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 isn’t 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 isn’t necessary.

Ex.: “Next year I’ll be sixteen and I’ll have a big party”, said Ron.

Ron said that next year he’ll be sixteen and he’ll 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 don’t want you to buy me anything for my birthday”

Jonas always says he doesn’t want us to buy him anything for his birthday.

Don’t ask Jonas what he wants for his birthday. He’ll say he doesn’t 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 he’s throwing a big party. You think you’ll go?

Josh: Yeah, it’ll be fun. He said his parents are going to get a DJ since it’s his sixteen birthday and all.