5 Minutes For English

Reported Speech

Reported Statements

I.  Rewrite the sentences in reported speech:

1. I'll come and see you on Friday if that’s all right.' (She said)    She  said (that)  she  would  come  and  see  us  on  Friday if  that was  all right.

2. 'The conference will be spending a considerable time discussing the world debt crisis.' (The statement said)

3. 'The shop’s closing in half an hour.' (She explained)

4. 'He's planning to set up his own business.' (Gareth tells me)

5. 'We're going to have to make quite a few cutbacks.' (The managing director said)

6. 'The police have been investigating new allegations of fraud.' (A spokesperson said)

7. 'When the project first started, there was a lot of interest in it.' (She explained)

8. 'It’s pouring with rain down here.' (She told me)

9. 'I'll have finished writing the report by the time you get here.' (She promised me)

10. 'My new computer has made a lot of difference to me.' (She says)

11. 'The 8.45 train from Waterloo will be arriving in approximately five minutes.' (The station announcer has just said)

12. 'When we were setting up the organization, we had very little money.' (They told me)

13. 'The club lost quite a lot of money last month.' (The treasurer told the meeting)

14. 'It will be a very difficult time for all of us.' (He agreed)

15. 'You work too hard. You should take more time off.' (He told me)

Reported Questions

II. Write the following questions in reported speech:

1. 'Where do you think we should advertise? (He asked me)     He asked me where I thought we should advertise.

2. 'Are you going to audition for the play?' (Emma asked me)

3. 'Give me a ring if you need any help.' (She told me)

4. 'How is Laura getting on?' (She often asks me ... you ...)

5. 'Shall I ask her out for a meal?' (He's been wondering)

6. 'Why did Matthew look so embarrassed when he saw Carole?' (He asked)

7. 'Must we stay here all evening?' (He asked)

8. 'What are they doing about publicity for the event?' (She wondered)

9. 'Will you send me the report when it’s finished?' (He asked me)

10. 'What have you done with the student records?' (She asked me)

11. 'Do you think you could keep your voices down a bit?' (She asked us)

12. 'Where did you buy that hat?' (He wanted to know)

13. 'Have you been eating properly?' (The doctor asked me)

14. 'Don't make any noise during the performance.' (They asked us)

15. 'Were you still teaching music when you met Oliver?' (Mike asked me)

References:

• Walker Elaine, Elsworth Steve. Grammar Practice for Upper-Intermediate Students