direct and indirect speech exercises advanced level

200+Direct and Indirect Speech Exercises and Answers (2024)

Direct and indirect speech exercises and answers (2024) help learners understand the transformation between direct statements and reported speech, enhancing their comprehension and expression abilities.

We frequently employ direct and indirect speech in our everyday interactions to accurately convey what was said and summarize information efficiently.

Enhance your understanding of Direct and Indirect Speech with our extensive collection of over 200 exercises and corresponding answers.

Through practice in transforming quotations into reported speech, grasp the principles and methods involved, and refine your differentiation between direct and indirect speech.

Elevate your language proficiency and deepen your comprehension of English with our comprehensive set of over 200 Direct and Indirect Speech exercises and answers.

Understanding Direct Speech

Direct speech is when the exact words spoken by a person are quoted within quotation marks. It provides a direct representation of what was said, maintaining the original wording and tone. Direct speech adds authenticity and immediacy to the narrative.

For example,

• My aunt said, ‘Every mother loves her child.’
• Mon said to me, ‘I shall go, but you will stay.’

Explore Indirect Speech

Indirect speech, also known as reported speech, conveys someone else’s words without quoting them directly. Indirect speech offers a concise summary, enabling effective communication and storytelling.

• My aunt said that every mother loves her child.
• Mon told me that she would go but I should stay.

Before delving into the direct and indirect speech exercises, consider how Tense , Pronouns , Time , and Place change when transitioning from direct to indirect speech and vice versa.

Exercises and Answers for Direct and Indirect Speech (2024)

Direct and Indirect Speech Exercises and answers, along with examples are given in the following for practice. It’s important for students as well as for competitive Exams. For practice and easy comprehension, Direct and indirect speech Exercises and answers have been arranged according to different rules in the following.

Exercises and Answers with Tense Alterations

Exercises and answers with tense alterations facilitate practice and comprehension of verb tense transformations.

Exercise 1:

Change the mode of narration from direct Speech to indirect speech .

(1) He said , ‘I need some money.’ Ans: He said that he needed some money.

(2) She said, ‘I am waiting for him.’ Ans: She said that she was waiting for him.

(3) The boy said , ‘I have done my homework.’ Ans: The boy said that he had done his homework.

(4) You said, ‘The baby has been sleeping .” Ans: You said that the baby had been sleeping .

(5) You say, ‘I am always busy.’ Ans: You say that you are always busy.

(6) The child will say , ‘Mum knows everything.’ Ans: The child will say that Mum knows everything.

(7) He said , ‘I did it.’ Ans: He said that he had done it.

(8) She said, ‘He was talking .’ Ans: She said that he had been talking .

(9) The monk said , ‘Man will die .’ Ans: The monk said that man will die.

(10) He said , ‘The sun gives us light.’ Ans: He said that the sun gives us light.

Exercise 2:

Switch the narrative style from direct speech to indirect speech.

(1) He said to me, “I can’t recall your name.” Ans: He told me that he could not recall my name.

(2) Poulami says , “I am fine.” Ans: Poulomi says that she is fine.

(3) He said, “I did it.” Ans: He said that he had done it.

(4) “I know her address,” said Gopi. Ans: Gopi said that he knew her address.

(5) Ram said, “The earth is round.” Ans: Ram said that the Earth is round.

(6) “We planted it ourselves,” said the grandfather. Ans: The Gran Father said that they had planted it themselves.

(7) Debu said, “I have been playing rugby.” Ans: Debu said that he had been playing rugby.

(8) Purbasha said to me,” I am afraid of ghosts.” Ans: Purbasha told me that she was afraid of ghosts.

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Exercise 3:

Turn the following sentences from direct Speech to indirect speech .

(1) The boys said , “It has been raining since morning. We cannot play today.” Ans: The boys said that it had been raining since morning so they could not play that day.

(2) Anjan’s mother said, “Your father has left for Mumbai.” Ans: Anjan’s mother said that my father had left for Mumbai.

(3) My teacher said , “Practice makes a man perfect.” Ans: My teacher said that practice makes a man perfect.

(4) He says, “I go to the temple every morning.” Ans: He says that he goes to the temple every morning.

(5) He said to me, “I will not get down from the bus.” Ans: He told me that he would not get off the bus.

(6) Rita says to Mita, “I will go with you.” Ans: Rita tells Mita that she w ill go with her.

(7) The boy said to his friend, “I went to school yesterday.” Ans: The boy told his friend that he had gone to school the previous day.

(8) You said, “I was right.” Ans: You said that you had been right.

(9) “I ‘ll go to the top,” said the young lady. Ans: The young lady said that she would go to the top.

(10) I ‘ ve got my rules,” the conductor said to me. Ans: The conductor told me that he had got his rules.

Pronouns in Direct and Indirect Speech Exercises and Answers

Exercises and answers incorporating pronouns in direct and indirect speech facilitate learners’ understanding and application of pronoun changes in reported speech structures.

Exercise 4:

(1) You said, ‘ I never smoked.” Ans: You said that you never smoked.

(2) I said, ‘ I am always busy.” Ans: I said that I was alway busy

(3) I said to you , ‘ You look tired.” Ans: I said to you that you looked tired.

(4) You said to me , ‘ You are dependable.” Ans: You said to me that I was dependable.

(5) You said, “ He is right.” Ans: You said that he was right.

(6) I said, “ They will be late. Ans: I said that they w ould be late.

(7) He said to (Deep) , ‘ You told it so.” Ans: He said to Deep that he (Deep) had told it so.

(8) Mon said to Moon , “ You are naughty.” Ans: Mon said to Moon that she (Moon) was naughty.

Exercise 5:

Alter the narrative style from direct speech to indirect speech.

(1) He said to me, “ I have done the job.” Ans: He told me that he had done the job.

(2) Rohit said, “ I was absent yesterday.” Ans: Rohit said that he (Rohit) had been absent the previous day.

(3) The boy said, “ My father died two years ago.” Ans: The boy said that his father had died two years before.

(4) He said, “ My goal is to climb Mt Everest. “ Ans: He said that his goal was to climb Mount Everest.

(5) “ I shall certainly do nothing of this kind”, the woman. Ans: The woman said that she would certainly do nothing of that kind.

(6) The man said, “ I am exhausted.” Ans: The man said that he was exhausted.

(7) He said, “ I am washing my hands.” Ans: He said that he was washing his hands.

(8) Mother bird said to her little ones, “Today I will teach you how to fly.” Ans: Mother bird told her little ones that that day, she would teach them how to fly.

(9) Rita’s father says. “ I have done this for you. Ans: Rita’s father says that he had done that for her.

(10) Sumana said to her sister, “ I want to play with you.” Ans: Sumana told her sister that she wanted to play with her.

Time and Place Expression Direct and Indirect Speech Exercises and Answers

Exercises and answers on time and place expressions in direct and indirect speech aid learners in accurately conveying temporal and spatial information while mastering reported speech conventions.

Exercise 6:

Turn the following direct speech into indirect speech

(1) I said to you, “I wish to start business next year. “ Ans: I said to you that I wished to start business the following years.

(2) You said to them, “ Now I shall tell you a nice story.” Ans: You told them that then you would tell them a nice story.

(3) She said to him, “I bought the book yesterday. “ Ans: She told him that she had bought the book the previous day .

(4) He said to me, “I saw your sister two years ago . Ans: He told me that he had seen my sister two years before.

(5) He said to his son, “You may come with me tomorrow. Ans: He told his son that he (his son) might go with him the next day.

(6) He said to her, I’m talking to you now for your good.” Ans: He told her that he was talking to her then for her good.

(7) The girl said to me, My father died two years ago. “ Ans: The girl told me that her father died two years before.

