Reported speech helps us explain what another person said, asked or told us without repeating every word exactly.
Statements
said (that) + clause
told + person + (that) + clause
Direct: “I’m watching a new series,” Mia said.
Reported: Mia said (that) she was watching a new series.
With tell: Mia told me (that) she was watching a new series.
Common tense changes
- present simple → past simple
- present continuous → past continuous
- past simple → past perfect
- will → would
- can → could
Pronouns and time or place words may also change to match the new speaker’s point of view: today may become that day, tomorrow may become the next day, and here may become there.
Questions
For yes/no questions, use asked + if/whether + clause. Keep statement word order.
Direct: “Do you like this programme?”
Reported: He asked if I liked the programme.
For questions beginning with who, what, where, when, why or how, keep the question word.
Direct: “Where are you going?”
Reported: She asked where I was going.