The Grammar Lab: Reported Speech
One Step Back in Time
When we report what someone said in the past (e.g., "He said..."), we must move the verb tense one step back into the past.
Direct Speech (Present) ➜ Reported Speech (Past)
ចំណាំ៖ We also change pronouns (I → He/She) and places (Here → There).
Tense Shifters
| "I am happy." | ➜ | He said he was happy. |
| "I play football." | ➜ | He said he played football. |
| "I went home." | ➜ | He said he had gone home. |
The Modals
| "I will call you." | ➜ | She said she would call me. |
| "I can swim." | ➜ | She said she could swim. |
| "I must go." | ➜ | She said she had to go. |
Time & Place
Since we are in a different time/place, these words must change too.
| Now | ➜ | Then |
| Here | ➜ | There |
| Tomorrow | ➜ | The next day |
| Yesterday | ➜ | The day before |
Report the Quote
Click to see how the sentence changes.
Direct: "I am tired."Click to Report
Direct: "I will help."Click to Report
Direct: "I live here."Click to Report
Direct: "I can drive."Click to Report
Quick Check
1. Direct: "I want pizza." → Reported: He said he _____ pizza.
2. Direct: "I will be late." → Reported: She said she _____ be late.
3. Direct: "I saw him yesterday." → Reported: ...saw him _____.