Exception: But if ‘ now ‘, ‘ here ‘, ‘ this ‘ refer to things present before the speaker at the time of reporting, no change is needed.

(8) He said to me, ‘I have no friend here. ‘ Ans: He told me that he had no friend here.

(9) I said, ‘We cannot be happy in this world.’ Ans: I said that we cannot be happy in this world.

(10) She said, “ This is the house where I was born.” Ans: She said that this was the house where she was born.

Exercise 7:

Change the following sentences into indirect speech.

(1) The boy said to his father, “I had my tiffin in school yesterday. “ Ans: The boy told his father that he had had his tiffin in school the previous day .

(2) The captain informed, “The tournament was postponed last year. “ Ans: The captain informed us that the tournament was postponed the previous year .

(3) She said, “We have been living here for two years.” Ans: She said that they had been living there for two years.

(4) Arnab said to Ajit,” I am happy today .” Ans: Arna told Ajit that he was happy that day.

(5) My friend said to me, “We went to the zoo yesterday. “ Ans: My friend told me that they had gone to the zoo the previous day.

(6) The clerk said, “I’ll do the work now. “ Ans: Clark said that he would do the work then.

(7) Hiten said to Mihir, “I received this letter yesterday. “ Ans: Hiten told me that he had received that letter the previous day.

(8) Rajib said to me. “I shall go to the picture today. “ Ans: Rajiv told me that he would go to the picture that day.

(9) He said, “We are very happy here. “ Ans: He said that they were very happy there.

(10) The farmer said, “I’ll sow the seeds now. “ Ans: The farmer said that he will show the seats then.

(12) The man said to me, “I received your gift yesterday. “ Ans: The man told me that he had received my gift the previous day.

(15) I said to my friend, “You were present in the class yesterday. “ Ans: I told my friend that he had been present in the class the previous day.

Direct and Indirect Speech Exercises and Answers of Assertive Sentences

Direct and indirect speech exercises and answers focusing on assertive sentences enable learners to grasp the nuances of reporting statements confidently and accurately.

Exercise 8:

Transform the following direct speech into indirect speech

(1) My aunt said, ‘Every mother loves her child.’ Ans: My aunt said that every mother loves her child.

(2) Mon said to me, ‘I shall go, but you will stay.’ Ans: Mon told me that she would go but I should stay.

(3) He said to his father, ‘I shall always carry out your order.’ Ans: He told his father that he would always carry out his order.

(4) She said, ‘I sang a song at today’s function.’ Ans: She said that she had sung a song at today’s function.

(5) He said to me, ‘You are wicked, so I shall not mix with you.’ Ans: He told me that I was wicked, so he would not mix with me.

Exercise 9:

Change the following sentences converting the direct speeches into indirect speeches.

(1) The teacher said to the boy, “You have forgotten the lesson.” Ans: The teacher told the boy that he had forgotten the lesson.

(2) The boy said, “I shall go out and play.” Ans: The boy said that he would go out and play.

(3) He said, “I am happy to be here today.” Ans: He said that he was happy to be there that day.

(4) They said, “We shall play the game again tomorrow.” Ans: They said that they would play the game again the next day.

(5) The boy said, “Two and two make four.” Ans: The boy said that two and two make four.

Exercise 10:

Change the form of narration from indirect speech into direct speech.

(1) She told them that she had lost her books and theirs too. Ans : “I have lost my books and yours too”, she told them.

(2) The princess says that she has lost her way. Ans: The princess says, “I have lost my way.”

(3) They say that they must keep their locality clean. Ans: They say, “We must keep our locality clean.”

(4) The girl says that those books are theirs, but that one is hers. Ans: The girl says, “These books are theirs, but this one is mine.”

(5) The Happy prince said that he had led the dance in the Great Hall. Ans: The Happy Prince said, “I led the dance in the great hall.”

Interrogative Sentences Direct and Indirect Speech Exercises and Answers

Engage with interrogative sentences through direct and indirect speech exercises and answers to sharpen your ability to convey questions effectively within different narrative frameworks.

Exercise 11:

(1) Mother said to her, ‘Are you feeling feverish?’ Ans: Mother inquired of her if she was feeling feverish.

(2) ‘Was it not a piece of luck?’ said Slavator. Ans: Salvtor wanted to know if that was not a piece of luck.

(3) The host said to me, ‘Have all the guests arrived?’ Ans: The host asked me whether all the guests had arrived.

(4) I said, ‘Do you know who will preside over the meeting?’ Ans: I asked whether he knew who would be presiding over the meeting.

(5) I said to the boy, ‘Did you pass the examination?’ Ans: I asked the boy if had passed the examination.

(6) She said to him, ‘Which of the books do you want to buy? Ans: She asked him which of the books he wanted to buy.

(7) The king said, ‘Who is not ready to due for his land, my countryman?’ Ans: The king asked his countrymen who was not ready to due for his land.

(8) He said to her, ‘Whose type writer are you using? Ans: He inquired of her whose type- writer she was using.

(9) The girl said to the strang ‘Whom do you want to see? Ans: The girl asked the stranger whom he wanted to see.

(10) The teacher said to the student, ‘Why are you late regularly? Ans: The teacher asked the student why he was late regularly.

Exercise 12:

Turn the following sentences from direct speech to indirect speech.

(1) Bulbuli said to her friend, “Will you come tomorrow?” Ans: Bulbuli asked her friend if she would on the next day.

(2) The policeman said to the stranger, “What are you looking for?” Ans: The police asked the stranger what he was looking for.

(3) Nikhil said to me, “Why do you look sad? Ans: Nikhil asked me why I looked sad.

(4) I said to her, “Did you take tea ?” Ans: I asked her if she had taken tea.

(5) The girl said to her mother, “Will you give me your bangles ?” Ans: The girl asked her mother if she would give her her bangles.

(6) Father said to me, “Why are you so upset?” Ans: Father asked me why I was so upset.

Exercise 13:

Change the following indirect speech into Direct speech.

(1) She asked me if I had called her. Ans: She said to me, “Did you call me ?”

(2) He asked me if I was writing a letter. Ans: He asked me, “Are you writing a letter ?”

(3) The man asked the child how he had got there. Ans: “How did you get here, child ?”, the man said.

(4) The police asked me if I could show my identity card. Ans: The police said to me, “Can you show your identity card ?”

(5) He asked us if we were attending the meeting that day. Ans: He said to us, “Are you attending the meeting today?”

(6) I asked her if she had taken medicine. Ans: I said to her, “Did you take medicine ?”

(7) Raja asked Dipu if he would go to school that day. Ans: Raja said to Dipu, “Will you go to school today?

Imperative Sentences Direct and Indirect Speech Exercises and Answers

Master imperative sentences through direct and indirect speech exercises and answers, refining your skill in conveying commands and requests within diverse linguistic contexts.

Exercise 14:

Change the following sentences from direct speech to indirect speech.

(1) The teacher said, ‘Boys, go to your classes.’ Ans: The teacher ordered the boys to go to their classes.

(2) She said to him, ‘Please lend me your pen.’ Ans: She requested him to lend her his pen.

(3) The mother said to her son, ‘Wait here for me.’ Ans: The mother told her son to wait there for her.

(4) He said to me, ‘Go home at once.’ Ans: He advised me to go home at once.

(5) I said to my teacher, ‘Please explain the passage. Ans: I requested my teacher to explain the passage.

(6) The student said to the teacher, “Excuse me, sir.’ Ans: The student begged the teacher to excuse him.

(7) He said, ‘Friends, lend me your ears. Ans: Addressing them as friends, he requested them to lend him their ears.

Exercise 15:

(1) The teacher said to the students, “Keep quiet.” Ans: The teachers ordered the students to keep quiet.

(2) My teacher said to me. “Do not neglect your studies.” Ans: My teacher advised me not to neglect my studies.

