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• Reported Speech Exercises for Class 10 with Answers

Reported Speech Exercises for Class 10

Reported speech is an important part of learning English, especially in Class 10. It involves telling someone what another person has said, but without quoting their exact words . For example, instead of saying, "She said, 'I am going to the market,'" the reported speech would be, "She said that she was going to the market."

Practising Reported Speech Exercises For Class 10 helps students understand how to convey information accurately and clearly. In this article, there are different exercises prepared to test and improve your skills in reported speech. Each exercise comes with answers, students can check their work and learn from any mistakes. By working through these exercises, students will improve their ability to use reported speech correctly in different situations.

Reported Speech Exercises with Answers for Class 10

Try these Reported Speech exercises with answers for Class 10 to practise changing direct quotes into reported speech. Check your answers to see how well you understand the topic, and watch the Reported speech video for a clear explanation and more examples .

Reported Speech Dialogue Exercises for Class 10 CBSE with Answers

Exercise 1: Transform the following sentences into reported speech.

"I am going to the market," said Rahul.

"Are you coming to the party?" asked Riya.

"I will finish my homework later," said Tina.

"We have never been to Paris," they said.

"Did you see the new movie?" he asked.

"She can speak three languages," said Mr. Sharma.

"Please, close the door," she said.

"Why are you late?" asked the teacher.

"I don’t like spicy food," said Raj.

"You should take your medicine ," the doctor said.

"Where have you been?" she asked.

"I need a new pair of shoes," he said.

"Will you help me with this project?" she asked.

"I can’t find my keys," said John.

"I have completed my assignment," he said.

"Are they coming to the meeting?" she asked.

"We visited the museum yesterday," they said.

"Why didn’t you answer my call?" she asked.

"I am reading an interesting book," he said.

"Let’s go for a walk," she suggested.

"You must finish this work by tomorrow," he said.

"Did you enjoy the concert?" she asked.

"I don’t understand this chapter," said Ravi.

"Where is the nearest bus stop?" he asked.

"She will call you later," said Mr. Gupta.

"Can you lend me a pen?" he asked.

"I am not feeling well," she said.

"When does the train arrive?" he asked.

"Do you know where she went?" they asked.

"We are planning a surprise party," they said.

"I have a meeting at 5 PM," she said.

"Will it rain tomorrow?" he asked.

"I need to talk to you," she said.

"Did you hear the news?" he asked.

"I will be there on time ," she assured.

"Where can I find a taxi?" he asked.

"She is coming to the party," they said.

"Can you help me with this?" he asked.

"I have to leave now," she said.

"Are you sure about this?" he asked.

"I will call you later," he said.

"She told me that she was busy," he said.

"Did you see that movie?" she asked.

"I can’t come to the meeting," he said.

"Where did you put my book?" she asked.

"I am looking for my wallet," he said.

"Can you meet me tomorrow?" she asked.

"They are watching a movie," she said.

"Do you know his address?" he asked.

"I have been waiting for an hour," she said.

Rahul said that he was going to the market.

Riya asked if I was coming to the party.

Tina said that she would finish her homework later.

They said that they had never been to Paris.

He asked if I had seen the new movie.

Mr. Sharma said that she could speak three languages.

She requested to close the door.

The teacher asked why I was late.

Raj said that he didn’t like spicy food.

The doctor advised that I should take my medicine.

She asked where I had been.

He said that he needed a new pair of shoes.

She asked if I would help her with the project.

John said that he couldn’t find his keys.

He said that he had completed his assignment.

She asked if they were coming to the meeting.

They said that they had visited the museum the day before.

She asked why I hadn’t answered her call.

He said that he was reading an interesting book.

She suggested going for a walk.

He said that I had to finish the work by the next day.

She asked if I had enjoyed the concert.

Ravi said that he didn’t understand the chapter.

He asked where the nearest bus stop was.

Mr. Gupta said that she would call me later.

He asked if I could lend him a pen.

She said that she was not feeling well.

He asked when the train arrived.

They asked if I knew where she had gone.

They said that they were planning a surprise party.

She said that she had a meeting at 5 PM.

He asked if it would rain the next day.

She said that she needed to talk to me.

He asked if I had heard the news.

She assured me that she would be there on time.

He asked where he could find a taxi.

They said that she was coming to the party.

He asked if I could help him with that.

She said that she had to leave then.

He asked if I was sure about it.

He said that he would call me later.

He said that she had told him that she was busy.

She asked if I had seen that movie.

He said that he couldn’t come to the meeting.

She asked where I had put her book.

He said that he was looking for his wallet.

She asked if I could meet her the next day.

She said that they were watching a movie.

He asked if I knew his address.

She said that she had been waiting for an hour.

Exercise 2: Convert the following reported speech sentences back into direct speech .

She said that she was going to the store.

He asked if I had finished my homework.

The teacher mentioned that the exam was on Friday.

They said that they would be arriving late.

