Indirect speech

8. Indirect speech

Answers A and B are both correct.

Answer A uses direct speech. Answer B uses indirect, or reported, speech. They both give the same information, but in different styles.

Reported speech uses phrases such as “He said...”, “He said that...”, “He told me...”. Instead of “said” in these examples, other verbs that describe ways of speaking can also be used, such as “shouted”, “warned” and “announced”.

In reported speech, verbs have to be set in the past; in other words, “have” becomes “had”.

Examples

“I love pizza.” > She said that she loved pizza.

“I can’t swim.” > He said he couldn’t swim.

“It’s time for bed, children.” > I told the children that it was time for bed.

Simple tip

In reported speech, remember to use a past tense.

9. Indirect questions

Answer B is correct.

When you say, “I don’t know where it is,” you aren’t asking a question. You are simply stating that you don’t know something. So the phrase “I don’t know...” is followed by a positive verb form (“it is”), not a question form (“is it?”). Even though you use a question word (“I don’t know where / why / who...”), it’s still not a question. When writing, therefore, use a full stop, not a question mark.

Examples

I don’t know when she left.

I can’t remember where we parked the car.

I’m not sure how I can help you.

Simple tip

After “I don’t know...” avoid using a question form.