(3) The man said to his son, “Always try to be honest.” Ans: The man advised it’s on to always try to be honest.

(4) Mother said to Raju, “Do not run in the sun.” Ans: Mother ordered Raju not to run in the sun.

(5) The man said to me, “Brother, please help me.” Ans: Addressing as a brother, the man requested me to help him.

(6) The students said, “Please allow us to play in the field.” Ans: The students requested to allow them to play on the field.

(7) He said to me, “Please give me some money.” Ans: He requested me to give him some money.

Exercise 16:

Change the following sentences from Indirect speech to Direct Speech of narration.

(1) He advised me not to waste my valuable time. Ans: He said to me, “Don’t waste your valuable time.”

(2) The grandson advised the children not to pluck flowers. Ans: The gardener said to the children, “Do not pluck flowers.”

(3) Tom forbade Sid to shake him. Ans: Tom said to Sid, “Don’t shake me.”

(4) The master ordered the servant to sort the door. Ans: The master said to the servant, “Shut the door.”

(5) The commander ordered the soldiers to stand at ease. Ans: The commander said to the soldiers, “Stand at ease.”

(6) Addressing as sethji, the vendor told him not to rob the poor. Ans: “Sethji, don’t rob the poor”, said the vendor.

(7) The doctor advised the patient to take proper vitamins to stay healthy. Ans: The doctor said to the patient, “Take proper vitamins to stay healthy.”

(8) The teacher ordered the students to do it then. Ans: The teacher said to the students, “Do it now.”

Direct and indirect speech Exercises and Answers with “Let”

Enhance your understanding of direct and indirect speech through exercises and answers featuring the usage of “let,” allowing you to effectively report permissions, suggestions, or proposals in various contexts

Exercise 17:

Change the following sentences from direct speech to indirect speech mode of narration.

(1) He said to her, ‘Let us go out for a walk,’ Ans: He proposed to her that they should go out for a walk.

(2) Mon said to Mohan, ‘Let us dis- cuss the matter,’ Ans: Mon suggested to Mohan that they should discuss the matter.

(3) The chairman said, ‘Let us put the motion to vote. Ans: The chairman proposed that they should put the motion to vote.

(4) I said to her, ‘Let us have some music,’ Ans: I proposed to her that we should have some music.

(5) ‘Let us hurry or we may miss the bus,’ said he, Ans: He urged all to hurry or they might miss the bus.

(6) She said, ‘Let me come in.’ Ans: She requested that she might be allowed to come in.

(7) He said, ‘Let her say whatever she likes.’ Ans: He said that she might say whatever she liked.

(8) He said, ‘Let me have a cup of coffee.’ Ans: He wished that he might have a cup of coffee.

(9) The player said to the captain, ‘Let me have a chance, please.’ Ans: The player requested the captain to let him have a chance.

(10) I said, ‘Let him work ever so hard, he cannot win the prize.’ Ans: He said that the visitor might be allowed to wait outside.

Exercise 18:

(1) Rahim said, “Let us decide the matter together.” Ans: Rahim suggested that they should decide the matter together.

(2) The boy said to me, “Let us play cricket.” Ans: The boy proposed that they should play cricket.

(3) He said, “Let me go home.” Ans: He wished that he might go home.

(4) He said to me, “Let him say whatever he likes.” Ans: He wished me that he might say whatever he liked.

(5) He shouted, “Let me go out. Ans: He shouted at me to go out.

Exercise 19:

Change the following sentences from indirect speech to direct speech mode of narration.

(1) She proposed that they should go to the cinema. Ans: She said, “Let us go to the cinema.”

(2) He suggested that they should drop the matter. Ans: He said, “Let us drop the matter”

(3) They suggested that they should make him give them their fears back. Ans: “Let’s make him give us our fares back,” they said.

(4) Shabnam proposed Chandni that they should go for a walk. Ans: “Let us go for a walk.” said Shabnam to Chandni.

(5) The leader suggested that they should hold a meeting the next day. Ans: The leader said, “Let’s hold a meeting tomorrow.”

Direct and Indirect Speech Exercises and Answers of Optative Sentences

Practice direct and indirect speech with exercises and answers focusing on optative sentences, enabling you to accurately report wishes, prayers, or blessings while honing your linguistic proficiency.

Exercise 20:

Change the following from Direct Speech to Indirect Speech.

(1) Mother said, ‘May you be happy.’ Ans: Mother wished that I might be happy.

(2) He said to you, ‘May God bless you.’ Ans: He prayed that God might bless you.

(3) She said, ‘Had I been there!’ Ans: She wished that she had been there.

(4) He said to me, ‘May you succeed.’ Ans: He wished that I might succeed.

(5) They said, ‘Long live the leader.’ Ans: They prayed that the leader might live long.

(6) He said to me, ‘May your mother recover soon. Ans: He wished that my mother might recover soon.

(7) The monk said, ‘May peace prevail.’ Ans: The monk hoped that peace would prevail.

(8) The boy siad, ‘Had I the wings of a bird.’ Ans: The boy wished that he could have the wings of a bird.

Exercise 21:

(1) I said to him, “May you be happy.” Ans: I wished that he might be happy.

(2) Mother said to me, “May God bless you.” Ans: Mother prayed that God might bless me.

(3) He said, “May his soul rest in peace.” Ans: He prayed that his soul might rest in peace.

(4) The girl said, “Oh, had I the wings of a dove.” Ans: The girl wished that she could have the wings of a dove.

(5) I said to him, “May you live long.” Ans: I wished him that he might live long.

Exercise 22:

Change the following from Indirect Speech to Direct Speech.

(1) Nilima wished me that I might recover soon. Ans: Nilima said to me, “May you recover soon.”

(2) Mother wished him that God might grant him a long life. Ans : Mother said to him, “May God grant you a long life.”

(3) The holy man wished that peace might prevail. Ans: The holy man said, “May peace prevail.”

(4) She wished that Mother Teresa might recover from illness soon. Ans: She said, “May Mother Teresa recover from illness soon.”

(5) He wished that he could bring his departed friend back to life. Ans: He said, “Oh, if I could bring my departed friend back to life.”

Direct and Indirect Speech Exercises of Exclamatory Sentences

Engage in direct and indirect speech exercises focusing on exclamatory sentences to refine your ability in reporting strong emotions or exclamations accurately within different narrative frameworks.

Exercise 23:

(1) The supporters said, ‘Hurrah! we have won?’ Ans: The supporter exclaimed in joy that they had won.

(2) The girl said, ‘How wonderful love is!’ Ans: The girl exclaimed in joy that love is wonderful.

(3) The teacher said, ‘Bravo! Well done!’ Ans: The teacher applauded his students by saying that they had done well.

(4) ‘Alas! I am undone’, said the women. Ans: They women cried out in sorrow that she was undone.

(5) He said, ‘Good bye, my friends !’ Ans: He bade his friends good bye.

(6) The old man said to the youth, ‘Fie! You are such a coward.’ Ans: The old man exclaimed that it was shameful for the youth to be such a coward.

(7) ‘How dirty the house is!’ he observed. Ans: He exclaimed in irritation that the house was very dirty.

(8) ‘Good God! I am saved’, said he. Ans: He exclaimed in the name of merciful God that he was saved.

Exercise 24:

(1) The boys triumphantly said, “Hurrah! We have won the match.” Ans: The boys exclaimed in joy that they had won the match.

(2) The old man said to the girl, “May you be happy !” Ans: The old man wished the girl that she might be happy.

(3) He said, “What good news!” Ans: He exclaimed in joy that it was very good news.

(4) The children said, “How happy we were there!” Ans: The children gloomily said that they had been very happy there.

(5) He said to you. “May God bless you.” Ans: He wished you that God might bless you.

