Reported Speech- Statements, Questions, Commands and Requests

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What is Reported Speech?

Reported Speech is the method of expressing another person’s words without repeating the exact words that were originally spoken. Instead of quoting the speaker directly, we report the meaning of what was said while making the necessary grammatical changes.

Examples-

• Direct Speech-The teacher said, “The test will begin at nine o’clock.”
• Reported Speech-The teacher said that the test would begin at nine o’clock.
• Direct Speech- Amit asked, “Are you coming to the party?”
• Reported Speech-Amit asked if I was coming to the party.
• Direct Speech- The coach said, “Practise regularly.”
• Reported Speech- The coach advised the players to practise regularly.

In each example, the speaker’s original message remains the same, but the sentence is expressed in a different form to suit the context.

Why is Reported Speech Important?

Reported Speech is used whenever we communicate information that someone else has said. It helps us present conversations naturally without repeating every speaker’s exact words.

It is commonly used in:

• conversations and discussions
• newspaper reports
• speeches and interviews
• biographies and autobiographies
• stories and narratives
• classroom discussions
• meeting reports
• formal and informal writing

Using Reported Speech correctly makes writing more organised, fluent and grammatically accurate.

Direct Speech and Reported Speech

English expresses another person’s words in two different ways.

 

Parts of Reported Speech

Every sentence in Reported Speech usually contains two parts.

Key Rules for Changing Direct to Indirect Speech/ Reported Speech

When we change Direct Speech into Reported Speech, certain grammatical changes may be required. The exact changes depend upon the type of sentence and the reporting verb.

The most common changes involve:

• tense
• pronouns
• words showing time
• words showing place
• sentence structure

Each of these changes helps the reported sentence fit naturally into its new context.

 

Types of Reported Speech

1: Reporting Statements

A statement is a sentence that gives information, expresses an opinion, or states a fact. It is the most common type of sentence encountered in reported speech.

Sentence Structure

When a statement is converted into reported speech, the text follows a specific structural pattern:

Reporting Clause + that+ Reported Clause

Note: The conjunction ‘that’ is occasionally omitted in informal English, but it is preferred in formal writing to ensure clarity.

Examples

• Direct: The Principal said, “The annual exhibition will begin tomorrow.”
• Reported: The Principal said that the annual exhibition would begin the following day.
• Direct: Riya said, “I enjoy reading historical novels.”
• Reported: Riya said that she enjoyed reading historical novels.

Rule 1: Selecting the Correct Reporting Verb

While said is the most common option, utilizing specific reporting verbs makes a sentence far more accurate and precise. The chosen verb must reflect the speaker’s exact purpose:

Reporting Verb	Used When…	Example Sentence
said	Reporting general statements	Rohan said that he had completed his homework.
informed	Conveying official information	The librarian informed the students that the library would remain closed.
explained	Providing reasons or clarification	The teacher explained that regular practice improves writing skills.
added	Providing extra information	The captain added that every player had contributed.
replied	Answering a question	The manager replied that the meeting had been postponed.
admitted	Accepting something reluctantly	The witness admitted that he had not seen the incident.

Rule 2: Using ‘Said’ and ‘Told’ Correctly

Errors frequently occur when differentiating between said and told. The distinction depends entirely on whether the listener is explicitly mentioned:

• Said does not take an object (the listener) immediately after it.
  • Pattern: said + that-clause
• Told must be followed immediately by the person receiving the information.
  • Pattern: told + object + that-clause

Common Structural Errors

❌ Incorrect Structure	Correct Structure	Explanation
The teacher said the students that the test was postponed.	The teacher told the students that the test was postponed.	Said cannot sit directly before a listener.
Mother told that the text should be edited early.	Mother told me that the text should be edited early.	Told requires an immediate object (me, him, them).

Rule 3: Change of Tense in Reported Statements

When the reporting verb is in the past tense, the tense of the reported statement usually changes to maintain a logical sequence of time.

The following table summarises the common changes.

