replay: Trump accepts nomination, addresses shooting, lays out vision for second term Former President Donald Trump formally accepted the Republican nomination for president for a third time on Thursday and thanked Americans for their support after he was injured and a man died in an assassination attempt at the former president's campaign rally last week. Trump vowed that "our resolve is unbroken" as he reflected on the shooting and called on Americans to unify after the attack. "I am running to be president for all of America, not half of America, because there is no victory in winning for half of America,” Trump said in the beginning of his acceptance speech.  Still, Trump took time to lay out his conservative vision for the country and criticize his Democratic rivals, knocking President Joe Biden's handling of the issues facing the nation. He also said Democrats should stop "weaponizing the justice system," though there is no evidence that Democratic officials have affected the criminal charges the former president is facing. Some of Trump's most vocal allies took the stage on Thursday, from conservative commentator Tucker Carlson to former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and his son Eric Trump. Wrestling icon Hulk Hogan called the GOP nominee his "hero," and UFC President Dana White introduced Trump ahead of his acceptance speech. Catch up with live updates from the USA TODAY Network: Donald Trump says Americans should start ‘demanding’ best leadership in the world   Trump during his speech laid out key goals for a second presidency, saying that Americans should demand the best leadership in the world.  “For too long, our nation has settled for too little. We’ve given everything to other nations, to other people,” Trump said. “You have been told to lower your expectations and to accept less for your families.”  “I am here tonight with the opposite message: Your expectations are not big enough,” he continued. “It is time to start expecting and demanding the best leadership in the world, leadership that is bold, dynamic, relentless, and fearless. We can do that.”  − Rebecca Morin  Crowd becomes restless as Trump speech veers off into tangents The crowd was pumped up when Trump came on stage after apperances by celebrities like Hulk Hogan and Kid Rock.  But what started as a contemplative speech has become somewhat rambling, with Trump veering off on tangents. He's still eliciting laughs, but the crowd seems less engaged − several are looking at their phones, some are beginning to leave and chants are far less frequent.  In the Michigan delegation, one delegate had to remind Republicans from the state to "go nuts" for the Trump's promise to save the auto industry. In the Minnesota section, a delegate left saying "we can watch the stupid balloons on TV." − Riley Beggin, Clara Hendrickson and Sam Woodward Donald Trump lays out his pitch on border, foreign policy in acceptance speech Donald Trump's speech focused heavily on immigration, and the former president said he would re-implement several of his hardline border policies from his first term in office. Trump, who used dehumanizing language towards migrants, praised the GOP for codifying his campaign promise to “launch the largest deportation operation” in U.S. history.  On Day One, he said his administration will do two things: “Drill, baby, drill” and close the U.S.-Mexico border to immigrants.  Trump made promises on a wide range of issues, saying he wants to provide additional resources to the U.S. military, address crime across cities and find cures for a variety of diseases like cancer and Alzheimer’s. He also criticized Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the Israel-Hamas war, claiming without evidence that he could “stop wars with a telephone call.”  − Rebecca Morin Donald Trump addresses Pennsylvania shooting in remarks For the first time since the assassination attempt at his Pennsylvania rally, Trump addressed the shooting in person. He told convention attendees that they will never hear about the attack from him again because “it’s too painful to tell.” He said that as he was discussing immigration that day, he turned his head slightly to see a chart of border crossings under his leadership when he heard a “loud whizzing sound” and he felt something hit him “really really hard.” “I said to myself ‘Wow, what was that? It can only be a bullet’ and moved my right hand to my ear, brought it down,” he said. “My hand was covered with blood, just absolutely blood all over the place.” He praised the Secret Service agents who pulled him from the stage shortly after the gunman opened fire, saying that they were “very brave.” “Secret Service agents rushed to the stage and they really did - they rushed to the stage,” Trump said. “These are great people at great risk, I will tell you. They pounced on top of me so that I would be protected. There was blood pouring everywhere and yet in a certain way I felt very safe because I had God on my side.” Some lawmakers have been critical of the Secret Service agents’ actions that day, but Trump repeatedly praised them in his speech. − Sudiksha Kochi Donald Trump honors firefighter killed at rally Donald Trump during his acceptance speech honored Corey Comperatore, the firefighter who was killed at his rally in Pennsylvania after a gunman opened fire. “He was incredible. He was a highly respected former fire chief − respected by everybody − was accompanied by his wife Helen. Incredible woman I spoke to today, devastated, and two precious daughters. He lost his life selflessly acting as a human shield to protect them from flying bullets. He went right over the top of them and was hit. What a fine man he was.” A firefighter uniform that belonged to Comperatore appeared on stage with Trump. The former president also kissed Comperatore’s helmet and called for a moment of silence for the Pennsylvania man. Fact-checking RNC Day 4: What Trump, other speakers get right and wrong Donald Trump formally accepts GOP nomination  Donald Trump formally accepted the Republican presidential nomination Thursday, on the final day of the GOP convention.   Unity was a leading theme in Trump’s address, rewritten in the wake of the assassination attempt against him over the weekend.  − Savannah Kuchar  Donald Trump walks onto convention stage alongside Corey Comperatore jacket, helmet Donald Trump walked onto the convention stage with his last name in lights behind him. He also walked alongside a helmet and firefighter jacket that belonged to Corey Comperatore, the man who was killed in the shooting at the former president's rally on Saturday. − Marina Pitofsky UFC President Dana White introduces Donald Trump UFC President Dana White described his 25-year relationship with Donald Trump as he introduced the former president, saying "I know he wants what's best for the American people. All American people." Kid Rock calls on convention attendees to 'fight' Kid Rock performed on the convention stage on Thursday, encouraging Republicans in attendance to "fight." It's a clear reference to Donald Trump's reaction after the attack on his weekend campaign rally, when he told his supporters to "fight" after a gunman fired on the event. Melania Trump enters convention floor Former first lady Melania Trump entered the convention floor wearing a red suit as a Beethoven symphony played. Eric Trump slams Democrats, touts father’s achievements Eric Trump, son of Donald Trump, praised his father’s achievements in a spirited speech to convention attendees, hitting on issues including the economy, foreign policy, immigration and other hot-button debates. “My father stands before you with the boost growth of any Republican candidate in the history of our nation,” Eric Trump said. “He has defied the predictions of every political pundit. He fills stadiums across our country. He energizes Americans to the issues facing this nation and does so with unvarnished honesty.” "He is not a threat to democracy. He is a threat to those who despise our republic, many of whom are bought and sold,” he added. Eric Trump also took a swipe at Democrats, alleging that they “tried everything to keep him from you, everything to destroy his legacy, to destroy his family.” “They have failed and they will not win,” he said. Wrestler Hulk Hogan: ‘Let Trumpamania make America great again’   Professional wrestler Hulk Hogan has one message for you, brother: Make America Great Again. Hogan brought the theatrics of the World Wrestling Entertainment to the RNC on Thursday by rushing on stage with an American flag before he gave his full backing to Trump.   “Well, let me tell you something brother,” Hogan said, referencing the wrestlers’ iconic phrase, before comparing the energy in the room as how it felt at a Madison Square Garden event.  Hogan said he came out to support Trump after the attempted assassination of the former president.  “As an entertainer, I'm trying to stay out of politics,” said Hogan, whose government name is Terry Bollea. “But after everything that's happened to our country over the past four years, and everything that happened last weekend. I can no longer say silent.”  Hogan, who is in the WWE Hall of Fame like Trump, said the greatest tag team of his lifetime wasn’t between him and Randy Savage, another top professional wrestler, but between Trump and the United States.  During his speech, Hogan ripped off his blazer and a black t-shirt that said “Real Americans” to unveil a red tank top with Trump and Vance’s names on it.   “Let Trumpamania make America great again,” Hogan said, a play on WWE’s top live event, Wrestlemania. Hogan, whose followers were called Hulkamaniacs, referenced Trump’s supporters as “Trumpamaniacs.”  What are you going to do when Donald Trump and all the Trumpamaniacs run wild on you, brother?” Hogan said.  