She warned me that the water was too hot.

He asked if she was coming to the party.

The manager said that the meeting was scheduled for 3 PM.

She told me that she had seen that movie before.

He said that he would help me with the project.

The doctor advised that I should get more rest.

She mentioned that she had lost her keys.

They asked if we could join them for dinner.

He said that he was not feeling well.

The professor explained that the assignment was due next week.

She said that they were planning a surprise party.

He informed me that he would be traveling abroad.

The guide said that the tour would start at noon.

She asked if I wanted to come with her.

He said that he had been working on the report all night.

They complained that the service was too slow.

The student said that he had forgotten his book.

She explained that she had a family emergency.

He mentioned that the flight was delayed.

They said that they had enjoyed the concert.

The chef suggested that we try the special dish.

She told me that she had won a prize.

He asked if I could help him with the assignment.

The coach said that practice would start at 5 PM.

She said that she was excited about the new job.

He stated that he had completed the project.

The police officer asked if I had seen anything suspicious.

She mentioned that she would be moving to a new city.

He informed me that the event was canceled.

The librarian said that the book was overdue.

She told him that she would call him later.

He said that he had missed the bus.

The employee mentioned that the system was down.

She asked if I could pick her up from the airport.

He said that they were going on vacation next month .

They complained that the hotel room was not clean.

The artist said that she had finished her painting.

She told me that they had already eaten dinner.

He asked if I had read the latest book in the series.

The teacher mentioned that the project was due soon.

She said that she would be arriving late.

He informed me that the deadline was extended.

The chef said that the food was almost ready.

She asked if we had seen her sunglasses.

He said that he would call me when he arrived.

The guide mentioned that the museum was closed on Mondays.

She said, "I am going to the store."

He asked, "Have you finished your homework?"

The teacher mentioned, "The exam is on Friday."

They said, "We will be arriving late."

She warned, "The water is too hot."

He asked, "Is she coming to the party?"

The manager said, "The meeting is scheduled for 3 PM."

She told me, "I have seen that movie before."

He said, "I will help you with the project."

The doctor advised, "You should get more rest."

She mentioned, "I have lost my keys."

They asked, "Can we join you for dinner?"

He said, "I am not feeling well."

The professor explained, "The assignment is due next week."

She said, "We are planning a surprise party."

He informed me, "I will be traveling abroad."

The guide said, "The tour will start at noon."

She asked, "Do you want to come with me?"

He said, "I have been working on the report all night."

They complained, "The service is too slow."

The student said, "I have forgotten my book."

She explained, "I have a family emergency."

He mentioned, "The flight is delayed."

They said, "We enjoyed the concert."

The chef suggested, "Try the special dish."

She told me, "I have won a prize."

He asked, "Can you help me with the assignment?"

The coach said, "Practice will start at 5 PM."

She said, "I am excited about the new job."

He stated, "I have completed the project."

The police officer asked, "Have you seen anything suspicious?"

She mentioned, "I will be moving to a new city."

He informed me, "The event is canceled."

The librarian said, "The book is overdue."

She told him, "I will call you later."

He said, "I missed the bus."

The employee mentioned, "The system is down."

She asked, "Can you pick me up from the airport?"

He said, "We are going on vacation next month."

They complained, "The hotel room is not clean."

The artist said, "I have finished my painting."

She told me, "We have already eaten dinner."

He asked, "Have you read the latest book in the series?"

The teacher mentioned, "The project is due soon."

She said, "I will be arriving late."

He informed me, "The deadline has been extended."

The chef said, "The food is almost ready."

She asked, "Have you seen my sunglasses?"

He said, "I will call you when I arrive."

The guide mentioned, "The museum is closed on Mondays."

Exercise 3: Reported Speech dialogue exercises for Class 10 CBSE with Answers

A: "I will meet you at the café at 3 PM," she said.

B: "I’ll be there," he replied.

A: "Please call me when you arrive," he said.

B: "I will definitely call," she promised.

A: "Can you help me with this project?" she asked.

B: "Of course, I’ll help you," he responded.

A: "I am planning to visit my parents next weekend," she said.

B: "That sounds nice," he replied.

A: "We need to finish this report by tomorrow," he said.

B: "I’ll get it done," she promised.

A: "Do you want to join us for lunch?" they asked.

B: "Yes, I’d love to join," she answered.

A: "The weather is going to be great this weekend," he said.

B: "I hope so," she replied.

A: "I have never been to Australia," she said.

B: "Neither have I," he replied.

A: "Please make sure to lock the door," he said.

B: "I will lock it," she assured.

A: "I am excited about the new movie," she said.

B: "Me too," he replied.

A: "We should start the meeting now," he suggested.

B: "I agree, let's begin," she said.

A: "Can you finish this by 5 PM?" he asked.

B: "I will try my best," she replied.

A: "I’m thinking of buying a new car," she said.

B: "That sounds like a good idea," he replied.