Direct Speech	Reported Speech
Simple Present	Simple Past
Present Continuous	Past Continuous
Present Perfect	Past Perfect
Simple Past	Past Perfect
Past Continuous	Past Perfect Continuous (when appropriate)
Will	Would
Can	Could
Shall	Should / Would (depending on meaning)
May	Might

Rule 4: No Change in Tense

The tense generally remains unchanged if the reported statement expresses:

• a universal truth
• a scientific fact
• a permanent situation
• a proverb
• a statement that is still true at the time of reporting

Examples

Rule 5: Change of Pronouns

Pronouns change according to the speaker, the listener and the person or people being referred to.

Examples

Rule 6: Change of Time and Place Expressions

Words referring to time and place often change because the conversation is being reported later or from a different location.

Direct Speech	Reported Speech
now	then
today	that day
yesterday	the previous day / the day before
tomorrow	the next day / the following day
tonight	that night
last month	the previous month
next week	the following week
ago	before
here	there
this	that
these	those

Examples

Common Mistakes While Reporting Statements

Incorrect	Correct
She told that she was happy.	She said that she was happy.
He said me that he was busy.	He told me that he was busy.
The teacher said that water froze at 0°C.	The teacher said that water freezes at 0°C.
Riya said that I was ready. (when Riya referred to herself)	Riya said that she was ready.
The coach said that the match will begin soon.	The coach said that the match would begin soon.

2: Reporting Questions

A question is asked to obtain information, seek confirmation or request an answer. When reporting questions, the speaker’s exact words are not repeated. Instead, the question is reported as a statement while preserving its original meaning.

Unlike reported statements, reported questions require changes not only in tense and pronouns but also in sentence structure. The question form changes into a statement form, and the question mark is removed.

 Structure of Reported Questions

When changing Direct Speech into Reported Speech, questions are generally reported using the reporting verbs:

• asked
• enquired
• wanted to know
• wondered
• questioned

The reporting verb said is usually not used for reporting questions.

Examples

Each type follows a different reporting pattern.

Reporting Yes/No Questions

Yes/No Questions are questions that can usually be answered with Yes or No.

They generally begin with helping verbs such as:

• is
• are
• am
• was
• were
• do
• does
• did
• have
• has
• had
• can
• could
• will
• would
• shall
• should
• may
• might
• must

Pattern: Reporting Verb + if / whether + Statement Form

Both if and whether are acceptable in most situations. However, whether is generally preferred in formal writing.

Examples

RULES

Reporting Wh-Questions

Wh-Questions begin with question words such as:

• who
• whom
• whose
• what
• which
• when
• where
• why
• how

When reporting these questions, the question word is retained.

No if or whether is used.

Pattern : Reporting Verb + Wh-word + Statement Form

Examples

Direct Speech- The teacher asked, “Where do you live?”

Reported Speech- The teacher asked where I lived.

Direct Speech- Rohan asked, “Why were you absent yesterday?”

Reported Speech- Rohan asked why I had been absent the previous day.

Note: Retain the original question word but change the rest of the sentence into statement order.

Common Errors to Avoid for Reporting Questions

Incorrect	Correct
She asked that I was ready.	She asked whether I was ready.
The teacher asked whether was I prepared.	The teacher asked whether I was prepared.
Father asked did I finish the work.	Father asked whether I had finished the work.
The teacher asked where do I live.	The teacher asked where I lived.
Riya asked if where I was going.	Riya asked where I was going.

Quick Comparison

Yes/No Questions	Wh-Questions
Begin with an auxiliary verb	Begin with a Wh-word
Use if or whether	Retain the Wh-word
Change to statement order	Change to statement order
No question mark	No question mark

3: Reporting Commands and Requests

Commands and requests are commonly used in everyday communication. We give instructions, make polite requests, offer advice, issue warnings and ask people to perform or avoid certain actions.

