Reported Speech

Type of Reported Speech
- reporting commands and requests

Definition & Usage
We use 'to' + infinitive.

Examples
1. "Pass me the cheese, please," he said to Mei.
2. He requested Mei to pass him the cheese.

- reporting questions

Definition & Usage
The word order is changed; the verb is placed after the subject and the question mark is omitted. For 'yes-no' questions, 'if' or 'whether' is used.

Examples
1. "May i use your telephone?" he said.
2. He asked if he might use my iphone.

- reporting direct statements

Definition & Usage
- with tense change

Examples
1. " I have to talk with you at once," said Leo.
2. Leo said that he had to talk with me once.

Definition & Usage
- without tense change (for universal truths)

Examples
1. Kathy said, "The cheetah is the fastest animal in the world."
2. Kathy said that the cheetah is the fastest animal in the world.