A: "Have you finished your assignment?" he asked.

B: "Not yet, but I’m working on it," she replied.

A: "I’ll be attending the conference next month," she said.

B: "I look forward to hearing about it," he replied.

A: "Please be on time for the meeting," he said.

B: "I will be punctual," she promised.

A: "I’m not sure if I can make it to the party," she said.

B: "I hope you can come," he replied.

A: "The train leaves at 8 AM," he said.

B: "I’ll make sure to be there early," she promised.

A: "Did you enjoy the book?" he asked.

B: "Yes, it was fantastic," she replied.

A: "I’ll send you the details later," she said.

B: "Thank you, I’ll wait for them," he replied.

A: "We have to submit the form by Friday," he said.

B: "I’ll get it done by then," she promised.

A: "Can you pass the salt, please?" she asked.

B: "Sure, here you go," he replied.

A: "I’m planning to take a vacation next month," she said.

B: "That sounds wonderful," he replied.

A: "Don’t forget to call me," he said.

B: "I won’t forget," she assured.

A: "I’ve never seen such a beautiful sunset," she said.

A: "Can you help me move this weekend?" he asked.

B: "I’m available to help," she replied.

A: "I have a dentist appointment tomorrow," she said.

B: "I hope it goes well," he replied.

A: "Please submit your reports by Monday," he said.

B: "I will submit them on Monday," she promised.

A: "We’re going to a concert tonight," she said.

B: "That sounds fun," he replied.

A: "I’m not feeling well today," he said.

B: "I hope you get better soon," she replied.

A: "I will finish my work before lunch," she said.

B: "Great, I’ll see you then," he replied.

A: "Can you give me a ride to the airport?" he asked.

B: "Yes, I can," she replied.

A: "I’ve completed the assignment," she said.

B: "That’s good to hear," he replied.

A: "Please let me know if you need any help," he said.

B: "Thank you, I will," she promised.

A: "I’m excited for the holiday season ," she said.

A: "I’ll be back by 10 PM," he said.

B: "Okay, I’ll see you then," she replied.

A: "Don’t forget to turn off the lights," she said.

B: "I’ll make sure to do that," he promised.

A: "The deadline for the project is next week," he said.

B: "I’ll work on it," she assured.

A: "Can you give me some feedback on my presentation?" she asked.

B: "Sure, I’ll review it," he replied.

A: "I’ll call you as soon as I arrive," he said.

B: "I’ll be waiting for your call," she replied.

A: "We need to discuss this further," she said.

B: "Let’s talk about it later," he replied.

A: "I’m planning a surprise party for her," she said.

B: "That’s exciting," he replied.

A: "Have you completed the budget report?" he asked.

B: "Yes, I finished it last night," she replied.

A: "I’ll get the tickets for the concert," he said.

B: "Thank you," she replied.

A: "I’ve booked a table for two," she said.

B: "Perfect, I’ll see you there," he replied.

A: "Can you meet me at the station?" he asked.

B: "I’ll be there on time," she assured.

A: "I’ve lost my wallet," he said.

B: "Let me help you find it," she offered.

A: "Please remember to bring your ID," she said.

B: "I won’t forget," he promised.

A: "I’m excited about the new project," he said.

B: "Me too," she replied.

A: "Can you check my email for me?" she asked.

B: "Sure, I’ll do that now," he replied.

Speaker A: She said that she would meet him at the café at 3 PM.

Speaker B: He replied that he would be there.

Speaker A: He said to call him when she arrived.

Speaker B: She promised that she would definitely call.

Speaker A: She asked if he could help her with the project.

Speaker B: He responded that he would help her.

Speaker A: She said that she was planning to visit her parents the following weekend.

Speaker B: He replied that it sounded nice.

Speaker A: He said that they needed to finish the report by the next day.

Speaker B: She promised that she would get it done.

Speaker A: They asked if she wanted to join them for lunch.

Speaker B: She answered that she would love to join.

Speaker A: He said that the weather was going to be great that weekend.

Speaker B: She replied that she hoped so.

Speaker A: She said that she had never been to Australia.

Speaker B: He replied that he had not been either.

Speaker A: He said to make sure to lock the door.

Speaker B: She assured him that she would lock it.

Speaker A: She said that she was excited about the new movie.

Speaker B: He replied that he was excited too.

Speaker A: He suggested that they should start the meeting then.

Speaker B: She agreed and said they should begin.

Speaker A: He asked if she could finish it by 5 PM.

Speaker B: She replied that she would try her best.

Speaker A: She said that she was thinking of buying a new car.

Speaker B: He replied that it sounded like a good idea.

Speaker A: He asked if she had finished her assignment.

Speaker B: She replied that she had not yet finished but was working on it.

Speaker A: She said that she would be attending the conference the following month.

Speaker B: He replied that he looked forward to hearing about it.

Speaker A: He said to be on time for the meeting.

Speaker B: She promised that she would be punctual.