When these sentences are changed into Reported Speech, they do not follow the same pattern as statements or questions. Instead of using that, English generally uses the infinitive form (to + base verb) after an appropriate reporting verb.

The reporting verb chosen depends on the speaker’s intention. An order, a request, a piece of advice and a warning are all reported differently.

The basic pattern is: Reporting Verb + Object + to + Base Verb

Examples

Types of Commands and Requests

Reporting Commands

A command is a direct order that expects someone to perform an action.

Common reporting verbs include:

• ordered
• commanded
• directed

Structure: Reporting Verb + Object + to + Base Verb

Examples

Reporting Requests

A request is a polite way of asking someone to do something.

Requests often contain words such as please, kindly, or polite expressions.

Common reporting verbs include:

• requested
• asked
• appealed to
• urged

Structure: Reporting Verb + Object + to + Base Verb

Examples

Reporting Advice

Sometimes the speaker is not giving an order but offering guidance. In such cases, reporting verbs expressing advice are used.

Common reporting verbs include:

• advised
• encouraged
• reminded

Examples

Reporting Instructions

Instructions explain how an activity should be performed.

Common reporting verbs include:

• instructed
• directed
• guided

Examples

Reporting Suggestions

A suggestion expresses an idea or recommendation rather than a command.

Common reporting verbs include:

• suggested
• proposed
• recommended

Examples

Reporting Warnings

Sometimes the speaker warns another person about danger or possible consequences.

Common reporting verbs include:

• warned
• cautioned
• alerted

Examples

Reporting Negative Commands

Negative commands begin with expressions such as:

• Do not…
• Don’t…
• Never…

These are reported using: Reporting Verb + Object + not to + Base Verb

Examples

Summary & Quick Revision

Common Errors to Avoid for Reporting Commands and Requests

Incorrect	Correct
The teacher said the students to sit down.	The teacher told / instructed the students to sit down.
Mother requested me that I should open the door.	Mother requested me to open the door.
The doctor advised to exercise daily.	The doctor advised the patient to exercise daily.
The teacher warned the students to not run in the corridor.	The teacher warned the students not to run in the corridor.
The coach suggested to practise regularly.	The coach suggested practising regularly.

 QUICK REVISION

Sentence Type	Reporting Verb	Joining Word / Pattern
Statement	said, told, informed, explained	that
Yes/No Question	asked, enquired	if / whether
Wh-Question	asked, wanted to know	Wh-word
Command	ordered, instructed	object + to + verb
Request	requested, appealed	object + to + verb
Advice	advised, reminded	object + to + verb
Warning	warned, cautioned	object + not to + verb
Suggestion	suggested	verb-ing / that-clause

How to Choose the Correct Reporting Verb

The reporting verb should match the speaker’s purpose.

Speaker’s Purpose	Suitable Reporting Verbs
Giving information	said, told, informed, explained
Asking a question	asked, enquired, wanted to know
Giving an order	ordered, commanded, directed
Making a request	requested, appealed, urged
Giving advice	advised, encouraged, reminded
Giving instructions	instructed, directed, guided
Making a suggestion	suggested, proposed, recommended
Giving a warning	warned, cautioned

Practice Exercises

Exercise 1: Identify whether each sentence reports a Statement, Question, Command, Request, Advice, Suggestion or Warning.

1. The teacher said that the students had completed the assignment.
2. Mother asked whether I had packed my school bag.
3. The doctor advised the patient to exercise regularly.
4. The Principal instructed the students to assemble in the playground.
5. The coach suggested practising for another hour.
6. The librarian requested the students to return the books on time.
7. Father warned me not to waste electricity.
8. Riya asked where I had bought the book.
9. The guide informed the tourists that the museum would open at ten.
10. The officer ordered the crowd to move away from the entrance.

Answers

1. Statement
2. Question
3. Advice
4. Command / Instruction
5. Suggestion
6. Request
7. Warning
8. Question
9. Statement
10. Command

Exercise 2: Choose the most suitable reporting verb.

