Orders, promises and requests are often reported with infinitives, or object + infinitive. Direct speech: Jane said, ‘I will write.’ Indirect speech: Jane promised to… Continue reading
Reporting promises, orders, requests, advice etc
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Reporting Questions
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When we report questions the indirect speech is introduced by verbs such as ask and inquire. Note that in reported questions the subject normally comes… Continue reading
Detailed rules for change of tenses in indirect speech
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When the reporting verb is in the past tense, all present tenses of the direct speech change to corresponding past tenses. The simple present tense… Continue reading
Indirect Speech: Change in Pronouns, Adverbs and Tenses
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Pronouns A change of speaker may mean a change of pronoun. Study the following sentences: Alice (on Sunday evening): I don’t like this party. I… Continue reading
Direct and Indirect Speech
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There are two main ways of reporting people’s words, thoughts, beliefs etc. Direct speech We can give the exact words that were said. This kind… Continue reading