Speaker A: She said that she was not sure if she could make it to the party.

Speaker B: He replied that he hoped she could come.

Speaker A: He said that the train left at 8 AM.

Speaker B: She promised that she would make sure to be there early.

Speaker A: He asked if she had enjoyed the book.

Speaker B: She replied that it was fantastic.

Speaker A: She said that she would send him the details later.

Speaker B: He replied that he would wait for them.

Speaker A: He said that they had to submit the form by Friday.

Speaker B: She promised that she would get it done by then.

Speaker A: She asked if he could pass the salt.

Speaker B: He replied that he would pass it.

Speaker A: She said that she was planning a vacation the following month.

Speaker B: He replied that it sounded wonderful.

Speaker A: He said not to forget to call him.

Speaker B: She assured him that she would not forget.

Speaker A: She said that she had never seen such a beautiful sunset.

Speaker B: He replied that he had not seen one either.

Speaker A: He asked if she could help him move that weekend.

Speaker B: She replied that she was available to help.

Speaker A: She said that she had a dentist appointment the next day.

Speaker B: He replied that he hoped it went well.

Speaker A: He said to submit the reports by Monday.

Speaker B: She promised that she would submit them on Monday.

Speaker A: She said that they were going to a concert that night.

Speaker B: He replied that it sounded fun.

Speaker A: He said that he was not feeling well that day.

Speaker B: She replied that she hoped he would get better soon.

Speaker A: She said that she would finish her work before lunch.

Speaker B: He replied that he would see her then.

Speaker A: He asked if she could give him a ride to the airport.

Speaker B: She replied that she could.

Speaker A: She said that she had completed the assignment.

Speaker B: He replied that it was good to hear.

Speaker A: He said to let him know if she needed any help.

Speaker B: She promised that she would.

Speaker A: She said that she was excited about the holiday season.

Speaker A: He said that he would be back by 10 PM.

Speaker B: She replied that she would see him then.

Speaker A: She said not to forget to turn off the lights.

Speaker B: He promised that he would make sure to do that.

Speaker A: He said that the deadline for the project was the following week.

Speaker B: She assured him that she would work on it.

Speaker A: She asked if he could give her some feedback on her presentation.

Speaker B: He replied that he would review it.

Speaker A: He said that he would call her as soon as he arrived.

Speaker B: She replied that she would be waiting for his call.

Speaker A: She said that they needed to discuss it further.

Speaker B: He replied that they should talk about it later.

Speaker A: She said that she was planning a surprise party for her.

Speaker B: He replied that it was exciting.

Speaker A: He asked if she had completed the budget report.

Speaker B: She replied that she had finished it the previous night.

Speaker A: He said that he would get the tickets for the concert.

Speaker B: She replied that she was thankful.

Speaker A: She said that she had booked a table for two.

Speaker B: He replied that he would see her there.

Speaker A: He asked if she could meet him at the station.

Speaker B: She assured him that she would be there on time.

Speaker A: He said that he had lost his wallet.

Speaker B: She offered to help him find it.

Speaker A: She said to remember to bring his ID.

Speaker B: He promised that he would not forget.

Speaker A: He said that he was excited about the new project.

Speaker B: She replied that she was excited too.

Speaker A: She asked if he could check her email for her.

Speaker B: He replied that he would do that then.

Still finding it difficult to answer these questions, Watch Common Mistakes in Reported Speech and improve your performance.

Test your Knowledge of Reported Speech

Task 1: Convert Direct Speech to Reported Speech

"I have been working here for five years," he said.

"Are you coming to the picnic tomorrow?" she asked.

"The package will arrive by Friday," the delivery man said.

"I forgot to bring my lunch," he admitted.

"We are moving to a new house next month," they said.

"Please finish your homework before dinner," the mother said.

"You should try the new restaurant," he suggested.

"I will help you with your maths problems," she promised.

"The movie starts at 8 PM," the ticket seller said.

"I have never been to Italy," she said.

Task 2: Convert Reported Speech to Direct Speech

He said that he was going to visit his parents the following week.

She asked if I could lend her my book.

The teacher mentioned that the test was postponed until next Friday.

They said that they had completed the project on time.

He explained that he had been studying for the exam all night.

The guide said that the museum would open at 10 AM.

She said that she had never seen such a beautiful garden.

He asked if we were interested in joining the new club.

The manager told us that the deadline had been extended.

They mentioned that they would be arriving late.

Task 3: Identify the Error

She said that she will meet us at the café.

He asked if I would help him with his project next week.

The teacher mentioned that the assignment was due yesterday.

They told me that they are going to the concert last night.

She said that she would have finished her work by now.

He asked if I have seen his keys.

The chef explained that the dish will be ready soon.

She said that she had forgot her phone at home.

They mentioned that the flight would have landed already.

He informed me that he would be arriving tomorrow.