(6) My friend said to me. “What a fool you are!” Ans: My friend exclaimed in despair that she was a big fool.

Exercise 25:

(1) Piyali exclaimed in sorrow that she had lost her phone. Ans: “Alas! I have lost my phone”, said Piyali.

(2) Mother wished Roy that his dreams might come true. Ans: Mother said to Roy, “May your dreams come true.”

(3) The girl exclaimed that she had been very sensible. Ans: How insensible I have been!”, said the girl.

(4) The girl exclaimed in sorrow that she had torn her frock. Ans: The girl said, “Oh dear! I have torn my frock.”

(5) She exclaimed in sorrow that she was undone. Ans: She said, “Alas! I am undone.”

(6) They wished me happy birthday. Ans: They said to me. “Happy birthday!”

(7) The students bade their teacher good morning. Ans: “Good morning, Madam!”, said the students to the teacher.

Practice Worksheet for Direct and Indirect Speech Exercises

A . Change the following into reported speech .

1. Rita says, “Kishore sang a song”.

2. The saint said, “Man is mortal”

3. You said, “we are learning our lesson’.

4. He said to me, “My father went to Mumbai last week.

5. I said to her, “Are you leaving tonight?”

6. He said to her, “Can you lend me your umbrella?”

7. She said, “I saw a tiger here’.

8. The principal said, “well done! my boys”.

9. She said, “Let them play.”

10. I said to Harsh, “Please help me.”

B. Change the direct speech into Indirect Speech

1. He asked me, “Where has he gone?”

2. The Prime Minister said, “National Integrity will be preserved at all costs.

3. She said, “My uncle came yesterday.”

4. Sheela said to us, “You must work hard.”

5. They said, “We trust in God.”

6. The officer said to him. “You will be dismissed if you do not attend the office in time.'”

7. He said to me “I am reading a book.”

8. He said, “Thanks for reminding me.’

9. She said,” Keep this room open.’

10. I said to him, “I went there on Tuesday.”

C. Choose the correct option .

1. I advised him ____________ it.

(a) to not do

(b) not to do

2. She told me ____________ careful.

(c) that be

3. She asked me if I ____________ my lunch.

(b) have eaten

(c) had eaten

4. She asked me ____________ going to the movies

(a) that I was

(b) if was I

(c) if I was

5. The dentist suggested ____________  get a new toothbrush.

(b) that I should

(c) me that I should

6. She said that no one ____________ me

(c) had called

7. He asked me ____________  to deserve such a cruel punishment.

(a) what had he done

(b) what he had done

(c) that he had done

8. He promised he ____________  do it by the end of the week.

9. She said that ____________  me before.

(a) she hadn’t met

(b) she did not meet

(c) she will not meet

10. I requested her____________  me.

(b) to help

(c) that help

D. Complete the sentences in the reported speech.

1. The girl said that it ___________ to be there that evening.

(a) gave her great pleasure

(b) gives her great pleasure

(c) gives her great pleasure

2. The man said that he ___________ as soon as possible.

(a) must go

(b) had gone

(c) should be gone

3. She said that she ___________ to se any of them.

(a) does not want

(b) did not want

(c) had not wanted

4. The teacher says that if you work hard you ___________

(a) would pass

(b) will pass

5. He said that he  ___________

(b) has won

(c) had won

6. He proposed that they ___________ for her return.

(a) shall wait

(b) will wait

(c) should wait

7. Alice exclaimed how clever ___________

(a) she was

(b) was she

(c) she has been

8. The young man asked which way she ___________

(a) has gone

(c) would go.

9. He asked me where ___________ going.

10. She requested them to wait there till she ___________

(a) returns

(b) returned

(c) will return

E. Complete the sentence in the reported speech.

1. Ravi said, “I love this place”.

Ravi said _______________ 

2. “Do you like football?” He asked me.

He asked me_______________ 

3. “I can’t drive a lorry”, he said.

He said _______________ 

4. “Be nice to your brother”, he said

He asked me _______________ 

5. “Don’t be nasty, “he said

He urged me _______________ 

6. “Don’t waste your money “she said,

She told the boys _______________ 

7. “What have you decided to do? “she asked

him. She asked him _______________ 

8. “I always wake up early”. he said,

He said_______________ 

9. “You should revise your lessons’, he said,

He advised the students _______________ 

10. “Where have you been? “he asked me

He wanted to know _______________ 

F. Complete the sentence in the reported speech.

1. She said, “I went to cinema yesterday,”

She said _______________ 

2. You said, “I will do this for him.”

You said _______________ 

3. He said, “I am writing a test tomorrow,

4. She said, “I am not hungry now”,

5. They said, “We have never been here before.”

They said _______________ 

6. They said, “We were in London last week.”

7. He said, “They won’t sleep.”

8. “Have you been shopping?” he asked us.

9. She said, “It is very quiet here.

10. “I don’t speak Italian”, she said.

She said_______________ 

G. Read the dialogue and complete the following passage.

Susan: Why have you not brought my party dress? Jenny: I haven’t brought it because I had gone to my uncle’s house with my parents, so I forgot to keep it. Susan: Don’t give me silly excuses. I want to know the truth. Jenny: I am sorry Susan. I was chatting with my friends till late. I forgot that you needed it urgently today.

Susan asked Jenny (a) …………… Jenny said that she (b) …………… . Susan (c) …………… . Jenny said that she was sorry and further added that she was chatting with her friends till late and she had forgotten that Jenny needed it urgently that day.

H. Read the following conversation and complete the passage that follows.

Dilip: I’ve been watching the sea and there hasn’t been any trace of a ship. Ralph: I told you yesterday too that we’ll be rescued, so have patience. Dilip: Why do you ask me to keep quiet whenever I say something? Ralph: Have you ever said anything sensible?

Dilip said (a) ………… . Ralph replied (b) ………… and so asked him to have patience. Dilip angrily asked Ralph (c) ………… to which Ralph wanted to know (d) …………

Direct and Indirect Speech Answers Key

1. Rita says that Kishore sang a song.

2. The saint said that the man is mortal.

3. You said that you were learning your lesson.

4. He hold me that his father had gone to Mumbai the previous week.

5. I asked her if she was leaving that night.

6. He asked her if she could lend him her umbrella.

7. She said that she had seen a tiger there.

8. The principal exclaimed with applause that the boys had done well.

9. She suggested that they should be allowed to play.

10. I requested Harsh to help me.

1. He asked me where he had gone.

2. The Prime Minister declared that the National Integrity would be preserved at all costs.

3. She said that her uncle had come the previous day.

4. Sheela told us that we must work hard.

5. They said that they trusted in God.

6. The officer warned him that he would be dismissed

if he did not attend the office in time.

7. He told me that he was reading a book.

8. He thanked me for reminding him.

9. She ordered to keep that room open.

10. I told him that I had gone there on Tuesday.

1. (b) not to do

2. (b) to be

3. (c) had eaten

4. (c) if I was

5. (b) that I should

6. (c) had called

7. (b) what he had done

8. (b) would

9. (a) she hadn’t met

10. (b) to help

D. Complete the sentences in reported speech.

1. (a) gave her great pleasure.

2. (a) must go

3. (b) did not want

4. (b) will pass

5. (c) had won

6. (c) should wait

7. (a) she was

8. (b) had gone

9. (a) I was

10. (b) returned

E. Complete the sentence in reported speech.

1. that he loved that place

2. whether I liked football

3. that he couldn’t drive a lorry

4. to be nice to my brother

5. not to be nasty

6. not to waste their money

7. what he had decided to do

8. that he always wake up early

9. to revise their lessons

10. where I had been

F. Complete the sentence in reported speech.

1. that she had gone to cinema the previous day.

2. that you would do that for him.

3. that he will be writing a test the next day.