Religious leader Franklin Graham praises God for Trump’s survival after assassination attempt  Franklin Graham, president and CEO of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, said God “spared” Trump over the weekend against an attempted assassination.  “I cannot explain why God would save one life and allow another one to be taken. I don’t have the answer for that,” the reverend said, referring to firefighter Corey Comperatore who was killed in the attack at Trump's Pennsylvania rally on Saturday. Multiple speakers have made divine allusions to explain Trump's survival over the weekend. Some have mentioned Comperatore as well.  Graham included the Comperatore family in his prayer at the conclusion of his address.  Donald Trump reenters the convention floor alongside his family Donald Trump reentered the convention floor surrounded by his children and grandchildren, including Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner, who had not attended prior RNC events. Real estate baron Steven Witkoff uses RNC speech to humanize Trump, recall son who overdosed Real estate baron Steven Witkoff spoke at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee on Thursday to highlight  former President Donald Trump 's integrity and empathy that people don't see on TV. Steven was introduced by his son Zach Witkoff, who said his father shares the same "hard work, unwavering loyalty and perseverance" as the GOP presidential nominee. "An American Trilogy" by Elvis Presley played as Steven took the podium arguing that the song captures who Trump is as a person, emphasizing the lyrics "his truth is marching on." The business owner opened up about how Trump was there for him after his son, Andrew, died after an opioid overdose. − JJ Hensley Tucker Carlson praises Donald Trump’s leadership in wake of shooting  Former Fox News anchor Tucker Carlson took the stage Thursday and addressed the attempted assassination against Donald Trump looming over this week’s convention.  “Everything was different after that moment,” Carlson said. “Everything: this convention is different, the nation is different, the world is different, Donald Trump is different.”  The TV personality said Trump not being severely wounded in the stunning attack was “divine intervention” and claimed the attempt transformed Trump.  “I think it changed him,” Carlson said, noting that he reached out to the former president in the wake of the shooting.   Trump lawyer Alina Habba rails against indictments Alina Habba, one of Trump’s lawyers, criticized the criminal indictments against him in her remarks to convention attendees, alleging that the charges have been politicized. “Every attack on President Trump only strengthens our movement,” she said.  There is no evidence that the officials pursuing or overseeing charges against Trump have targeted his reelection bid. Country music star Jason Aldean joins Donald Trump at RNC   Country music singer Jason Aldean and his wife, Brittany Kerr, appeared next to Trump in the MAGA friends and family box on the final night of the convention.  Aldean defended Trump on social media earlier this year, after the former president was convicted on 34 felony counts in his New York hush money trial.   And the Aldeans' ties to Trump go back years; the couple attended his Mar-a-Lago New Year’s Eve party in 2022.  − Savannah Kuchar   Detroit pastor lauds Trump Lorenzo Sewell, an “everyday American" and pastor in Detroit, praised Trump for visiting a Detroit church to woo Black voters on his birthday in June. “Let me ask you a question, Grand Old Party. What would you do for your birthday if you were worth $6.7 billion? What would you do for your birthday? Would you come to Detroit? Would you come into the Hood Hood? He came to the hood because he cares about average everyday Americans.” Sewell, whose speech earned applause and cheers, added that there was a “miracle by a millimeter” last Saturday, when Trump was injured in an assassination attempt during a rally in Butler County, Pennsylvania. “You cannot deny that it was a millimeter miracle that was able to save this man's life. Could it be that Jesus Christ preserved him for such a time as this?” he said. −Sudiksha Kochi Mike Pompeo knocks Biden over Israel, Afghanistan  Mike Pompeo, former secretary of state, took the stage Thursday and argued the country was safer under Donald Trump's administration.  “In short, we put America first every single day,” Pompeo told the crowd, adding, “42 months on, what has Joe Biden and Kamala Harris done?”  Pompeo slammed the current administration over Biden’s current handling of the Israel-Hamas War and retreat from Afghanistan in August 2021.  “Ladies and gentleman, President Biden sold out our citizens and our security and our sovereignty, and we need to get it back and I am confident that we will get it back,” Pompeo said.  −Savannah Kuchar  Donald Trump enters convention floor ahead of acceptance speech Donald Trump has entered the convention floor before he formally accepts the Republican nomination. He was again wearing a bandage over his right ear after he was injured in an assassination attempt. Who are the 'everyday Americans' speaking at the RNC? A billionaire, Trump golf pro and more One glance at the speaker schedule for the Republican National Convention this week shows that former President Donald Trump is trying hard to court “everyday Americans.” Each night of the GOP convention has featured speeches from voters who say they’re fed up with the status-quo and plan to support Trump in the fall. They’re billed by the Trump campaign as “everyday Americans.” And their messages are meant to resonate with the handful of undecided American voters in key swing states who Trump believes are key to winning the election.   −Karissa Waddick More: Who are the 'everyday Americans' speaking at the RNC? A billionaire, Trump golf pro and more Who is the band playing at the 2024 RNC in Milwaukee? The band playing at the RNC is in the spotlight on Monday during the first day of the  2024 Republican National Convention  in Milwaukee. And when the teleprompter experienced a malfunction, the band got to show off more of its set. But that was OK for many since people were loving the country music band, Sixwire. Here's what to know about the band at the RNC. Read more here: Who is the band playing at the 2024 RNC in Milwaukee? – Christopher Kuhagen Hulk Hogan says he couldn’t stay silent on politics after ‘hero’ Trump was shot at   Professional wrestler Hulk Hogan on Thursday said he can no longer stay silent on politics following the assassination attempt on Donald Trump.  “When they took a shot at my hero, Donald Trump, I realized that I couldn't be silent anymore,” Hogan said in an interview with Fox News. “I had to step up. I had to be a real American just like all these real Americans here and Donald Trump.”  Hogan, who wrestled with the WWE, said Trump is the man who “loves everybody in America.”  “This feels like the way America should be,” Hogan said of the convention. “It shouldn't be like this where there's love, there's hope, there's happiness, and there's success. And that's exactly what this country will find with Donald Trump.”  Trump is in the WWE Hall of Fame and his former Atlantic City casino and hotel, Trump Plaza, hosted back-to-back WrestleManias, the top live event for WWE, in 1988 and 1989. Hogan competed in both events.  Hogan predicted Trump “without a doubt” will be the next U.S. president.  “If I was a betting man, I would not bet against the Republicans," Hogan said. “I would not bet against Donald Trump or these real Americans that are in this room.”  Trump golf course employees  John Nieporte and Carrie Ruiz speaking tonight at RNC When the organizers went looking for what they called  "everyday Americans"  to speak during the last night of the  2024 Republican National Convention , they didn't have to look far. They just hit the links. Two of the speakers Thursday night, the  final night of the RNC in Milwaukee , work at  Trump golf properties . John Nieporte is the head golf pro at Trump International in West Palm Beach, and Carrie Ruiz is the golf general manager at Trump National Doral in Miami. But who better to talk about him? – C. A. Bridges What time will Eric Trump speak? Eric Trump will speak between 8 and 9 p.m. CT. He is expected to tout his father’s accomplishments and encourage convention attendees to choose Donald Trump in November. – Sudiksha Kochi At RNC, Republicans see an opportunity to win over voters of color and young voters They gathered for the  Republican National Convention  to make Donald Trump their presidential nominee under the banner of "Make America Great Once Again" — a riff on the nostalgic slogan the former president used in his winning 2016 campaign. But as Republicans hope to deliver another Trump victory, they rallied behind an unofficial theme as they look towards their party's future: realignment. The Republican National Convention's speaker lineup highlights the party's attempts at racial diversity, and at events throughout the week, GOP stalwarts celebrated what they see as the shifting demographics of their party's coalition. – Clara Hendrickson Watch Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders' speech at the Republican National Convention Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders  spoke at the  Republican National Convention  on Tuesday and recounted her time working with former  president Donald Trump . You can watch her address here. – James Powel RNC livestream Keep up with USA TODAY's live stream of the 2024 RNC. – Marina Pitofsky When does the RNC start today? Thursday's batch of speakers at the RNC are beginning at about 5:30 CT, or 6:30 ET. Peter Navarro got out of prison and gave an impassioned speech at the RNC: Watch Peter Navarro, the former Director of United States