1. The doctor __________ me to drink plenty of water.

a) said

b) advised

c) asked

d) wondered

2. The teacher __________ the students to submit the notebooks before Friday.

a) instructed

b) enquired

c) replied

d) suggested

3. Mother __________ whether I had finished my homework.

a) informed

b) requested

c) asked

d) explained

4. The coach __________ the players not to lose confidence.

a) warned

b) wondered

c) replied

d) informed

5. Rohan __________ that he would participate in the competition.

a) asked

b) said

c) requested

d) ordered

6. The Principal __________ that the examination would begin at nine o’clock.

a) informed

b) warned

c) requested

d) questioned

7. The captain __________ practising together before the finals.

a) suggested

b) ordered

c) enquired

d) reminded

8. Father __________ me to switch off the lights before leaving.

a) advised

b) wondered

c) questioned

d) denied

Answers

1. b
2. a
3. c
4. a
5. b
6. a
7. a
8. a

Exercise 3: Change the Following Statements into Reported Speech

1. Riya said, “I have completed my project.”
2. The teacher said, “Practice improves performance.”
3. Aman said, “I will participate in the debate competition.”
4. Father said, “You can use my laptop today.”
5. The Principal said, “The Annual Day will be celebrated tomorrow.”
6. The scientist said, “Water boils at 100°C.”
7. Meera said, “I am preparing for the Science Exhibition.”
8. The guide said, “The museum opens at ten o’clock.”
9. The coach said, “Our team played well.”
10. Grandfather said, “Honesty is the best policy.”

Answers

1. Riya said that she had completed her project.
2. The teacher said that practice improves performance.
3. Aman said that he would participate in the debate competition.
4. Father told me that I could use his laptop that day.
5. The Principal said that the Annual Day would be celebrated the following day.
6. The scientist said that water boils at 100°C.
7. Meera said that she was preparing for the Science Exhibition.
8. The guide said that the museum opens at ten o’clock.
9. The coach said that their team had played well.
10. Grandfather said that honesty is the best policy.

Exercise 4: Change the Following Questions into Reported Speech

1. The teacher asked, “Have you completed the worksheet?”
2. Mother asked, “Will you come home early?”
3. The Principal asked, “Why were you absent yesterday?”
4. Rohan asked, “Where do you live?”
5. The librarian asked, “Did you return the book?”
6. Father asked, “Can you solve this problem?”
7. The teacher asked, “Who won the quiz competition?”
8. The guide asked, “When will the programme begin?”
9. My friend asked, “Are you joining us tomorrow?”
10. The officer asked, “Which route should we take?”

Answers

1. The teacher asked whether I had completed the worksheet.
2. Mother asked whether I would come home early.
3. The Principal asked why I had been absent the previous day.
4. Rohan asked where I lived.
5. The librarian asked whether I had returned the book.
6. Father asked whether I could solve that problem.
7. The teacher asked who had won the quiz competition.
8. The guide asked when the programme would begin.
9. My friend asked whether I was joining them the following day.
10. The officer asked which route they should take.

Exercise 5: Change the Following Commands and Requests into Reported Speech

1. The teacher said, “Complete your homework.”
2. Mother said, “Please open the window.”
3. The doctor said, “Exercise regularly.”
4. Father said, “Do not waste your time.”
5. The Principal said, “Maintain discipline.”
6. The librarian said, “Please return the books on time.”
7. The coach said, “Never lose confidence.”
8. The guide said, “Follow me carefully.”
9. The examiner said, “Read the instructions carefully.”
10. The captain said, “Let us congratulate the winners.”

Answers

1. The teacher instructed the students to complete their homework.
2. Mother requested me to open the window.
3. The doctor advised the patient to exercise regularly.
4. Father warned me not to waste my time.
5. The Principal ordered the students to maintain discipline.
6. The librarian requested the students to return the books on time.
7. The coach encouraged the players never to lose confidence.
8. The guide instructed the visitors to follow him carefully.
9. The examiner instructed the candidates to read the instructions carefully.
10. The captain suggested congratulating the winners.