4. that she was not hungry then.

5. that they had never been there before.

6. that they had been in London the previous week.

7. that they wouldn’t sleep.

8. whether we had been shopping.

9. that it was very quiet there.

10. that she didn’t speak Italian.

G. Read the dialogue and complete the following passage

(a) why she had not brought her party dress

(b) hadn’t brought it as she had gone to her uncle’s house with her parents; so she had forgotten to keep it

(c) told her not to give silly excuses and further said that she wanted to know the truth.

(a) that he had been watching the sea and that there had not been any trace of a ship

(b) that he had told him the day before that they would be rescued

(c) why he asked him to keep quiet whenever he said something

(d) if he had ever said anything sensible

FAQs on Direct and Indirect Speech Exercises and Answers

Q: what’s the purpose of the indirect speech.

A: Indirect speech allows us to convey someone else’s words without quoting them verbatim. It’s useful for summarizing and paraphrasing.

Q: Are tense changes mandatory in indirect speech?

A: Yes, tense changes are often necessary to accurately reflect the timing of the original statement.

Q: Can reporting verbs be used interchangeably?

A: While reporting verbs can be interchangeable to some extent, their nuances can impact the meaning of the reported speech.

Q: Is it possible to transform any direct speech into indirect speech?

A: Yes, most direct speech can be converted into indirect speech, although some cases may require adjustments.

Q: How can I identify indirect speech in a sentence?

A: Look for keywords like “said,” “asked,” or other reporting verbs, as well as changes in pronouns, tenses, and time expressions.

Q: Why is mastering direct and indirect speech important?

A: Mastering these skills enhances communication clarity, adds variety to language use, and fosters effective expression.

Conclusion:

Direct and indirect speech exercises and answers are invaluable tools for effective communication. By honing this skill, you’ll not only convey information accurately but also showcase your language expertise. Remember that practice makes perfect, and the more you engage in these exercises, the more naturally you’ll incorporate them into your everyday language use.

Related Posts:

• _Grammar Rules
• __Parts of Speech
• __Narration
• _Vocabulary
• __One Word Substitution
• __Etymology

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Change the narration (advanced level rules) | direct speech to indirect speech.

 After completing basic level of narration in previous four articles, here we are to learn the advanced level rules to change the narration. 

 #1: 

Indirect Narration of a Speech Starting in  ‘ Let ’:

If the reported speech starts with ‘Let us’ or ‘Let’s’ :

Direct – I said, “Let’s play chess.” [Turn it into indirect speech.]

Now what to do this???

Let’s follow the steps below.

As ‘Let’s’ or ‘Let us’ denotes a suggestion or a proposal, the reporting verb ( say/says/said ) will be replaced with - suggest/suggests/suggested or,  propose/proposes/proposed followed by a ‘that’ .

As, Indirect – I suggested that... 

Use ‘we’ or ‘they’ as the subject after the conjunction ‘that’ removing the word ‘let’ .

Use only  ‘we’ when the subject of the reporting verb is a first person, and use either ‘we’ or ‘they’ when the subject is a third person.

As, Indirect – I suggested that we...

Remember : Here in the direct narration (reported speech) ‘Let’s’ is used. And we all know, Let’s = let us . So for the word us, ‘we’ is used in the narration as the subject of the clause after ‘that’.

Use the modal verb ‘should’ after the subject ‘we’ or ‘they’.

As, Indirect – I suggested that we should...

Use the verb and the object of the reported speech.

As, Indirect – I suggested that we should play chess.

— Here is our final answer. 

Some examples of this kind:

Direct – We said, “Let’s find him.”

Indirect – We suggested that we should find him.

Direct – Brie said, “Let’s go.”

Indirect – Brie proposed that they/we should go.

Direct – She says, “Let’s have some food.”

Indirect – She says the we/they should have some food.

Direct – He said, “Let us help the children.”

Indirect – He proposed that we/they should help the children.

 #2: 

Indirect Narration of a Speech with Multiple Clauses:

To change the narration of a speech containing multiple clauses, we will simply change the narration of all the clauses using basic rules. 

Direct – The teacher said to me, “ You obtain good marks because you work hard .”

Clause 1 =   You obtain good marks .

Clause 2 =   because you work hard .

Simply change the narration of all the clauses using basic rules –

Indirect – The teacher told me that I obtained good marks because I worked hard.

Sometimes the reporting verb is in between tow clauses. As –

Direct – “I am tired,” father said “So I want to sleep now.”

Indirect – Father said that he was tired, so he wanted to sleep.

Direct – “That is my horse,” said he, “and if I do not prove it, I will give up my claim.”

Indirect – He claimed that that was his horse and if he did not prove it, he would give up his claim. 

(Don’t wonder why the reporting verb becomes ‘claim’ in the indirect. It happened because the sense of the whole direct speech was a claim.)

Direct – “Spring has forgotten the garden”, they cried, “so we will live here all the year round.”

Indirect – They cried that Spring had forgotten the garden, so they will live here all the year round.

 #3: 

If the reported speech begins with words/phrases like well, now, okay, so, very well   etc. and comment clauses like as you know, to tell you frankly, you see 'you know', 'mind you,' 'you must admit.'   etc. just to introduce a sentence are usually dropped in the indirect speech.

E.g. –

Direct – The teacher said, “Well, we are going to discuss the fourth chapter.”

Indirect –  The teacher said that they were going to discuss the fourth chapter.

(simple rules to change the narration)

Direct –  My friend said, “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

Indirect –  My friend said that she would see me the next day.

Direct –  The guide said to us, “Now, follow me.”

Indirect –  The guide asked us to follow him.

(simple rules to change the narration of an imperative sentence.)

Direct –  She said to me, “To tell you frankly, I don’t want to talk to him.”

Indirect – She told me that she didn’t want to talk to him.

Direct – The man said, “You know, I have nothing to do now.”

Indirect – The man said that he had nothing to do then.”

Direct –  Her father said to her, “You see, you are now grown up and you will have to make your own decision.” 

Indirect – Her father said to her that she was then grown up and she would have to make her won decision.

 #4: 

Indirect Narration of a Sentence with a Vocative Word or an Addressing Word :

1. Direct – I said, “John, are you busy now?” 

– In this sentence, the listener is addressed as ‘John’ , which is actually the listener’s name.

2. Direct – He said to us, “Brothers, are you happy?” 

– Here the listeners are addressed as ‘brothers’ which is neither the listeners’ actual name, nor is it used for blood relation, rather it is used casually for the sake of addressing.

So, how to change the narration of these two sentences, let’s see –

  1st Speech : 

Direct – I said, “John, are you busy now?”

If the listener is addressed with name (proper noun), in the indirect narration this name (proper noun) is used as the object of the reporting verb and the rest part of the reported speech is used after usual necessary changes. 

Indirect –  I asked John if he was busy then. – Here the name ‘John’ is used as the object if the verb ‘asked’ .

Another way of doing this is—

Think the direct narration above like –

Direct – I said John, “Are you busy now?” and simply change the narration into indirect speech. 

Other examples:–

Direct – Sandy said, “Preeti, I passed the examination.”

Indirect – Sandy told Preeti that he had passed the examination.

Direct – Jafar said, “Suman, Shaila is coming.”

Indirect – Jafar told Suman that Shaila was going.

  2nd Speech : 

Direct – He said to us, “Brothers, are you happy?”

The listeners are addressed as ‘brothers’ which doesn’t imply the actual name (proper noun), nor blood relation or any other close relationship.

For this sort of narration, we’ll write –

‘Addressing + me/us/you/him/her/it/them + as + vocative word’ or,

Subject + addressed + me/us/you/him/her/it/them + as + vocative word + and said (‘said’ or any other suitable verb)...”

