Reported speech

1. We use the reported speech when we are reporting what someone else said; we often use verbs like 'say' or 'tell' in the reported speech

• I like scary movies (direct speech)
• She says that she likes scary movies (reported speech)

2. In reported speech, the present tense usually changes to the past simple

• I am hungry (direct speech)
• He said he was hungry (reported speech)

3. The past simple tense usually changes to the past perfect

• I saw the accident (directh speech)
• He told me he had seen the accident (reported speech)

4. The present perfect tense usually changes to the past perfect tense

• They have finished their homework (direct speech)
• She said they had finished their homework (reported speech)

5. Reported speech can be used in polite requests

• Please turn off the TV (direct speech)
• Would you please turn off the TV? (reported speech)

6. It can also be used in orders

• Don't be late! (direct speech)
• My father told me not to be late (reported speech)