Reported Statements helps you communicate about retelling statements without direct quotation. Start with the meaning, notice the pattern, and then use it in complete sentences.
By the end of this lesson, you can
- I can report what someone said while adjusting grammar and references appropriately.
- Recognise and build the form: said (that) + clause; told + object + clause.
- Use the pattern accurately in a meaningful sentence.
Meaning and use
Use Reported Statements for retelling statements without direct quotation. Always read the whole situation before choosing the form: grammar expresses a meaning, not only a pattern.
Mia said that she was tired.
With a past reporting verb, present 'am' commonly backshifts to 'was'.
He told me that he didn't know the answer.
Present simple commonly backshifts to past simple in reported speech.
They said they would leave the following day.
'Will' commonly backshifts to 'would' after a past reporting verb.
said (that) + clause; told + object + clauseKeep this pattern visible while you study the examples. Then cover it and rebuild one example from memory.
Key rules to notice
These rules explain why the form is correct. Focus on the subject, auxiliary, verb form, word order and time or meaning clues.
- With a past reporting verb, present 'am' commonly backshifts to 'was'.
- Present simple commonly backshifts to past simple in reported speech.
- 'Will' commonly backshifts to 'would' after a past reporting verb.
- Present perfect commonly backshifts to past perfect in a past report.
- Use 'told + object'; 'said' does not take a direct object in this pattern.
Common mistakes
Not:Mia said that she is tired.
Use:Mia said that she was tired.
With a past reporting verb, present 'am' commonly backshifts to 'was'.
Not:He told me that he doesn't know the answer.
Use:He told me that he didn't know the answer.
Present simple commonly backshifts to past simple in reported speech.
Not:They said they will leave the following day.
Use:They said they would leave the following day.
'Will' commonly backshifts to 'would' after a past reporting verb.
Check before you practise
Complete each sentence mentally, then reveal the answer.
Sara said that she ____ the film before.
had seen
Present perfect commonly backshifts to past perfect in a past report.
He ____ me that the shop was closed.
told
Use 'told + object'; 'said' does not take a direct object in this pattern.
She said ____ she needed more time.
that
A reported statement may use 'said that + clause'.