Office of Trade and Manufacturing Policy, took the podium at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee on Wednesday to attack the Department of Justice, the judiciary and the Jan. 6 Committee in a sharp  rebuke of calls of unity  during the first high profile political event since the assassination attempt on Donald Trump. In March, Navarro became the first Trump aide to be  imprisoned  for efforts related to trying to steal the 2020 election. He was sentenced to four months in prison for Contempt of Congress for refusing to testify to the January 6 committee. The RNC crowd chanted, "welcome home" and "fight" before Navarro began his speech. The speech was Navarro's first public appearance since leaving a federal prison Wednesday morning. – JJ Hensley and Margie Cullen Follow along as we fact-check Trump, other speakers tonight Donald Trump's first public speech since the failed assassination attempt against him highlights the final night of the Republican National Convention, and we'll be watching to let you know if he and the night's other speakers stray from the truth. In addition to the shooting, Trump’s address is expected to cover topics including the GOP’s platform , election integrity and Democratic President Joe Biden . Follow along as the USA TODAY Fact Check Team separates fact from fiction and adds important context if the speakers lack it. – USA TODAY Fact Check Team Kamala Harris calls JD Vance’s acceptance speech a 'compelling story' but 'not the full story' Vice President Kamala Harris at a rally in North Carolina Thursday said Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance’s speech Wednesday night at the Republican National Convention was a “compelling story” but “not the full story.” “Frankly, what is very telling is what he did not talk about on that stage. He did not talk about Project 2025," referencing the sweeping conservative agenda put together by the Heritage Foundation. Harris added later that if you claim to stand for unity, you “need to do more than just use the word.” “You cannot claim you stand for unity if you are pushing an agenda that deprives whole groups of Americans of basic freedoms, opportunity and dignity,” she said. Gold Star families of service members killed in Kabul airport bombing addressed RNC The families of service members killed in a suicide bombing at the Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, Afghanistan in 2021 gave emotional remarks about losing their loved ones on Wednesday. They also criticized Joe Biden's handling of the attack and complimented Donald Trump's response. What are the swing states in 2024?  For the 2024 election, Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin are the swing states crucial for both campaigns.  Republicans are hoping that Ohio Sen. JD Vance as Donald Trump’s running mate can help the party’s chances in the rust belt states of Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.  – Savannah Kuchar and Maya Marchel Hoff  JD Vance set to speak in his hometown JD Vance will speak to his hometown in Ohio Monday as he launches his vice-presidential campaign. Vance is scheduled to speak in Middletown, Ohio, one week after Donald Trump selected the 39-year-old senator to be his running mate. During his acceptance speech Wednesday, Vance shared his life story to millions of Americans and tied his upbringing to Trump’s policies.  In Middletown, Vance and his family wrestled with poverty, drug addiction and domestic abuse. His childhood was the subject of his best-selling memoir, “Hillbilly Elegy.” Vance kicked off his Senate campaign in Middletown in 2021. – Haley BeMiller Usha Vance steps into the Republican spotlight to wide praise – and a few racist sneers During the third night of the Republican National Convention, Usha Vance took on a new, loftier task: Introducing her husband, and herself, to the country in a primetime speech. “That JD and I could meet at all, let alone fall in love and marry, is a testament to this great country,” she said.  The Vances have been thrust into national prominence this week after Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump  named Ohio's junior senator as his running mate . Her national coming out has prompted a largely supportive reception, even as some far-right personalities have circulated racist commentary denigrating her Indian heritage.   – Haley BeMiller and Brianne Pfannenstiel Who is sponsoring the RNC? Hint: It's not Starbucks Organizers for the  Republican National Convention  raised more than $85 million in donations from companies, organizations, and individuals,  surpassing their initial goal  of $70 million. Here's a snapshot of some of the convention's contributors. – Maya Marchel Hoff Where is Melania Trump? Expected appearance tonight in family box at RNC The last night of the Republican convention is expected to include a rare sighting:  Former first lady Melania Trump . Melania Trump, who has been mostly absent from the 2024 campaign trail, is scheduled to attend the convention and sit in the family box as the former president delivers  his acceptance speech. Also expected to be in attendance:  Daughter Ivanka Trump , who has also stayed away from the campaign, but recently posted a tribute to her father. – David Jackson Mike Johnson says he called White House to ask Joe Biden to fire Secret Service director House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., said he called the White House on Thursday morning to ask President Joe Biden to fire Secret Service director Kimberly Cheatle in the wake of the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump. Johnson though did not get to speak with the president, he said in an interview at an event hosted by CNN and Politico. Lawmakers will receive a classified briefing next week from Secret Service and the FBI about the shooting, but Johnson called on the administration to declassify classified information for the American public to know.  “If you let questions hover over this, it’s a dangerous thing,” Johnson said, noting that conspiracy theories can “flourish.” When is the 2024 DNC? Here's what to know about the Democratic National Convention Democratic party officials are preparing for this year's Democratic National Convention, which will take place later this summer. The convention will start on Monday, Aug. 19, and run through Thursday, Aug. 22.   – Raphael Romero Ruiz Chair of Republican Governors Association calls for unity Will calls for increased political unity in the wake of Saturday's shooting trickle down to state politics?  Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, chair of the Republican Governors Association, said Thursday he thinks the tragic incident "stirred within a lot of people the hope that we could move toward a more unified place."  Lee has long called for increased civility in politics, collaborating with Utah Gov. Spencer Cox , chair of the National Governors Association, earlier this year on Cox's initiative to encourage Americans to "Disagree Better."  Cox has taken heat from the left and his GOP primary opponent for his effort  to combat political polarization. The Utah governor has refused to vote for Trump, whose divisive rhetoric has often devolved into personal mockery.  Lee, a Trump supporter who took to the RNC stage earlier this week, said he's "hopeful that there may be a turn going forward" in the tenor of political rhetoric. "Trump has signaled his desire for that," Lee said, noting President Biden has done the same. "Let's tone it down and remind ourselves what really matters."  — Melissa Brown JD Vance heading to Indiana after 2024 RNC in Milwaukee Republican Vice Presidential nominee JD Vance  is scheduled to visit Fort Wayne, Indiana, next week, just days after the close of the  Republican National Convention .   Former President Donald Trump on Monday tapped Vance, the U.S. Senator from Ohio, as his running mate for his 2024 campaign. Trump’s previous running mate in 2016 and 2020 was  former Vice President Mike Pence of Indiana.   Allen County Republican Party Chair Steve Shine confirmed to IndyStar that Vance will visit Fort Wayne on Wednesday. Shine said specifics of the appearance are still being solidified.   “We are very honored to have someone of such national prominence so soon out of the gate after the convention to come visit Fort Wayne in Allen County,” Shine told IndyStar on Thursday. “It substantiates the fact that Allen County is a Republican hotbed for the state of Indiana.” — Brittany Carloni GOP speakers target Kamala Harris as speculation grows over Biden dropping out The primary target of badgering during many of the speeches at the Republican National Convention hasn't been President Joe Biden — it's been his second-in-command. Biden has been facing a  wave of Democratic Party dissenters , but after news Wednesday night that he tested  positive for COVID — just hours after saying a medical condition is the only thing that could  pull him  from the ticket — the attention increasingly has focused on Vice President Kamala Harris as his potential replacement. Harris repeatedly took hits during high-profile Republican speeches in Milwaukee during the convention as speculation over her potential takeover grows, and the GOP strategy for winning in November evolves. Read more on how Republicans are ramping up criticism of Harris. — Sam Woodward and Melissa Brown RNC Speakers Day 4: Donald Trump, Hulk Hogan and Tucker Carlson to speak  Donald Trump will take the RNC stage Thursday night, along with a cadre of celebrities, his former administration officials and everyday Americans. Here’s a look at the big names to watch out for:   Mike Pompeo, former Secretary of State under Trump  Eric Trump  Tucker Carlson, founder of Tucker Carlson Network  Hulk Hogan, professional entertainer and wrestler  Dana White, CEO of Ultimate Fighting Championship  Franklin Graham, president and CEO of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association   – Karissa Waddick Day 4 lineup: Who is speaking at RNC Day 4? Donald Trump takes the stage with these celebrity guests Biden campaign: Vance’s speech too ‘boring’ to respond to Biden-Harris 2024 Deputy Campaign Manager Quentin Fulks said he had planned to lead off a Thursday morning news conference by talking about Republican Vice Presidential nominee JD Vance’s Wednesday night speech. But he said it was so “boring,” there was not much to say. “He might not have inspired a single American to vote for him,” Fulks said. “But he did provide a picture-perfect contrast between himself. He is a spineless backbencher desperate for Trump's approval. And our own Vice President Kamala Harris is a powerful leader and a terrific partner to President Biden.” Vance, a U.S. senator from Ohio, took the podium at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee Wednesday night to officially accept his place on the ballot .  — Brianne Pfannenstiel  Biden ‘will be the Democratic nominee,’ deputy campaign manager says in Milwaukee The morning after news outlets reported that former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi privately told President Joe Biden that he cannot defeat Republican nominee Donald Trump and is dragging down the rest of the Democratic ticket, Biden-Harris 2024 Deputy Campaign Manager Quentin Fulks said the president is not wavering on whether to drop out of the race. “Our campaign is not working through any scenarios where President Biden is not the top of the ticket. He is and will be the Democratic nominee,” he said. Pressed further by reporters, Fulks reiterated that Biden’s decision to stay in the race is firm. “I talk to the president every day, like I said. He is not wavering on anything,” Fulks said. “The president has made his decision. I don't want to be rude, but I do not know how many more times we can answer that. Joe Biden has said he is running for President of the United States. Our campaign is moving forward with drawing a vision of contrast between that of Project 2025 and what we have seen for the past three days here in Milwaukee.” — Brianne Pfannentiel  Joe Biden ‘feeling fine’ after testing positive for COVID, continuing to work Biden-Harris 2024 Deputy Campaign Manager Quentin Fulks said during a news conference in Milwaukee Wednesday morning that President Joe Biden is “feeling fine” as he continues to self-isolate in Delaware after testing positive for COVID-19. “The President's feeling fine,” Fulks said. “He is self-isolating in Delaware. He's continuing to make calls and do work. He has some official meetings today, a lot of campaign calls that he's getting through, I think, some zoom calls that he's hopping on, potentially.” Biden tested positive Wednesday after an event in Las Vegas. “I know President Biden well,” said U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla of California, who is also serving on the Biden-Harris national advisory board. “He's not skipping to beat. He had to isolate a little bit because of COVID. And that shouldn't surprise anybody. ... COVID numbers are up. It's part of our new reality.” Brutal split screen: Biden holed up with COVID while Trump accepts nomination ‘The ghost of Cornpop’: Who was Donald Trump Jr. referring to?   Donald Trump Jr. questioned who is really running the country during his RNC speech Wednesday, alluding to concerns about President Joe Biden’s age and mental acuity after his poor debate performance last month.   “Is it Jill? Is it Hunter? Barack Obama?,” Trump Jr. asked. "Maybe it’s the ghost of Cornpop,”  Who is Cornpop? The reference refers to a story Biden tells about an encounter he had with a Delaware gang member named William Morris, whose nickname was Cornpop, while working as a swimming pool security guard one summer.   — Karissa Waddick Why won't George W. Bush talk publicly about Donald Trump? It's simple. Many Republican convention delegates like to salute the heritage of their party, but few of them these days talk about the next-to-last GOP president,  George W. Bush . And that suits Bush just fine. For while Bush still keeps up with politics - including the resurgence of Republican successor and fervent critic  Donald Trump  - he doesn't like to talk about it publicly. In paid private speeches, the long-retired 43rd president has been known to joke that both Trump and  President Joe Biden  are too old for the demands of the office. Read more on the Bush political dynasty and the current Republican Party. — David Jackson Donald Trump's face dominates merch at 2024 Republican convention What does Trump 2024 smell like? Apples, vanilla, with a slight note of cinnamon. At least that's what the Trump 2024: Make American Great candle would have you believe – for sale this week at a merchandise table at the Republican National Convention. The Republican Party faithful have snapped up snarky T-shirts, MAGA hats and elephant pins at the political event that has taken over downtown Milwaukee. While staid official merchandise in simple reds, whites and blues are for sale, many are flocking to the sideline booths to pick up lapel pins dripping with rhinestones and new T-shirts, hot off the presses, featuring a bloodied Donald Trump photographed after Saturday's assassination attempt. Read more on all the merchandise for sale at the RNC. 'Actual poetic genius?' Donald Trump's social media posts sold as poetry at GOP convention GOP makes its case to Latino voters at convention, sets sights past 2024 election Latino voters in the United States are crucial to cementing a conservative voting majority for the next generation, according to Latino Republican and conservative operatives at the Republican National Convention. With the Nov. 5 general election more than 100 days away, they’re detailing plans for aggressive engagement efforts beyond traditional conservative circles such as South Florida, home to historically Republican-leaning Latino voters whose origins trace to socialist-led countries in Latin America. Operatives say they will focus their resources on 21 battleground counties around the U.S. with significant Latino voter populations. Those include two of the fastest growing areas in the country: Arizona’s Maricopa County, which encompasses the Phoenix metro area and is home to most of the state's voters, and Nevada’s Clark County, home to sprawling Las Vegas. Read more on the GOP's outreach efforts. — Rafael Carranza Melania Trump expected to be in family box Thursday night There's a mystery guest for Donald Trump's acceptance speech: Former first lady Melania Trump . The low-profile spouse is expected to be in the family box for her husband's remarks , officials said, but they would not otherwise comment on her activities. She has no public schedule. Melania Trump has rarely be seen in public during her husband's 2024 campaign; she did issue a lengthy written statement after Saturday's assassination attempt. “A monster who recognized my husband as an inhuman political machine attempted to ring out Donald's passion - his laughter, ingenuity, love of music, and inspiration,” she wrote. RNC guests: Melania Trump not seen at RNC through first three days, will she appear Thursday? JD Vance introduces himself as father, author — and MAGA convert JD Vance, introducing himself to the American people for the first time Wednesday night, wanted to make this much clear: He's not a pol. He is the survivor of a childhood marked by violence and his mother's drug addiction. He is a Marine veteran, a husband and father, an entrepreneur, an author whose  Hillbilly Elegy  told the story of the decline of his grandparents' Appalachia with such pathos that it became a national bestseller and a Netflix movie. Pol or not, though, James David Vance has scored one of the fastest rises in modern American politics of anyone not named Trump. Read more on how JD Vance used his speech to introduce himself to a national audience. — Susan Page Watch: JD Vance’s full speech at 2024 Republican National Convention Trump will still be bandaged tonight Former President Donald Trump will have that big bandage on his ear tonight as he delivers his speech formally accepting the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, according to daughter-in-law Lara Trump. Lara Trump, who is a co-chair of the Republican National Committee, also told CBS News’ morning show that her father is not on medication. Trump’s ear bandage has become an icon at the Republican convention. Some delegates have bandaged their own ears in solidarity. Will assassination attempt change the way people view Trump?   