So, here we have to write -

‘Addressing them as brothers he asked...’ or ‘He addressed them as brothers and asked...’

Indirect – Addressing them as brothers he asked if they were happy.

Direct – He said, “Ladies and gentlemen, I happy to be with you here.”

Indirect – Addressing the people as ladies and gentlemen he said that he was happy to be with them there.

See Details for Vocative words.

 #5: 

Indirect Narration of a Speech Starting in Greetings :

How do you solve it?

In case the reported clause starts in various greetings like,  ‘Good morning’ / ‘Good night’ / ‘Good evening’  etc., you simply put -

Wishied  + object + greeting words + and said

Or,  Wishinh  + object + greeting words +  subject said

Direct – “ Good morning students, I will be taking your Mathematics class.” Said the new teacher.

Indirect – The new teacher wished the students good morning and said that he would be taking their Mathematics class.

Direct –  “ Good evening  viewers, we're going to start a new series.” Said the anchor.

Indirect –  The anchor  wished the viewers good evening and said  that they were going to start a new series.

Direct – Richa said,   “ Good afternoon  Jack, how are you?”

Indirect –  Richa  wished Jack good afternoon and asked  him how he was.

Indirect Speech of Sentences with Question Tags:

Sentences with question tags are tentative statements, the speaker is not sure of something, and there is doubt about the statement made. So, he a question is tagged for some reassurance . 

Changing the narration of this sort of speech is very simple.

• Change the speech into indirect speech with the help of basic rules.

• To transform a question tag into indirect speech, we only use -

Subject of the reporting verb +  think/thinks/thought after ‘that’ .

Use ' think'/'thinks' when the reporting verb is in present tense ( say/says ). 

Use 'thought' , when the reporting verb is in past tense ( said ). 

Direct – I said, “He is a liar, isn’t he? ”

Indirect – I said that I thought he was a liar.

Direct – She says to me, “You know me, don’t you? ”

Indirect – She tells me that she thinks I know her.

Direct – Raii said to me, “You can solve it, can’t you? ”

Indirect – Raii told me that she thought I could solve it.

Direct – Brother says, “You took my help, didn’t you? ”

Indirect – Brother says that he thinks I took his help.”

Direct – Father said, “You are looking for the keys, aren’t you? ”

Indirect – Father said that he thought I was looking for the keys.

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Home » English Grammar Tests » Advanced English Grammar Tests » Reported Speech Test Exercises – Multiple Choice Questions With Answers – Advanced Level 32

Reported Speech Test Exercises – Multiple Choice Questions With Answers – Advanced Level 32

This exercise is an advanced level multiple choice test with multiple choice questions on reported speech (indirect speech) including the topics below.

Reported Speech (Indirect Speech)

• Reporting Statements
• Reporting Questions
• Reporting Imperatives
• Reporting Modals
• Reporting Conditionals, Exclamations
• Reported Speech Mixed Type

Reported Speech Test Exercises - Multiple Choice Questions With Answers - Advanced Level 32

"I'm going to Istanbul tomorrow," he said.

He said ____ going to Istanbul ____.

"I'll give you half of the money if you keep your mouth shut," he said to me.

He ____ mouth shut.

"I am sorry I am late," he said "My car broke down."

He ____ and ____.

He ____ so often in Turkey.

"How far is it?" he said "and how long will it take me to get there?"

He ____ to get there.

"Climb up the tree," he said to me.

He ____ the tree.

The teacher ____ in the exam.

He wanted me to explain ____.

He warned me ____ anyone about the subject we ____ the day before.

"Come in and look round. We do not charge anything for looking," said the shopkeeper. The shopkeeper ____ us to come in and look around ____ us that he didn't require any amount for looking.

"I'll drop you from the team if you don't train harder," said the trainer. The trainer ____ to drop us from the team if we ____ harder.

We ____ all ____ that the meeting would begin in an hour.

"You have been leaking information to the journalists!" said the minister. "No, I haven't," said John. The minister ____ leaking information but John ____ it.

"I won't answer any questions," said the thief. The thief ____ to answer any questions.

"You pressed the wrong button," said the engineer "Don't do it again".

The engineer ____ that I had pressed the wrong button and he ____ it again.

"Yippee! I've passed the final exam," he exclaimed. "Congratulations! " I said.

He ____ that he had passed the final exam and I ____ him.

"Cigarette?" he said. "No, thanks," I said.

He ____ me a cigarette but I ____.

"You have gained weight!" I said. "I am afraid I have," he replied sadly.

I noted that he ____ weight and he admitted that he ____.

He said his car ____.

"I will inform her that I saw you". She said that she ____ her that she ____ me.

They are getting married next week.

She said that they ____.

She said that her dog ____.

"Do you want a cup of coffee?"

He ____ me a cup of coffee.

"Can you lend me some money until next week?"

He ____ some money from me.

"I must confess that I ate the cake last night."

She ____ that she had eaten the cake.

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Direct and indirect speech exercises PDF

• English grammar PDF
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• Modal verbs
• If-conditional
• Passive voice
• Reported speech
• Time clauses
• Relative clauses
• Indirect questions
• Question tags
• Imperative sentence
• Gerund and infinitive
• Direct | indirect object

Direct and indirect speech

• Online exercises
• Grammar rules PDF

English grammar books PDF

PDF book 1: English grammar exercises PDF

PDF book 2: English grammar rules PDF

Direct and indirect speech exercises

Reported speech exercises PDF

• Learn how to change tenses, pronouns, expressions of time and place in the reported speech.

Reported questions + commands exercises PDF

• Practise the difference between the direct and indirect speech in questions, commands and requests.

Online exercises with answers:

Direct - indirect speech exercise 1 Rewrite sentences in the reported speech.

Direct - indirect speech exercise 2 Report a short dialogue in the reported speech.

Direct - indirect speech exercise 3 Find and correct mistakes in the reported speech.

Direct - indirect speech exercise 4 Choose correct answers in a multiple choice test.

Indirect - direct speech exercise 5 Rewrite sentences from the reported speech to direct speech.

Reported questions, commands and requests:

Reported questions exercise 6 Change the reported questions and orders into direct questions and orders.

Reported questions exercise 7 Change direct questions into reported questions.

Reported commands exercise 8 Make reported commands and requests.

Grammar rules PDF:

Reported speech rules PDF Changes of tenses, pronouns, time and place in reported statements, questions and commands.

English grammar PDF All PDF rules with examples on e-grammar.org.

Direct + indirect speech

See also: Reported questions + commands

The direct and indirect speech are used to say what other people said, thought or felt. "I like it," he said. - He said that he liked it. "Dan will come," she hoped. - She hoped Dan would come.

The reported (indirect) speech is typically introduced by verbs such as say, tell, admit, complain, explain, remind, reply, think, hope, offer, refuse etc. in the past tense. He said (that) he didn't want it. She explained that she had been at the seaside.

If these verbs are in the past tense, we change the following: a) verb tenses and verb forms b) pronouns c) the adverbs of time and place

A) Verb tenses

We change the tenses in the following way:

• Present - past "I never understand you," she told me. - She told me she never understood me. "We are doing exercises," he explained. - He explained that they were doing exercises.
• Present perfect - past perfect "I have broken the window," he admitted. - He admitted that he had broken the window. "I have been waiting since the morning," he complained. - He complained that he had been waiting since the morning.
• Past - past perfect "She went to Rome," I thought. - I thought that she had gone to Rome. "He was thinking of buying a new car," she said. - She said he had been thinking of buying a new car.
• Will - conditional Will changes into the conditional. I will come on Sunday," he reminded me. - He reminded me that he would come on Sunday.

As you can see, both the past tense and the present perfect change into the past perfect.

