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5 Minute English

 

 

Reported Speech (Part 2)

The present perfect verb is change to the past perfect tense in reported speech.

Michelle said, " I have been to California."

What did she say?
She said (that*) she had been to California.

The past perfect tense doesn't change.

John said, " I had talked to my neighbor."

What did he say?
John said (that) he had talked to his neighbor.

The future tense verb is change to the conditional in reported speech.

Staci said, "I will buy a new house."

What did she say?
She said (that) she would buy a new house.

 

*You can use the word that in reported speech if you want.  It doesn't matter if you do or not.

 

 

 

 

 

Check Your Understanding

Write the sentences using reported speech.


1.  Selma said, "I have been shopping."  What did she say?

    
    

 

2.  George said, "I had just finished my work."  What did he say?

    
    

 

3.  Loren said, "I have seen the Grand Canyon."  What did he say?

    
    

 

4.  Morgan and Ellie said, "We will think about it."  What did they say?

    
    

 

5.  The students said, "We will take an English class ."  What did they say?

    
    

 

6.  The teenager said, "I had hurried to class."  What did he say?

    
    

 

 
   

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