Task 4: Complete the Reported Speech

"I am visiting my grandmother this weekend," she said. → She said that ______.

"Will you be at the meeting?" he asked. → He asked if ______.

"I have never tried sushi before," he said. → He said that ______.

"I will get the groceries later," she promised. → She promised that ______.

"Do not forget to lock the door," he said. → He said not to ______.

"I have already completed the task," she said. → She said that ______.

"We will go hiking if the weather is good," they said. → They said that ______.

"Please bring your notes to the class," the teacher said. → The teacher asked to ______.

"I cannot attend the event due to a prior commitment," she said. → She said that ______.

"The concert tickets are sold out," he said. → He said that ______.

Task 5: Transform the Dialogue

A: "I will meet you at the restaurant at 7 PM," she said.

B: "I will be there on time," he replied.

Reported Speech:

Speaker A: She said that ______.

Speaker B: He replied that ______.

A: "Please send me the details by email," he said.

B: "I will send them to you this evening," she promised.

Speaker A: He said that ______.

Speaker B: She promised that ______.

A: "We need to finish this project before the deadline," he said.

B: "I agree. Let's work on it together," she replied.

Speaker B: She replied that ______.

A: "Can you help me with this task?" he asked.

B: "Sure, I will assist you," she responded.

Speaker A: He asked if ______.

Speaker B: She responded that ______.

A: "I am excited about the vacation," she said.

B: "So am I," he replied.

Find out if you got them all right from the answers below.

She said that she had been working there for five years.

She asked if I was coming to the picnic the next day.

The delivery man said that the package would arrive by Friday.

He admitted that he had forgotten to bring his lunch.

They said that they were moving to a new house the following month.

The mother said to finish our homework before dinner.

He suggested trying the new restaurant.

She promised that she would help me with my math problems.

The ticket seller said that the movie started at 8 PM.

She said that she had never been to Italy.

He said, "I am going to visit my parents next week."

She asked, "Can you lend me your book?"

The teacher mentioned, "The test is postponed until next Friday."

They said, "We completed the project on time."

He explained, "I was studying for the exam all night."

The guide said, "The museum will open at 10 AM."

She said, "I have never seen such a beautiful garden."

He asked, "Are you interested in joining the new club?"

The manager told us, "The deadline has been extended."

They mentioned, "We will be arriving late."

Corrected: She said that she would meet us at the café.

Corrected: He asked if I would help him with his project the following week.

Corrected: The teacher mentioned that the assignment had been due yesterday.

Corrected: They told me that they were going to the concert the previous night.

Corrected: She said that she would have finished her work by now.

Corrected: He asked if I had seen his keys.

Corrected: The chef explained that the dish would be ready soon.

Corrected: She said that she had forgotten her phone at home.

Corrected: They mentioned that the flight would have already landed.

Corrected: He informed me that he would be arriving the next day.

She said that she was visiting her grandmother that weekend.

He asked if I would be at the meeting.

He said that he had never tried sushi before.

She promised that she would get the groceries later.

He said not to forget to lock the door.

She said that she had already completed the task.

They said that they would go hiking if the weather was good.

The teacher asked to bring our notes to the class.

She said that she could not attend the event due to a prior commitment.

He said that the concert tickets were sold out.

Speaker A: She said that she would meet me at the restaurant at 7 PM.

Speaker B: He replied that he would be there on time.

Speaker A: He said that he wanted the details sent by email.

Speaker B: She promised that she would send them that evening.

Speaker A: He said that they needed to finish the project before the deadline.

Speaker B: She replied that she agreed and suggested working on it together.

Speaker A: He asked if she could help him with the task.

Speaker B: She responded that she would assist him.

Speaker A: She said that she was excited about the vacation.

Takeaways from this Page

Practising reported speech helps you learn how to convey what others have said in a different way. Key points to remember are changing the verb tenses, adjusting pronouns, and keeping the meaning intact. For example, if someone says, "I am going," in reported speech it becomes, "She said she was going." It's also important to use reporting verbs like "said," "asked," and "promised" to show how the information is shared. Getting these elements right makes sure you communicate clearly and accurately, both in writing and speaking.

FAQs on Reported Speech Exercises for Class 10 with Answers

1. What is reported speech?

Reported speech, also known as indirect speech, is a way of conveying what someone else has said without quoting their exact words. Instead of saying exactly what was spoken, you summarize or paraphrase it. For example, "He said, 'I am tired'" becomes "He said that he was tired."

2. How do you change tenses in reported speech?

In reported speech, the tense usually shifts one step back from the original. For example:

Present simple becomes past simple (e.g., "She says, 'I work hard'" becomes "She said that she worked hard").

Present continuous becomes past continuous (e.g., "They are playing" becomes "They were playing").

3. Do you need to change pronouns in reported speech?

Yes, pronouns should be adjusted to match the perspective of the reporter. For example:

"I" changes to "he" or "she" (e.g., "I will come" becomes "He said that he would come").