Convicted  but never imprisoned, Donald Trump and his reputation have nonetheless been locked in place in the minds of many Americans after eight fractious years of  turmoil ,  impeachments ,  insurrection  and  criminal charges . The  attempt on his life  may give him the best chance at breaking free, offering a kind of  political parole  from voters sympathetic to the bandage on his bullet-grazed ear, and possibly a second look from those who normally oppose him, all while elevating his reputation with  true believers to near martyr status . For three days here at the Republican National Convention, Trump's  family , surrogates and  supporters  have said the shooting changed the 78-year-old former president, giving him a new outlook; that he  tore up an aggressive speech  aimed at dismantling his opponent's administration in favor of one aimed at national unity. Trump's remarks Thursday night will be the first time Americans will have a chance to hear if his change of tone has stuck. Read more on whether views of the former president are changing. — Zac Anderson and Sarah D. Wire The 2024 RNC ends Thursday: See the full schedule, how to watch and livestream JD Vance met with fanfare Vice Presidential nominee JD Vance was met with fanfare Wednesday in his debut as the heir apparent to the Republican Party under its new MAGA banner. The 39-year-old Ohio senator was selected to be Donald Trump’s running mate earlier this week in a process that was more like his boss's old reality TV show, "The Apprentice." Allies advertise their newly minted vice presidential pick as the millennial messenger to a conservative cause that is looking to expand its electoral map as it beams with confidence in the last leg of the 2024 presidential election. Trump is the "last, best hope to restore" the country, he said, before listing a series of issues at stake this year. Read our Day 3 takeaways from the Republican National Convention. — Phillip M. Bailey Never-Trump Republican launches Anti-Psychopath PAC   George Conway, a prominent anti-Trump Republican, launched a new political action committee called the Anti-Psychopath PAC on Thursday to portray Donald Trump as a danger to democracy and mentally unfit for a second term. The PAC is running 10 billboards around the RNC in Milwaukee that read: “Thanks for nominating a CONVICTED FELON,” and a billboard truck that says “Thanks for nominating a PSYCHO.” Trump was convicted in May on 34 felony counts in his New York hush money trial. Conway, who also founded the Lincoln Project, told USA TODAY that he isn’t worried about being accused by the Trump campaign of targeting incendiary political rhetoric at the former president after the assassination attempt against him.  “We expect Trump and his allies to accuse us of anything they can think of,” Conway said in a statement. “We condemn violence in all its forms. But we won't back away from calling out the danger that a second Trump term poses to America. Facts are facts."  Who is Trump's VP pick JD Vance? JD Vance , 39, is a first-term senator from Ohio, who skyrocketed to fame after publishing his memoir “Hillbilly Elegy.”  Vance was first elected to the Senate in 2022 with no prior political experience, but he had widespread name recognition in light of his bestselling book. “Hillbilly Elegy,” later turned into a Netflix feature film, detailed Vance’s journey from a childhood riddled with abuse to a Yale Law School degree that opened doors for him in Silicon Valley.   While Vance was previously critical of Trump, at one point comparing him to an opioid and saying he could be “America’s Hitler,” he changed his tune ahead of his 2022 Senate race. Since then, Vance has become a loyal ally to Trump. He is also close with one of Trump’s sons, Donald Trump Jr. — Haley BeMiller and Riley Beggin Vance and his faith: Will JD Vance's religious background sway Catholic voters? What experts say. Kai Trump, Donald Trump's 17-year-old granddaughter, addresses RNC Kai Trump, Donald Trump’s 17-year-old granddaughter, told convention attendees that she sees a side of her grandfather that most people don’t see. “He calls me during the middle of the school day to ask how my golf game is going and tells me all about his… even when he's going through all these court cases, he always asks me how I'm doing. He always encourages me to push myself to be the most successful person I can be. Obviously, he sets the bar pretty high but who knows, maybe one day I'll catch him.” She said she was “shocked” when she heard the former president had been injured in a shooting on Saturday at his Pennsylvania rally. “I just wanted to know if he was okay,” she said. “It was heartbreaking that someone would do that to another person. A lot of people put my grandpa through hell, and he's still standing." — Sudiksha Kochi Cambridge Dictionary +Plus Reported speech Reported speech is how we represent the speech of other people or what we ourselves say. There are two main types of reported speech: direct speech and indirect speech. Direct speech repeats the exact words the person used, or how we remember their words: Barbara said, “I didn’t realise it was midnight.” In indirect speech, the original speaker’s words are changed. Barbara said she hadn’t realised it was midnight . In this example, I becomes she and the verb tense reflects the fact that time has passed since the words were spoken: didn’t realise becomes hadn’t realised . Indirect speech focuses more on the content of what someone said rather than their exact words: “I’m sorry,” said Mark. (direct) Mark apologised . (indirect: report of a speech act) In a similar way, we can report what people wrote or thought: ‘I will love you forever,’ he wrote, and then posted the note through Alice’s door. (direct report of what someone wrote) He wrote that he would love her forever , and then posted the note through Alice’s door. (indirect report of what someone wrote) I need a new direction in life , she thought. (direct report of someone’s thoughts) She thought that she needed a new direction in life . (indirect report of someone’s thoughts) Reported speech: direct speech Reported speech: indirect speech Reported speech: reporting and reported clauses Speech reports consist of two parts: the reporting clause and the reported clause. The reporting clause includes a verb such as say, tell, ask, reply, shout , usually in the past simple, and the reported clause includes what the original speaker said. reporting clause reported clause , , me Reported speech: punctuation Direct speech. In direct speech we usually put a comma between the reporting clause and the reported clause. The words of the original speaker are enclosed in inverted commas, either single (‘…’) or double (“…”). If the reported clause comes first, we put the comma inside the inverted commas: “ I couldn’t sleep last night, ” he said. Rita said, ‘ I don’t need you any more. ’ If the direct speech is a question or exclamation, we use a question mark or exclamation mark, not a comma: ‘Is there a reason for this ? ’ she asked. “I hate you ! ” he shouted. We sometimes use a colon (:) between the reporting clause and the reported clause when the reporting clause is first: The officer replied: ‘It is not possible to see the General. He’s busy.’ Punctuation Indirect speech In indirect speech it is more common for the reporting clause to come first. When the reporting clause is first, we don’t put a comma between the reporting clause and the reported clause. When the reporting clause comes after the reported clause, we use a comma to separate the two parts: She told me they had left her without any money. Not: She told me, they had left her without any money . Nobody had gone in or out during the previous hour, he informed us. We don’t use question marks or exclamation marks in indirect reports of questions and exclamations: He asked me why I was so upset. Not: He asked me why I was so upset? Reported speech: reporting verbs Say and tell. We can use say and tell to report statements in direct speech, but say is more common. We don’t always mention the person being spoken to with say , but if we do mention them, we use a prepositional phrase with to ( to me, to Lorna ): ‘I’ll give you a ring tomorrow,’ she said . ‘Try to stay calm,’ she said to us in a low voice. Not: ‘Try to stay calm,’ she said us in a low voice . With tell , we always mention the person being spoken to; we use an indirect object (underlined): ‘Enjoy yourselves,’ he told them . Not: ‘Enjoy yourselves,’ he told . In indirect speech, say and tell are both common as reporting verbs. We don’t use an indirect object with say , but we always use an indirect object (underlined) with tell : He said he was moving to New Zealand. Not: He said me he was moving to New Zealand . He told me he was moving to New Zealand. Not: He told he was moving to New Zealand . We use say , but not tell , to report questions: ‘Are you going now?’ she said . Not: ‘Are you going now?’ she told me . We use say , not tell , to report greetings, congratulations and other wishes: ‘Happy birthday!’ she said . Not: Happy birthday!’ she told me . Everyone said good luck to me as I went into the interview. Not: Everyone told me good luck … Say or tell ? Other reporting verbs (= ) The reporting verbs in this list are more common in indirect reports, in both speaking and writing: Simon admitted that he had forgotten to email Andrea. Louis always maintains that there is royal blood in his family. The builder pointed out that the roof was in very poor condition. Most of the verbs in the list are used in direct speech reports in written texts such as novels and newspaper reports. In ordinary conversation, we don’t use them in direct speech. The reporting clause usually comes second, but can sometimes come first: ‘Who is that person?’ she asked . ‘It was my fault,’ he confessed . ‘There is no cause for alarm,’ the Minister insisted . Verb patterns: verb + that -clause Word of the Day Your browser doesn't support HTML5 audio unwanted matter or material of any type, especially what is left after useful substances or parts have been removed In for a penny, in for a pound: Idioms in The Thursday Murder Club Learn more with +Plus Recent and Recommended {{#preferredDictionaries}} {{name}} {{/preferredDictionaries}} Definitions Clear explanations of natural written and spoken English English Learner’s Dictionary Essential British English Essential American English Grammar and thesaurus Usage explanations of natural written and spoken English Grammar Thesaurus Pronunciation British and American pronunciations with audio English Pronunciation English–Chinese (Simplified) Chinese (Simplified)–English English–Chinese (Traditional) Chinese (Traditional)–English English–Dutch Dutch–English English–French French–English English–German German–English English–Indonesian Indonesian–English English–Italian Italian–English English–Japanese Japanese–English English–Norwegian Norwegian–English English–Polish Polish–English English–Portuguese Portuguese–English English–Spanish Spanish–English English–Swedish Swedish–English Dictionary +Plus Word Lists To add ${headword} to a word list please sign up or log in. Add ${headword} to one of your lists below, or create a new one. {{message}} Something went wrong. There was a problem sending your report. Trump on Tuesday called the family of his supporter who died during the assassination attempt. On Monday, his wife told the New York Post he had not yet called The wife of Corey Comperatore, who died at the Trump rally, said Trump had not called her as of Monday. Corey Comperatore died shielding his family during an assassination attempt on Trump at a rally. Helen Comperatore said Biden called her. On Tuesday, she shared that Trump called her, per The New York Times. The wife of Corey Comperatore , the man who was killed during the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump, told The New York Post in an interview on Monday that the former president had not yet contacted her since the shooting on Saturday. After the Post's report, Helen Comperatore said in a social media post that Trump called her on Tuesday, according to The New York Times . Corey Comperatore, a 50-year-old former fire chief from Pennsylvania, was a supporter of Trump and attended the rally with his wife and daughters. His family said he was shot while shielding them from the gunfire. In an interview with The New York Post that was published Monday at 4:44 p.m. ET, his wife, Helen Comperatore, said her husband was her "hero" and that the last thing he said to them was "get down!" Helen Comperatore told the outlet that, at that point, she had not heard from Trump. The former president said he was shot during the rally ; two others were shot and critically wounded. Representatives for the Trump campaign, the White House, and the Biden campaign did not immediately respond to requests for comment from Business Insider. BI attempted to reach Helen Comperatore through email. "He was very kind and said he would continue to call me in the days and weeks ahead," she said of Trump on social media, according to The Times. Corey Comperatore's sister told The Times the family also spoke with representatives of the Trump campaign on Monday night. In his first statement after the shooting on Saturday, Trump wrote on Truth Social: "I want to thank The United States Secret Service, and all of Law Enforcement, for their rapid response on the shooting that just took place in Butler, Pennsylvania. Most importantly, I want to extend my condolences to the family of the person at the Rally who was killed, and also to the family of another person that was badly injured." In another post on Sunday, Trump added, "Our love goes out to the other victims and their families. We pray for the recovery of those who were wounded, and hold in our hearts the memory of the citizen who was so horribly killed." Related stories Trump's team has also shared a link to a GoFundMe that was "authorized" by the former president and is raising funds that will go towards the victims' families. The page had accrued more than $4.5 million in donations as of Monday evening. On Sunday, Trump arrived in Milwaukee for the Republican National Committee convention, which kicked off on Monday. Trump was formally nominated as the GOP candidate for president and announced he had selected Sen. JD Vance of Ohio as his vice presidential running mate. Helen Comperatore told the Post her family did receive a call from President Joe Biden , but that she did not speak with him. "I didn't talk to Biden. I didn't want to talk to him," she said. "My husband was a devout Republican, and he would not have wanted me to talk to him." While some Republicans, including Vance , blamed Biden's rhetoric for the attempted assassination of Trump, the FBI has not identified a motive for the shooting. Helen Comperatore said she did not think Biden was responsible for her husband's death. She told the Post she is voting for Trump but that she is not very involved in politics. "I don't have any ill-will towards Joe Biden," she said, adding, "He didn't do anything to my husband. A 20-year-old despicable kid did." Update, July 16, 2024: Helen Comperatore said in a social media post that Trump called her on Tuesday, according to The New York Times . Corey Comperatore's sister told the Times the family also spoke with representatives of the Trump campaign on Monday night. Main content Advertisement Kamala Harris Wastes No Time in Attacking J.D. Vance As Democratic speculation grew that President Biden might be forced to give way to his vice president, she rallied supporters in North Carolina and went after her new counterpart on the Republican ticket. Share full article By Katie Glueck and Nicholas Nehamas Katie Glueck reported from New York, and Nicholas Nehamas from Fayetteville, N.C. July 18, 2024 Vice President Kamala Harris on Thursday laced into the newly formed Republican presidential ticket, casting former President Donald J. Trump and Senator J.D. Vance of Ohio as purveyors of “extreme” and “divisive” plans who would undermine the middle class. Her trip to Fayetteville, N.C., was her first campaign appearance since Mr. Vance formally accepted a spot on the Republican ticket at his party’s convention a day earlier, and her speech was in some ways an initial effort to define her new opponent, who has emphasized his working-class roots. “It’s a compelling story — and it was not the full story,” she said of his speech on Wednesday night, adding that Americans were “not buying” claims from Mr. Trump that “he and his running mate are going to prioritize the middle class.” Her remarks came as her own running mate, President Biden, faces intense pressure from top party leaders to step aside , putting Ms. Harris in a white-hot new spotlight as she described the stakes of the 2024 contest — “the most existential, consequential and important election of our lifetime,” she said. She appeared with Gov. Roy Cooper, the Democratic governor of North Carolina, with whom Ms. Harris has a warm relationship. He has been mentioned as a potential running mate for her if Mr. Biden were to step aside. In a well-received speech before an enthusiastic crowd, Ms. Harris argued that a Trump-Vance administration would threaten reproductive rights and federal entitlement programs, and jeopardize significant accomplishments of the Biden-Harris administration on issues like health care and education. We are having trouble retrieving the article content. Please enable JavaScript in your browser settings. Thank you for your patience while we verify access. If you are in Reader mode please exit and  log into  your Times account, or  subscribe  for all of The Times. Thank you for your patience while we verify access. Already a subscriber?  Log in . Want all of The Times?  Subscribe . Work & Careers Life & Arts ‘I’m not supposed to be here’: 5 key points from Donald Trump’s acceptance speech To read this article for free register now. 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Why the ft. See why over a million readers pay to read the Financial Times. Skip to main content Keyboard shortcuts for audio player WATCH: Donald J. Trump's 2024 RNC acceptance speech Stephen Fowler Will Mitchell A subdued and solemn Trump accepted the GOP nomination for president with a promise to unify a divided country. "As Americans, we are bound together by a single fate and a shared destiny," he said. "We rise together, or we fall apart. I am running to be president for all of America, not half of America, because there is no victory in winning for half of America." It's his first public address since Saturday's rally in Butler, Pa., where a bullet struck his ear, and one attendee was killed and two others injured. Trump said in the days leading up to this address that he rewrote his grand nominating address to strike a tone of unity after the near-death experience. WATCH: RNC speeches from J.D. Vance, Hulk Hogan, Dana White and more Trump's 2020 and 2016 speeches He's had the end-of-convention slot twice before, in 2016 as then-candidate Trump, and in 2020 as the incumbent President. Back in 2016, Trump focused on America's struggles with crime, terrorism and immigration, and his plan for addressing those issues. NPR annotated Trump's remarks that night — and when necessary — did a little fact-checking. In 2020, Trump was speaking from a different vantage point. In his speech that year, he harshly criticized then-candidate Joe Biden, rallied against "cancel culture" and repeatedly invoked a sinister image of a "socialist agenda." In 2020, the RNC came after the DNC, so Trump was able to directly rebut the vision Biden presented of America's future. NPR annotated Trump's 2020 remarks ( as well as Biden's , if you're interested.) Democratic donors funding an effort to vet potential VP candidates The effort to vet potential running mates, should Biden exit and Harris become the nominee, is independent of the Biden campaign. Major Democratic donors are funding a preliminary vetting process for potential vice-presidential nominees should President Biden exit the race, according to four people familiar with the process, suggesting that influential figures in the party are growing increasingly restless and concerned about the time remaining to mount a national campaign. In recent days, people involved in the effort have contacted the teams of top Democratic figures, including Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro and Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, the people said, speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss a sensitive effort. The donors are also interested in vetting North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly. It is unclear whether the subjects of the vetting are participating