Notes 1. I shall, we shall usually become would . "I shall appreciate it," he said. - He said he would appreciate it. 2. I should, we should usually change into would . "We should be really glad," she told us. - She told us they would be really glad. 3. May becomes might . "I may write to him," she promised. - She promised that she might write to him.

The verb forms remain the same in the following cases:

• If we use the past perfect tense. Eva: "I had never seen him." - Eva claimed that she had never seen him.
• If the reporting verb is in the present tense. Bill: "I am enjoying my holiday." - Bill says he is enjoying his holiday. Sandy: "I will never go to work." - Sandy says she will never go to work.
• When we report something that is still true. Dan: "Asia is the largest continent." - Dan said Asia is the largest continent. Emma: "People in Africa are starving." - Emma said people in Africa are starving.
• When a sentence is made and reported at the same time and the fact is still true. Michael: "I am thirsty." - Michael said he is thirsty.
• With modal verbs would, might, could, should, ought to, used to. George: "I would try it." - George said he would try it. Mimi: "I might come." - Mimi said she might come. Steve: "I could fail." - Steve said he could fail. Linda: "He should/ought to stay in bed." - Linda said he should/ought to stay in bed. Mel: "I used to have a car." - Mel said he used to have a car.
• After wish, would rather, had better, it is time. Margo: "I wish they were in Greece." - Margo said she wished they were in Greece. Matt: "I would rather fly." - Matt said he would rather fly. Betty: "They had better go." - Betty said they had better go. Paul: "It is time I got up." - Paul said it was time he got up.
• In if-clauses. Martha: "If I tidied my room, my dad would be happy." - Martha said that if she tidied her room, her dad would be happy.
• In time clauses. Joe: "When I was staying in Madrid I met my best friend." - He said that when he was staying in Madrid he met his best friend.
• We do not change the past tense in spoken English if it is clear from the situation when the action happened. "She did it on Sunday," I said. - I said she did it on Sunday. We must change it, however, in the following sentence, otherwise it will not be clear whether we are talking about the present or past feelings. "I hated her," he said. - He said he had hated her.
• We do not usually change the modal verbs must and needn't . But must can become had to or would have to and needn't can become didn't have to or wouldn't have to if we want to express an obligation. Would/wouldn't have to are used to talk about future obligations. "I must wash up." - He said he must wash up/he had to wash up. "I needn't be at school today." - He said he needn't be/didn't have to be at school that day. "We must do it in June." - He said they would have to do it in June. If the modal verb must does not express obligation, we do not change it. "We must relax for a while." (suggestion) - He said they must relax for a while. "You must be tired after such a trip." (certainty) - He said we must be tired after such a trip.

B) Pronouns

We have to change the pronouns to keep the same meaning of a sentence. "We are the best students," he said. - He said they were the best students. "They called us," he said. - He said they had called them. "I like your jeans," she said. - She said she liked my jeans. "I can lend you my car," he said. - He said he could lend me his car.

Sometimes we have to use a noun instead of a pronoun, otherwise the new sentence is confusing. "He killed them," Kevin said. - Kevin said that the man had killed them. If we only make mechanical changes (Kevin said he had killed them) , the new sentence can have a different meaning - Kevin himself killed them.

This and these are usually substituted. "They will finish it this year," he said. - He said they would finish it that year. "I brought you this book," she said. - She said she had brought me the book. "We want these flowers," they said. - They said they wanted the flowers.

C) Time and place

Let's suppose that we talked to our friend Mary on Friday. And she said: "Greg came yesterday."  It means that Greg came on Thursday. If we report Mary's sentence on Sunday, we have to do the following: Mary: "Greg came yesterday." - Mary said that Greg had come the day before. If we say: Mary said Greg had come yesterday , it is not correct, because it means that he came on Saturday.

The time expressions change as follows. now - then, today - that day, tomorrow - the next day/the following day, the day after tomorrow - in two days' time, yesterday - the day before, the day before yesterday - two days before, next week/month - the following week/month, last week/month - the previous week/month, a year ago - a year before/the previous year

Bill: "She will leave tomorrow." - Bill said she would leave the next day. Sam: "She arrived last week." - Sam said she had arrived the previous week. Julie: "He moved a year ago." - Julie said he had moved a year before.

Note If something is said and reported at the same time, the time expressions can remain the same. "I will go on holiday tomorrow," he told me today. - He told me today he would go on holiday tomorrow. "We painted the hall last weekend," she told me this week. - She told me this week they had painted the hall last weekend. On the other hand, if something is reported later, the time expressions are different in the indirect speech. Last week Jim said: "I'm playing next week." If we say his sentence a week later, we will say: Jim said he was playing this week.

Here usually becomes there . But sometimes we make different adjustments. At school: "I'll be here at 10 o'clock," he said. - He said he would be there at 10 o'clock. In Baker Street: "We'll meet here." - He said they would meet in Baker Street.

• All PDF exercises and grammar rules from this website.

Direct and Indirect Exercises With Answers

We often convey a message or give information about what someone said, thought, or felt to somebody else. In order to do this, you can use the grammar structure named  indirect or reported speech.  direct and indirect rules have already talked about, below we have prepared direct and indirect exercises with answers for ESL learners.

• Direct And Indirect Speech Complete Rules
• Direct and Indirect Objects Exercise With Answers

Direct and Indirect Exercises

Attempt the exercises below then compare your answers with the correct answers given below.

Exercise 1:

Turn into reported speech. 1. “It’s hot” Tom said that _______________________________________________________. 2. “I have done my homework.” Tom said that __________________________________________________. 3. “I will give you a book” Tom said that _______________________________________________________. 4. “Do you smoke?” Tom asked me if ____________________________________________________. 5. “Where does Bob live?” Tom asked me where _______________________________________________. 6. “Jane has not arrived yet” Tom told us that________________________________________________________. 7. “I’m so worried,” Tom, told us that_______________________________________________________. 8. “I want to go away”. Tom told us that ____________________________________________________. 9. “You should eat less.” The doctor advised me that _______________________________________. 10. “Don’t shout” The teacher told me________________________________.

Exercise 2:

Turn into direct speech. 1. Mary said she was very tired. Mary said, “____________________________________________________________.” 2. The teacher told the boys to open their books. The teacher said to the boys, “___________________________________________________________.” 3. Tom’s mother told him not to eat any ice cream. Tom’s mother said to Tom: “_____________________________________________________________.” 4. My friend said that he was going skiing at the weekend. My friend said: “__________________________________________________at the weekend.” 5. Bob’s mates told the teacher that Bob was ill that day. Bob’s mates said: “Teacher,__________________________________________________________ today.” 6. Mary told Jane she would help her. Mary said to Jane,”____________________________________________________.” 7. I said I would have bought a new car if I had had the money. I said,”_______________________________________________________________________________.” 8. My father told me to look for a job if I wanted more money. My father said:”_____________________________________________________________.” 9. Tim wrote to his brother that their cat had died that day. Tim wrote to his brother: “________________________________________________________________.” 10. The teacher informed the students that the break lasted ten minutes. The teacher said to the students,”____________________________________________________________.”

Exercise 3:

Turn the following questions into reported speech. 1. “Where do you live?” Mary asked Tom, “______________________________________________.” 2. “How are you going to travel to Italy?” Mary asked Tom__________________________________________________. 3. “Why did you buy that book?” Mary asked Tom___________________________________________________. 4. “What’s the time?” Mary asked Tom__________________________________________________. 5. “Who helped you with your work?” Mary asked Tom______________________________________________.

Choose the right option 6. I (said/told) her not to disturb me. 7. My friend never (told/said) me about his plans. 8. The teacher (that/said) that we had to study harder. 9. Don’t (tell/say) me what I have to do. 10. He did not (say/tell) why he was late.

