She said that she was tired.
- Language
- English
- Level
- B1
- Unit
- Passive and Reported Speech
- Practice types
- 0
What this grammar point covers
Reported speech is when you tell someone what another person said, but not using their exact words.
When to use it
Use reported speech when you want to repeat what someone else said, but not using their exact words.
Key forms
- Use a reporting verb (like say, tell, ask) + that (optional) + change the verb tense.
- Example: She said (that) she was tired.
- For questions: use if/whether or a question word, change the word order and tense.
- Example: He asked if I was coming.
Examples
He told me that he would call later.
They asked if we were ready.
I asked where he lived.
Tips
- Remember to change the verb tense back (present → past, will → would, etc.).
- Do not use question word order in reported questions; use statement order.
- You can often leave out 'that' after reporting verbs.
Exceptions and edge cases
- If the reporting verb is in the present, you do not need to change the tense.
- Some modal verbs (like could, should, might) do not change.