4. What happens to the word order in reported speech?

The word order generally changes to fit the structure of the reporting sentence. For instance, "She said, 'I will go to the market'" changes to "She said that she would go to the market."

5. How do you report questions?

To report questions, you use reporting verbs like "asked" or "inquired" and change the question format into a statement. For example:

Direct: "Are you coming?"

Reported: "He asked if I was coming."

6. How can Reported Speech Exercises for Class 10 with Answers help improve grammar skills?

Reported Speech Exercises for Class 10 with Answers help improve grammar by teaching students how to change tenses and pronouns when reporting what someone else said. These exercises show how to use verbs like "said" and "asked" correctly, and help students practice turning direct speech into reported speech. By working through these exercises and checking their answers, students can spot and fix common mistakes, which makes their grammar more accurate. Regular practice helps students become better at using correct grammar in writing and speaking, leading to clearer and more effective communication.

7. Do you need to use 'that' in reported speech?

Using "that" is optional but helps clarify the connection between the reporting verb and the reported speech. For example:

"She said, 'I am leaving'" can be reported as "She said that she was leaving" or simply "She said she was leaving."

8. How do you handle time expressions in reported speech?

Time expressions often need to be adjusted to fit the new context. For example:

"Today" changes to "that day," "tomorrow" becomes "the next day," and "yesterday" changes to "the day before."

9. Can you give an example of reporting a statement with a modal verb?

Yes. For instance, if someone says, "I can swim," it becomes "He said that he could swim" in reported speech.

10. Are there exceptions to changing tenses in reported speech?

Yes, if the reporting verb is in the present, or if the information remains true regardless of time, the tense might not change. For example:

"She says, 'I am tired'" remains, "She says that she is tired" in reported speech because the reporting verb is in the present.

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Reported Speech, Indirect Speech – English Grammar Exercises

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Rewrite the sentences in the reported speech

Change the tenses, pronouns, expressions of time and place to rewrite the sentences from the direct to reported speech.

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Direct and indirect speech Exercises with answers and grammar rules.

Reported speech worksheets PDF exercises with answers.

Reported questions, commands and requests Exercises and grammar rules.

Reported speech - brief summary

In the reported speech we usually change tenses (one tense back), pronouns, time and place.

"I admire you," said Sarah. Sarah said she admired me.

"We came back yesterday," they told me. They told me they had come the day before.

"Peter has put it here," he thought. He thought that Peter had put it there.

"I'm afraid that your parents won't like me," said George. George said he was afraid that my parents wouldn't like him.

How to avoid the shift of tenses:

It is simple to avoid shift of tenses in the reported speech if you use the reporting verb in the present simple tense instead of the past simple tense.

"I admire you," said Sarah. Sarah says she admires me.

"I'm afraid that your parents won't like me," said George. George says that he is afraid that my parents won't like him.

Reported speech - 1

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Exercises: indirect speech

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Grammar Exercise: Reported Speech Exercise

Grammar exercise - reported speech, do the exercise below on reported speech and click on the button to check your answers., complete the sentences in reported speech., related materials:.

Exercise on Reported Speech

Mixed exercise 1.

Complete the sentences in reported speech. Note whether the sentence is a request, a statement or a question.

• He said, "I like this song." → He said
• "Where is your sister?" she asked me. → She asked me
• "I don't speak Italian," she said. → She said
• "Say hello to Jim," they said. → They asked me
• "The film began at seven o'clock," he said. → He said
• "Don't play on the grass, boys," she said. → She told the boys
• "Where have you spent your money?" she asked him. → She asked him
• "I never make mistakes," he said. → He said
• "Does she know Robert?" he wanted to know. → He wanted to know
• "Don't try this at home," the stuntman told the audience. → The stuntman advised the audience

Reported Speech Exercises (With Printable PDF)

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Candace Osmond

Candace Osmond studied Advanced Writing & Editing Essentials at MHC. She’s been an International and USA TODAY Bestselling Author for over a decade. And she’s worked as an Editor for several mid-sized publications. Candace has a keen eye for content editing and a high degree of expertise in Fiction.

In English grammar, reported speech is used to tell someone what another person said. It takes another person’s words (direct speech) to create a report of what they said (indirect speech.) With the following direct and indirect speech exercises, it will be easier to understand how reported speech works.

Reported Speech Exercise #1

Complete the sentence in the reported speech.

Reported Speech Exercise #2

Fill in the gaps below with the correct pronouns required in reported speech. Ex. Mary said: “I love my new dress!” Sentence: Mary said ____ love ____ new dress. Answer: she, her

Reported Speech Exercise #3

Choose the correct reported speech phrase to fill in the sentences below.

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• Grammar & vocab

Upper-intermediate grammar exercise (B2 level): reported speech

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English grammar practice exercise, upper-intermediate.

In this exercise you will practise reported speech.

Exercise instructions

Rewrite the following using reported speech:

Anonymous - November 3, 2020, 6:18 am Reply

Good exercise.