in the effort, which is independent of the Biden campaign and the Democratic National Committee. A vetting process typically includes a deep review of a potential candidate’s governing record, public statements, personal finances and other personal and private activities to help decision-makers weigh the potential risks of each selection, but the specifics of this particular effort are not known. The Biden campaign and a spokesperson for Shapiro declined to comment. Spokespeople for Beshear and Whitmer did not respond to requests for comment. A person familiar with Kelly’s political operation was unaware of outreach from outside donors involving any sort of vetting for the Democratic ticket. Kelly has heard from many supporters since the presidential debate urging him to seek higher office, the person said, but “what they are hearing back is, Kelly supports Biden and Harris.” Vetting potential vice- presidential candidate s usually takes months, so the group of donors, who have not been identified, decided to begin that process earlier this month. If Biden drops out, many Democrats think Vice President Harris would become the front-runner to replace him, and should she secure the nomination, she would have to select a running mate under a compressed timeline to ensure the Democratic ticket meets all state ballot deadlines. The vice president has repeatedly said she fully supports Biden as the party’s nominee. “I’m testifying as a first hand witness,” she told an audience in Massachusetts Saturday. “With every decision [Biden] makes in the Oval Office, I’m telling you he thinks about how it will impact everyday working Americans.” One potential pitfall of the donor-run process is that its sponsors could be barred from directly coordinating with the Democratic presidential campaign, under election laws designed to ensure campaigns’ independence. That means the donors would likely have to share their findings in a public manner in order for the campaign to benefit from them. Yet such vetting is usually guided by strict confidentiality, in part to ensure the privacy of the individuals involved. It is not clear how the donors might navigate that obstacle. In recent weeks, Harris has appeared with many of the Democrats who are being viewed as potential running mates should she take over the top of the ticket. A day after the debate, Harris was in Nevada with Kelly. She has twice appeared at campaign events in North Carolina with Cooper , and she campaigned with Shapiro last weekend in Pennsylvania. Biden, who is isolating in Rehoboth Beach, Del., after contracting covid-19 , remains publicly defiant, insisting he will return to the campaign trail next week after he recovers from the virus. His campaign has responded to increasing calls for him to drop out of the presidential race by announcing new events designed to show that he has no plans to step aside. His campaign has 10 scheduled fundraisers over the last 10 days of July. Saturday began relatively quietly for Biden, after a dramatic Friday when a dozen lawmakers called for the president to step aside, but his allies were bracing for more such calls next week and seeking to showcase his determination to continue his campaign. The renewed push by Biden’s allies sets up a potential collision between the president’s campaign and lawmakers who have urged him to leave the race by this weekend. On Saturday, Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.) added his name to a list of Democrats going public with their calls for Biden to withdraw, after expressing that sentiment privately. “Joe, I love and respect you,” Takano said in his statement, which called for Harris to take over as the Democratic presidential candidate. “But the stakes are too high to fail. It’s time to pass the torch to Kamala.” The Washington Post reported two weeks ago that Takano had privately called for Biden to step aside. Several more Democrats are weighing taking the step of turning their private desire for a Biden exit into a public declaration. Some have suggested they are on the cusp of doing so next week if Biden does not signal by Monday that he is moving to drop out of the race. Biden allies are urging fellow Democrats to give the president time to reach a decision on his own, but some lawmakers say privately they may be forced to take the dramatic step of coming out against their party’s presumptive nominee months before the November election because Biden has remained defiant. On Saturday, a group of Democratic donors planned to host a virtual fundraiser for Sen. Jon Tester (D-Mont.), Rep. Mike Levin (D-Calif.) and Rep. Hillary J. Scholten (D-Mich.), all of whom have called for Biden to step aside, according to an individual involved in the effort. Some of the donors previously hosted Rep. Angie Craig (D-Minn.) after she called for Biden to step aside. “It’s just another indication that donors are ready and willing to support” incumbents who call for Biden to end his campaign for reelection, the donor said. But Biden’s campaign is suggesting he will be ramping up his activity, as aides try to show that he is determined to forge ahead with his reelection drive. The president is expected to travel to Austin to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act next week. The event, originally scheduled for July 15, was postponed after the attempted assassination of Republican nominee Donald Trump . Biden is also preparing for a critical visit to Washington by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is scheduled to address a joint session of Congress on Wednesday. The two leaders have had a tense relationship, and Netanyahu’s handling of the war in Gaza has further soured things between them. Before his covid diagnosis last Wednesday, Biden was planning to visit multiple states in the coming week to showcase his vigor and prosecute the case against Trump. While he said in a statement Friday that he still plans to return to the campaign trail within days, his doctor said he continues to battle a hoarse voice and loose cough, symptoms that could make it difficult for him to make his case to the public. The White House declared a “lid” on Saturday morning, indicating that Biden would not have any public activity before Sunday. The president was last seen in public Wednesday, when he traveled to his Rehoboth Beach home to isolate after testing positive. The White House has said Biden’s symptoms are improving, and he has held calls with foreign leaders and received briefings from staff in private. He has also been joined by a small group of longtime aides, including senior adviser Steve Ricchetti, who has been fielding some of the calls from lawmakers concerned about Biden’s candidacy. During Biden’s isolation, the efforts to push him aside have intensified. The flood of a dozen statements by lawmakers Friday urging Biden to drop out of the race prompted a shift in tone from the campaign, which had often met such calls with defiance and at one point dismissed Democrats with concerns as the “bed-wetting brigade.” On Friday, the campaign suggested it respects those with different opinions on the best path forward — which now includes almost 40 Democratic members of Congress — even as it disagrees with them. “While the majority of the caucus and the diverse base of the party continues to stand with the president and his historic record of delivering for their communities, we’re clear-eyed that the urgency and stakes of beating Donald Trump means others feel differently,” a campaign spokesperson said, speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss a sensitive matter. “We all share the same goal.” If Biden steps aside, though, there is no guarantee that Harris would be the nominee. Many Democrats who fear a messy process to replace him, however, support the idea. In private conversations earlier this month, members of the Congressional Black Caucus made clear that they would immediately back Harris if Biden were to step aside. But some Democrats worry about the appearance of immediately crowning Harris without input from rank-and-file party members. Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), former House speaker, is among those in that camp, expressing her concerns to fellow members of a California Democratic House delegation during a luncheon on July 10, as first reported by Politico. Pelosi did not oppose Harris ultimately becoming the nominee, according to two people familiar with the meeting, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss a private conversation. Instead, she cautioned that elected Democrats and voters might be angered by the appearance of “party elites” forcing Biden out of office only to immediately crown a nominee. Harris is 59, while Biden is 81 and Trump is 78, so she would quickly bring a younger face to the top of the Democratic ticket. But some Democrats argue that she would benefit from a nomination process that would allow Democrats to show enthusiasm for her candidacy. Pelosi also made clear that should Harris become the nominee, California’s Democratic House delegation would use its outsize influence to build support for her. Olorunnipa reported from Rehoboth Beach, Del. Wingett Sanchez reported from Phoenix. Marianna Sotomayor contributed to this report. Election 2024 President Biden has announced that he is ending his presidential campaign , a momentous decision that upends the 2024 presidential race. Biden drops out: Here’s what happened in the hours before Biden said in a letter that he is ending his reelection campaign. This is how Democrats can pick a new candidate and the top 10 options to replace Biden . Trump VP pick: Trump has chosen Sen. J.D. Vance (Ohio) as his running mate , selecting a rising star in the party and a previously outspoken Trump critic who in recent years has closely aligned himself with the former president. Presidential election polls: Check out The Post’s presidential polling averages of the seven battleground states most likely to determine the outcome of the election. Key dates and events: Voters in all states and U.S. territories have been choosing their party’s nominee for president ahead of the summer conventions. Here are key dates and events on the 2024 election calendar . 