Exercise 6: Each sentence contains one error. Rewrite it correctly.

1. She told that she was tired.
2. Father asked where did I study.
3. The teacher requested me that I should read the lesson.
4. Mother asked if was I ready.
5. The doctor advised me to not skip breakfast.
6. The coach suggested to practise daily.
7. The teacher said that the Earth revolved around the Sun.
8. The officer ordered that the crowd should move away.
9. Riya asked that I had completed the assignment.
10. The teacher said me that the test was postponed.

Answers

1. She said that she was tired.
2. Father asked where I studied.
3. The teacher requested me to read the lesson.
4. Mother asked if I was ready.
5. The doctor advised me not to skip breakfast.
6. The coach suggested practising daily.
7. The teacher said that the Earth revolves around the Sun.
8. The officer ordered the crowd to move away.
9. Riya asked whether I had completed the assignment.
10. The teacher told me that the test was postponed.

Exercise 7: Change the following sentences into Reported Speech.

1. Ananya said, “I enjoy reading novels.”
2. The teacher asked, “Why are you late?”
3. Mother said, “Please help your sister.”
4. The doctor said, “Do not eat too much junk food.”
5. The Principal said, “The examination will begin next Monday.”
6. Father asked, “Have you packed your suitcase?”
7. The guide said, “The monument was built in the seventeenth century.”
8. The coach said, “Let us begin our practice.”
9. The librarian asked, “Which book do you need?”
10. The teacher said, “Water freezes at 0°C.”

Answers

1. Ananya said that she enjoyed reading novels.
2. The teacher asked why I was late.
3. Mother requested me to help my sister.
4. The doctor warned me not to eat too much junk food.
5. The Principal said that the examination would begin the following Monday.
6. Father asked whether I had packed my suitcase.
7. The guide said that the monument had been built in the seventeenth century.
8. The coach suggested beginning their practice.
9. The librarian asked which book I needed.
10. The teacher said that water freezes at 0°C.

COMPETENCY-BASED QUESTIONS WITH SOLUTIONS

Question 1

Read the conversation between a teacher and a student. Complete the paragraph that follows by choosing the correct options.

Teacher: “Have you completed your Science project?”

Rohan: “Yes, I submitted it yesterday.”

Teacher: “Excellent! You may display it during the exhibition.”

The teacher asked Rohan (i) ____________. Rohan replied that (ii) ____________. The teacher appreciated him and said that (iii) ____________.

Options

(i)

A. had he completed his Science project

B. whether he had completed his Science project

C. whether has he completed his Science project

D. if did he complete his Science project

(ii)

A. he submitted it yesterday

B. he had submitted it the previous day

C. he has submitted it the previous day

D. he submitted it the previous day

(iii)

A. he may display it during the exhibition

B. he displayed it during the exhibition

C. he might display it during the exhibition

D. he can display it during the exhibition

Answers

(i) B

(ii) B

(iii) C

Question 2

Read the conversation carefully and complete the paragraph by selecting the correct options.

Mother: “Why are you using your mobile phone now?”

Aditi: “I am searching for information for my project.”

Mother: “Please complete your homework first.”

Mother asked Aditi (i) ____________. Aditi replied that (ii) ____________. Mother then requested her (iii) ____________.

(i)

A. why was she using her mobile phone then

B. why she was using her mobile phone then

C. why she is using her mobile phone now

D. why did she use her mobile phone then

(ii)

A. she was searching for information for her project

B. she searched for information for her project

C. she had searched information for her project

D. she is searching for information for her project

(iii)

A. that she should complete her homework first

B. completing her homework first

C. to complete her homework first

D. complete her homework first

Answers

(i) B

(ii) A

(iii) C

Question 3

Read the conversation and complete the paragraph that follows.

Principal: “The Annual Sports Meet will be held next Friday.”

Student: “May our parents attend the programme?”

