REPORTED SPEECH

WHEN WE DO NOT NEED TO CHANGE THE VERB TENSE IN

REPORTED STATEMENTS?
-

STATING FACTS OR GENERAL TRUTHS

If the speaker states a fact that is still true all the time of reporting, then we
can keep the present tense. Changing the verb tense is possible, but it isnt
necessary.
Ex.: Birthday cakes are common in many cultures, said the baker.
The baker said that birthday cakes are common in many cultures.
If the speaker tells about a future event that has yet to happen at the time of
reporting, then we can keep the future tense. Changing the verb tense is
possible, but it isnt necessary.
Ex.: Next year Ill be sixteen and Ill have a big party, said Ron.
Ron said that next year hell be sixteen and hell have a party.
-

IMMEDIATE REPORTING

If words are reporting soon after they are spoken, verb tenses are not usually
change.
Ex.: I love birthday cakes with flowers, said the girl.
Listener 1: What did she just say?
Listener 2: She said she loves birthday cakes with flowers.
-

USING A REPORTING VERB IN THE PRESENT OR IN THE FUTURE

If the reporting verb is in the simple present, present perfect, or future tense,
verb tenses not changed.
Ex.: I dont want you to buy me anything for my birthday
Jonas always says he doesnt want us to buy him anything for his birthday.
Dont ask Jonas what he wants for his birthday. Hell say he doesnt want you
to buy him anything.
-

USING INFORMAL ENGLISH

In informal English, especially in conversation, verbs tenses often stay the

same.

Ex.: Carrie: Ron said hes throwing a big party. You think youll go?
Josh: Yeah, itll be fun. He said his parents are going to get a DJ since its his
sixteen birthday and all.