130 COMMENTS grammaticality This is correct: You can also use would unchanged: Here, you can analyse would as conditional—if You Bi went swimming, she would like it. Would is also (morphologically) the past form of will, so it doesn't need to change tense for reported speech. I would like and I want are different ways of expressing volition. Reported Speech For example: Direct speech: I dislike fried chicken. Reported speech: She said she disliked fried chicken. Note how the main verb in the reported statement is also in the past tense verb form. Use the simple present tense in your indirect speech if the initial words remain relevant at the time of reporting. Reported speech: indirect speech Reported speech: indirect speech - English Grammar Today - a reference to written and spoken English grammar and usage - Cambridge Dictionary Reported Speech: Rules, Examples, Exceptions When we use reported speech, we often change the verb tense backwards in time. This can be called "backshift.". Here are some examples in different verb tenses: "I want to go home.". She said she wanted to go home. "I 'm reading a good book.". She said she was reading a good book. "I ate pasta for dinner last night.". Reported Speech: Important Grammar Rules and Examples • 7ESL Reported speech: He asked if he would see me later. In the direct speech example you can see the modal verb 'will' being used to ask a question. Notice how in reported speech the modal verb 'will' and the reporting verb 'ask' are both written in the past tense. So, 'will' becomes 'would' and 'ask' becomes 'asked'. Reported speech Yes, and you report it with a reporting verb. He said he wanted to know about reported speech. I said, I want and you changed it to he wanted. Exactly. Verbs in the present simple change to the past simple; the present continuous changes to the past continuous; the present perfect changes to the past perfect; can changes to could; will changes ... Reported Speech Watch my reported speech video: Here's how it works: We use a 'reporting verb' like 'say' or 'tell'. ( Click here for more about using 'say' and 'tell' .) If this verb is in the present tense, it's easy. We just put 'she says' and then the sentence: Direct speech: I like ice cream. Reported speech: She says (that) she likes ice cream. Reported Speech in English Grammar Introduction. In English grammar, we use reported speech to say what another person has said. We can use their exact words with quotation marks, this is known as direct speech, or we can use indirect speech. In indirect speech, we change the tense and pronouns to show that some time has passed. Indirect speech is often introduced by a reporting ... What is Reported Speech and How to Use It? with Examples Reported speech: She said she was going to the store then. In this example, the pronoun "I" is changed to "she" and the adverb "now" is changed to "then.". 2. Change the tense: In reported speech, you usually need to change the tense of the verb to reflect the change from direct to indirect speech. Here's an example: Reported Speech In English: The Ultimate Guide Reported speech, also known as indirect speech, is a way of retelling what someone else has said without repeating their exact words. For example, let's say you have a friend called Jon and one called Mary. Mary has organised a house party and has invited you and Jon. Jon, however, is not feeling well. Reported Speech or Indirect Speech Reported speech is also known as indirect speech and is used to tell somebody else what another person said. Using reported speech in English can sometimes be difficult for non-native speakers as we (usually) change the verbs, pronouns and specific times. Keep reading to understand how to use reported speech and download this free English lesson! Reporting intentions, hopes and promises Back to Reported speech. When reporting intentions, hopes or promises, we use an appropriate reporting verb followed by a 'that' clause with 'would' in it, or a to-infinitive clause. Verbs used in this pattern include: hope, promise, threaten, guarantee, & swear. Note that the word 'that' is optional when using a that clause. Reported Speech Reported speech is the form in which one can convey a message said by oneself or someone else, mostly in the past. It can also be said to be the third person view of what someone has said. In this form of speech, you need not use quotation marks as you are not quoting the exact words spoken by the speaker, but just conveying the message. Q2. Reported Speech with Examples and Test (PDF) Reported Speech (Reporting verb in past tense) "I eat breakfast at 8 AM.". She said (that) she ate breakfast at 8 AM. "We are going to the beach.". They told me (that) they were going to the beach. "He speaks Spanish fluently.". She said (that) he spoke Spanish fluently. "She cooks delicious meals.". Indirect speech What is indirect speech or reported speech? When we tell people what another person said or thought, we often use reported speech or indirect speech. To do that, we need to change verb tenses (present, past, etc.) and pronouns (I, you, my, your, etc.) if the time and speaker are different.For example, present tenses become past, I becomes he or she, and my becomes his or her, etc. How do you write suggestions, advice, promises, etc. in reported speech How do you write suggestions, advice, promises, etc. in reported speech in English? - Easy Learning Grammar. A variety of verbs can be used for reporting suggestions and similar types of speech. Some of these are: suggest, insist on + present participle 'Let's go to the zoo.' ... Grammar: Reported Speech in English · engVid Nilo_M. Hi Nilo. When you say "He told me he was a teacher." , you are using reported speech correctly. It means the person is still a teacher, even though it may sound like it's not true right now. If you say, " He told me he used to be a teacher." then it means he is not a teacher any more. 100 Reported Speech Examples: How To Change Direct Speech Into Indirect Direct: "I will help you," she promised. Reported: She promised that she would help me. Direct: "You should study harder," he advised. Reported: He advised that I should study harder. Direct: "I didn't take your book," he denied. Reported: He denied taking my book. Direct: "Let's go to the cinema," she suggested. Tense changes in reported speech In indirect speech, the structure of the reported clause depends on whether the speaker is reporting a statement, a question or a command. Normally, the tense in reported speech is one tense back in time from the tense in direct speech: She said, "I am tired." = She said that she was tired. Phrase in Direct Speech. Equivalent in Reported Speech. Teacher's Corner: Reported Speech 3. Identify the pronoun and change it accordingly. For example, "I like soccer" requires a change of pronoun to he or she "She said she likes soccer". 4. Identify any times and/or places. These will need to be changed when converting to reported speech. For example, "I will come there after class" changes to "She told me she would ... RNC replay: Donald Trump officially accepts Republican nomination Donald Trump lays out his pitch on border, foreign policy in acceptance speech. Donald Trump's speech focused heavily on immigration, and the former president said he would re-implement several of ... Reported speech Reported speech - English Grammar Today - a reference to written and spoken English grammar and usage - Cambridge Dictionary Biden Appears to Begin Considering Dropping Out, People Close to Him Donald Trump will formally accept the Republican nomination for president in a prime-time address tonight, after speeches by his son Eric, the U.F.C. leader Dana White and the wrestler Hulk Hogan. Corey Comperatore's Wife Said Trump Hadn't Called Her, Biden Did The wife of Corey Comperatore, who died during the Trump assassination attempt, said President Joe Biden called her but she didn't speak to him. Read the Transcript of Donald J. Trump's Convention Speech He spoke for just over 90 minutes. By The New York Times Thank you very much. Thank you very, very much. And thank you, Dana. Thank you, Kid Rock, sometimes referred to as "Bob." And thank you ... Kamala Harris Wastes No Time in Attacking J.D. Vance On Thursday, in Fayetteville, N.C., Vice President Kamala Harris said Senator J.D. Vance's speech the night before had told "a compelling story — and it was not the full story." A preview of Trump's message for tomorrow's big speech : NPR So this speech might be about unity, but it's likely also going to be unity framed in an America first agenda. SHAPIRO: Accepting the nomination is the night of any convention. It is an ... 'I'm not supposed to be here': 5 key points from Donald Trump's 'I'm not supposed to be here': 5 key points from Donald Trump's acceptance speech. Subscribe to unlock this article. Try unlimited access Only ¥100 for 4 weeks. Then ¥9,000 per month ... WATCH: Donald J. Trump's 2024 RNC acceptance speech Trump's 2020 and 2016 speeches. He's had the end-of-convention slot twice before, in 2016 as then-candidate Trump, and in 2020 as the incumbent President. Democratic donors funding an effort to vet potential VP candidates Vetting potential vice-presidential candidates usually takes months, so the group of donors, who have not been identified, decided to begin that process earlier this month.If Biden drops out, many ... assignment essay homework paper phd report review speech thesis