Principal: “Yes, they may.”

The Principal informed the students that (i) ____________. A student asked (ii) ____________. The Principal replied that (iii) ____________.

(i)

A. the Annual Sports Meet would be held the following Friday

B. the Annual Sports Meet will be held next Friday

C. the Annual Sports Meet had been held the following Friday

D. the Annual Sports Meet was held next Friday

(ii)

A. whether could their parents attend the programme

B. whether their parents may attend the programme

C. if their parents attended the programme

D. whether their parents might attend the programme

(iii)

A. they might

B. they may

C. they could

D. they attended

Answers

(i) A

(ii) D

(iii) A

Question 4

The following passage has not been edited. There is one error in each line. Select the correct option to identify the error and its correction.

I. The teacher said me that the test had been postponed.

II. Father asked where did I keep the documents.

III. Mother requested me that I should help my younger brother.

IV. The doctor advised the patient to not skip breakfast.

I Error Correction

A. teacher → teachers

B. said → told

C. had → has

D. postponed → postpone

II Error Correction

A. where → whether

B. did I → I had

C. keep → kept

D. documents → document

III Error Correction

A. requested → asked

B. that I should → to

C. younger → young

D. help → helped

IV Error Correction

A. advised → warned

B. patient → patients

C. to not → not to

D. breakfast → breakfasts

Answers

I – B

II – B

III – B

IV – C

Question 5

The following passage has one word omitted in each line. Choose the correct option.

I. The teacher asked ___ the students had understood the lesson.

II. Mother advised me ___ finish the assignment before dinner.

III. The doctor warned the patient ___ eat unhealthy food.

IV. The guide informed us ___ the museum opened at ten o’clock.

I

A. that

B. whether

C. to

D. if not

II

A. for

B. to

C. that

D. if

III

A. not

B. never

C. not to

D. to not

IV

A. if

B. whether

C. that

D. to

Answers

I – B

II – B

III – C

IV – C

Question 6

Choose the most appropriate option to complete each sentence.

1. The teacher asked __________.

A. where was I going

B. where I was going

C. where am I going

D. where did I go

2. Mother requested me __________.

A. helping my sister

B. to help my sister

C. that I should help my sister

D. help my sister

3. The doctor warned the patient __________.

A. not to smoke

B. to not smoke

C. don’t smoke

D. not smoking

4. The coach suggested __________ before the final match.

A. to practise

B. practise

C. practising

D. practised

5. Father asked __________.

A. whether I had packed my bag

B. whether had I packed my bag

C. did I pack my bag

D. whether I pack my bag

Answers

1. B
2. B
3. A
4. C
5. A

Question 7

Read the conversation and complete the paragraph.

Doctor: “Exercise regularly.”

Patient: “Can I begin from tomorrow?”

Doctor: “Yes, you can.”

The doctor advised the patient (i) ____________. The patient asked (ii) ____________. The doctor replied that (iii) ____________.

Answers

(i) to exercise regularly

(ii) whether he could begin from the following day

(iii) he could

Question 8

Complete the following paragraph by reporting the conversation correctly.

Teacher: “Do not waste time during the examination.”

Student: “May I ask one question?”

Teacher: “Yes, you may.”

The teacher warned the students (i) ________________________. One student asked (ii) ________________________. The teacher replied (iii) ________________________.

Answers

(i) not to waste time during the examination

(ii) whether he might ask one question

(iii) that he might

Question 9

Read the conversation and complete the paragraph.

Father: “Where have you kept the house keys?”

Riya: “I left them on the study table.”

Father asked Riya (i) ________________________. Riya replied (ii) ________________________.

 Answers

(i) where she had kept the house keys

(ii) that she had left them on the study table

Question 10

Complete the paragraph by reporting the following conversation.

Principal: “Please maintain silence in the library.”

Student: “We will.”

The Principal requested the students (i) ________________________. The students replied (ii) ________________________.

 Answers

(i) to maintain silence in the library

(ii) that they would

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