Anonymous - November 20, 2022, 6:26 pm Reply

Great excercise

casdoij - April 23, 2024, 11:25 am Reply

Yesss!!! Very GReAT!!11!11!! 11/10

ihsdhf - April 23, 2024, 11:34 am Reply

Very honestly 100% good exercise.

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Reported Speech in English Grammar

Changing direct speech to reported speech, changing the tense (backshifting), no change of tenses, questions in reported speech, demands/requests, expressions with who/what/how + infinitive, typical changes to time and place markers, what is reported speech.

Reported speech is when we repeat what another person has said but instead of using their exact words in quotation marks (direct speech), we use subordinate clause introduced by a reporting verb like the ones below:

Often, we have to change the tense, pronouns and time markers in reported speech.

Learn the rules for writing indirect speech in English with Lingolia’s simple explanation. In the exercises, you can test your grammar skills.

When turning direct speech into reported speech, we may have to change all or some of the following:

• the pronouns
• information about time and place (see the table at the end of this page)
• the tense (backshift)

If the reporting verb is in the simple past (e.g. said, told, asked, replied … ), the tense has to be set back by one degree (see the table below). This is known as backshifting .

The verbs could, should, would, might, must, needn’t, ought to, used to normally do not change.

If the reporting verb is in the simple present (e.g. says, tells, asks, replies … ), then the tense remains unchanged.

While the tense remains unchanged, we often still have to change the verb form to match the new pronouns.

that after a reporting verb

We often omit the word that after a reporting verb, especially in spoken language and informal contexts.

When turning questions into reported speech, we follow the same rules as for declarative sentences: we change the pronouns as well as the time and place markers and backshift the tense as needed.

In addition, we also have to bear in mind the following:

• instead of that , we use a question word after the reporting verb; if there is no question word, we use whether / if instead
• questions in reported speech follow declarative sentence word order (subject + verb)
• we don’t use the auxiliary verb do/did for questions in reported speech; instead, the main verb appears in the simple past without an auxiliary verb
• put the verb directly after who or what in subject questions.

Questions in reported speech do not end in a question mark.

When turning orders, demands and requests into reported speech, we only need to change the pronouns and the time and place information.

We don’t have to pay attention to the tense – we simply use an infinitive rather than a conjugated verb.

If the imperative is negated, then we use not + infinitive .

To express what someone should or can do in reported speech, we leave out the subject and the modal verb and instead we use the construction who/what/where/how + infinitive .

say vs. tell

The words say and tell are not interchangeable.

• say = say something
• tell = say something to someone

Head over to the vocabulary section to learn more about the difference between say and tell .

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Reported Speech Exercise 5

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• Review reported statments, questions, orders and requests
• Download this quiz in PDF here
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Reported Speech Quiz

You can do this grammar quiz online or print it on paper. It tests what you learned on the Reported Speech pages.

1. Which is a reporting verb?

2. He said that it was cold outside. Which word is optional?

3. "I bought a car last week." Last week he said he had bought a car

4. "Where is it?" said Mary. She

5. Which of these is usually required with reported YES/NO questions?

6. Ram asked me where I worked. His original words were

7. "Don't yell!" is a

8. "Please wipe your feet." I asked them to wipe

9. She always asks me not to burn the cookies. She always says

10. Which structure is not used for reported orders?

Your score is:

Correct answers:

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• English Grammar Exercises for B2 – Reported speech
• English Grammar Exercises for B2

1. Change the direct speech into reported speech.

1   ‘You must take these tablets twice a day.’

      The doctor says I ………………………………………….

2   ‘I’m going to the gym tomorrow.’

      Ben told me ………………………………………….

3   ‘You don’t have to wait for me.’

       Liz said that I ………………………………………….

4   ‘I took my final exam yesterday.’

       Jack told me ………………………………………….

5   ‘I haven’t told you the complete truth.’

       Pablo said ………………………………………….

6   ‘I’ll meet you later today.’

       Jim tells me ………………………………………….

7   ‘I prefer this café to the one opposite.’

      Julia says ………………………………………….

8   ‘I’ll always remember meeting you.’

      Ann told me ………………………………………….

1    must take these tablets twice a day.

2   (that) he was going to the gym the next day.

3    didn’t have to wait for her.

4   (that) he had taken his final exam the day before.

5    (that) he hadn’t told me the complete truth.

6    (that) he’ll meet me later today.

7   (that) she prefers this café to the one opposite.

8    (that) she would always remember meeting me.

2. Complete the sentences with the correct form of the words in brackets. Do not change the order of the words. Use a maximum of five words including the words in brackets.

1   Will asked us …………………………… (time / game / start) the next day.

2   The assistant asked him if …………………………… (he / like / try) on a smaller jacket.

3   My teacher asked me …………………………… (I / finish) the exercise and I said I hadn’t.

4   I asked Maria …………………………… (which / film / seen) the night before.

5   The dentist asked …………………………… (me / why) never used an electric toothbrush before.

6   She asked him if …………………………… (he / going) the park and he said he wasn’t.

7   I asked the policeman whether …………………………… (he / help / us) and he said he could.

1 what time the game started   2 he would like to try

3 if I had finished   4 which film she had seen

5 me why I had   6 he was going to   7 he could help us

3. Change the direct speech into reported speech. Begin with My mum asked me .

1   ‘Why are you home so late?’

      …………………………………..

2   ‘Did you leave school on time today?’

3   ‘You’ve got lots of homework to do, haven’t you?’

4   ‘When are you doing to tidy your room?’

5   ‘Have you seen your brother this afternoon?’

6   ‘Will you help me with the shopping tomorrow?’

7   ‘Would you like me to give you some money for a pizza?’

      …………………………………..

1   My mum asked me why I was home so late.

2    … if I had left school on time that day.

3    … if I had (got) lots of homework to do.

4    … when I was going to tidy my room.

5    … if I had seen my brother that afternoon.

6    … if I’d help her with the shopping the next day.

7    … if I’d like her to give me some money for a pizza.

4. Report the dialogue using say or ask in the past simple.

Dan     Are you going to the concert tomorrow evening?

Zoe      No, I’m not. I haven’t got any money.

Dan     I’ll lend you some. How much do you need?

Zoe      That’s really kind of you, but I have to finish my homework too.

Dan     Would you like me to help you finish it?

Zoe      Do you speak German?

Dan     No, I don’t. Your cousin does, doesn’t she?

Zoe      Yes, she does. Perhaps I should ask her.

      ……………………………………………

Dan asked Zoe if she was going to the concert the next evening. Zoe said she wasn’t. She said she didn’t have any money. Dan said he’d lend her some. He asked her how much she needed. Zoe said that was really kind of him, but she had to finish her homework too. Dan asked her if she’d like him to help her finish it. Zoe asked him if he spoke German. Dan said he didn’t. He asked her if her cousin did. Zoe said she did. She said perhaps she should ask her.

5. Write a second sentence that has a similar meaning to the first. Use the words in brackets.

1   ‘Do you know the answer to these questions?’ Sally asked me. (if)

      ……………………………………………

2   ‘I mustn’t be late for the trip tomorrow,’ said Bella. (next)

3   ‘Have you heard the band’s new album yet?’ asked Kostas. (me)

4   ‘I won’t be at school next week,’ said Mark. (says)

5   ‘Will you be getting a new phone soon?’ asked Harry. (whether)

6   ‘My plane arrives at ten in the morning,’ said Andrew. (tells)

1   Sally asked me if I knew the answer to the / those questions.

2    Bella said that she mustn’t be late for the trip the next day.

3    Kostas asked me if I’d heard the band’s new album yet.

4    Mark says that he won’t be at school next week.

5    Harry asked (me) whether I’d be getting a new phone soon.

6    Andrew tells me that his plane arrives at ten in the morning.

6. Rewrite the sentences using reported speech.

1   ‘I’ll never wear this outfit again.’

      Monica said ……………………………………..

2   ‘I don’t believe you.’

      My dad told my sister ……………………………………..

3   ‘I’ve been talking to Frank.’

      Susanna tells me ……………………………………..

4   ‘You mustn’t tell anyone.’

       Harry told me ……………………………………..

5   ‘I’ll give you an answer tomorrow.’

      Jenny told Tom ……………………………………..

6   ‘I was at a friend’s house yesterday.’

      Lisa said ……………………………………..

1    (that) she would never wear that outfit again

2    (that) he didn’t believe her

3    (that) she’s been talking to Frank

4    (that) I mustn’t tell anyone

5    (that) she would give him an answer the next day

6    (that) she had been at a friend’s house the day before

7. Rewrite the questions using reported speech.

1   ‘Did you see the football match yesterday?’

      Jimmy asked me ……………………………………..

2   ‘You’ve ordered the pizzas, haven’t you?’

      I asked Eddie ……………………………………..

3   ‘What languages do you speak?’

      The tourist asked me ……………………………………..

4   ‘You’re going out later, aren’t you?’

      My dad asked me ……………………………………..

5   ‘Do you like Indian food?’ ‘Yes, I do’

      They asked me ……………………………………..

6   ‘Where does your brother work?’

      I asked Emma ……………………………………..

7   ‘Were you late for school this morning?’

      My mum asked my sister ……………………………………..

8   ‘Are you tired?’ ‘No, I’m not.’

      We asked him ……………………………………..

1   if / whether I had seen the football match the day before.

2   if / whether he had ordered the pizzas

3   what languages I spoke

4   if / whether I was going out later

5   if / whether I liked Indian food and I said I did

6   where her brother worked

7   if / whether she had been late for school that morning

8   if / whether he was tired and he said that he wasn’t

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