Exercise 4:

The following sentences use quoted speech. Change the following sentences from quoted speech to reported speech. 1.) James said, “I am watching TV.” 2.) Professor Jones said, “I worked all day!” 3.) The president said, “I will be visiting Italy in December.” 4.) The weatherman announced, “It may rain today.” 5.) My father screamed, “I have to go to the airport, now!” 6.) Then my mother said, “I must take your father.” 7.) The psychologist said, “You should calm down.” 8.) I responded, “I ought to leave the office.” 9.) Mark said, “I love visiting China and Korea.” 10.) Martin said, “I can be a great president!” 11.) Sung-He said, “Close the windows” 12.) Bobby will say, “I have already done direct and indirect speech exercises.”

Related Articles:

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• Direct and Indirect of Future Perfect Progressive
• Direct and Indirect of Future Perfect Tense
• Direct and Indirect of Future Progressive Tense
• Direct and Indirect of Simple Future Tense
• Direct and Indirect of Past Perfect Progressive
• Direct and Indirect of Past Perfect Tense

Exercise 1.

• Tom said that it was hot.
• Tom said that he had done his homework.
• Tom said that he would give me a book.
• Tom asked me if I smoked.
• Tom asked me where Bob lived.
• Tom told us that Jane had not arrived yet.
• Tom told us that he was so worried.
• Tom told us that he wanted to go away.
• The doctor advised me that I should eat less.
• The teacher told me not to shout.

Exercise 2.

• Mary said, “I am very tired.”
• The teacher said to the boys, “open your books.”
• Tom’s mother said to Tom: “Don’t eat any ice cream.”
• My friend said:” I am going skiing on the weekend.
• Bob’s mates said: “Teacher, Bob is ill today.”
• Mary said to Jane, “I will help you.”
• I said, “I will have bought a new car if I had had the money.”
• My father said: “look for a job if I want more money.”
• Tom wrote to his brother:” Our cat died today.”
• The teacher said to the student, “the break lasts ten minutes.”

Exercise 3.

• Mary asked Tom, “Where he lived.”
• Mary asked Tom how he was going to travel to Italy.
• Mary asked Tom why he bought that book.
• Mary asked Tom what was the time.
• Mary asked Tom who helped him with his work.
• I told her not to disturb me.
• My friend never told me about his plans.
• The teacher said that we had to study harder.
• Do not tell me what I have to do.
• He did not say why he was late.

Exercise 4.

• James said that he was watching TV.
• Professor Jones said that he had worked all day.
• The president said that he would be visiting Italy in December.
• The weatherman announced that it might rain that day.
• My father screamed that he had to go to the airport, then.
• Then my mother said that she had to take my father.
• The psychologist said that I should calm down.
• I responded I ought to leave the office.
• Mark said that he loved visiting China and Korea.
• Martin said that he could be a great president.
• Sung-He ordered to close the windows.
• Bobby will say that he has already done Direct and Indirect Exercises.

I hope the direct and indirect exercises were helpful to you and if you would like to know more about direct or quoted speech, or indirect or reported speech, check out more in the book below.

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Exercise 3 Mary asked Tom why he HAD bought that book. Mary asked Tom who HAD helped him with his work.

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Direct and indirect speech exercises

There are many occasions in which we need to describe an event or action that happened, and very often that includes repeating what someone said. Such occasions can include a social situation as well as in a work email or presentation. In order to describe what people said there are two different types of speech – direct speech and indirect speech (or reported speech).

Read the article below to find out more about these forms and improve your English storytelling skills.

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Direct Speech

When we want to describe what someone said, one option is to use direct speech . We use direct speech when we simply repeat what someone says, putting the phrase between speech marks:

• Paul came in and said, “I’m really hungry.”

It is very common to see direct speech used in books or in a newspaper article. For example:

• The local MP said, “We plan to make this city a safer place for everyone.”

As you can see, with direct speech it is common to use the verb ‘to say’ (‘said’ in the past). But you can also find other verbs used to indicate direct speech such as ‘ask’, ‘reply’, and ‘shout’. For example:

• When Mrs Diaz opened the door, I asked, “Have you seen Lee?”
• She replied, “No, I haven’t seen him since lunchtime.”
• The boss was angry and shouted, “Why isn’t he here? He hasn’t finished that report yet!”

Indirect Speech

When we want to report what someone said without speech marks and without necessarily using exactly the same words, we can use indirect speech (also called reported speech). For example:

• Direct speech: “We’re quite cold in here.”
• Indirect speech: They say (that) they’re cold.

When we report what someone says in the present simple, as in the above sentence, we normally don’t change the tense, we simply change the subject. However, when we report things in the past, we usually change the tense by moving it one step back. For example, in the following sentence the present simple becomes the past simple in indirect speech:

• Direct speech: “I have a new car.”
• Indirect speech: He said he had a new car.

All the other tenses follow a similar change in indirect speech. Here is an example for all the main tenses:

The same rule of moving the tenses one step back also applies to modal verbs. For example:

Using ‘say’ or ‘tell’

As an alternative to using ‘say’ we can also use ‘tell’ (‘told’ in the past) in reported speech, but in this case you need to add the object pronoun. For example:

• He told me he was going to call Alan.
• They told her they would arrive a little late.
• You told us you’d already finished the order.

Changing Time Expressions

Sometimes it’s necessary to change the time expressions when you report speech, especially when you are speaking about the past and the time reference no longer applies. For example:

• Direct speech: “I’m seeing my brother tomorrow .”
• Indirect speech: She said she was seeing her brother the following day .

Here are some other examples:

• Direct speech: “I had a headache yesterday .”
• Indirect speech: You said you’d had a headache the day before yesterday .
• Direct speech: “It’s been raining since this afternoon .”
• Indirect speech: He said it’d been raining since that afternoon .
• Direct speech: “I haven’t seen them since last week .”
• Indirect speech: She said she hadn’t seen them since the previous week .

Reporting Questions

When you report a question you need to change the interrogative form into an affirmative sentence, putting the verb tense one step back, as with normal reported speech.

There are two types of questions that we can report – questions that have a yes/no response, and questions that begin with a question word like ‘what’, ‘where’, ‘who’ etc. When we report a yes/no question, we use ‘if’. For example:

• Direct speech: “Do they live here?”
• Indirect speech: You asked me if they lived here.

As you can see, in the reported version of the question, ‘do’ is eliminated because it is no longer a question, and the verb ‘live’ becomes ‘lived’.

For questions starting with question words like ‘what’, ‘where’, ‘when’, ‘who’, etc., we report the question using the question word but change the interrogative form to the affirmative form. For example:

• Direct speech: “Where do they live?”
• Indirect speech: You asked me where they lived.
• Direct speech: “When are you leaving?”
• Indirect speech: He asked us when we were leaving .
• Direct speech: “How will they get here?”
• Indirect speech: She asked me how they would get here.

When we report a question we normally use the verb ‘ask’. As with the verb ‘to tell’, the verb ‘to ask’ is normally followed by an object pronoun, though it is possible to omit it.

Reporting Orders and Requests

When you give someone an order, you use the imperative form, which means using just the verb without a subject. For example:

• “ Call me back later.”
• “ Have a seat.”
• “ Don’t do that!”

To report an order we use ‘tell’ and the infinitive of the verb. For example:

• You told me to call you back later.
• He told me to have a seat.
• She told us not to do that.

When you make a request, you normally use words like ‘can’, ‘could’, or ‘will’. For example:

• “Could you call me back later?”
• “Will you have a seat?”
• “Can you not do that please?”

To report a request, we use the verb ‘to ask’ and the infinitive form of the verb. For example:

• You asked me to call you back later.
• He asked me to have a seat.
• She asked us not to do that.

Now you’ve seen how we use direct and indirect speech , practice using them yourself. An excellent and easy way to see how they are used is by reading a short story in English or a news article online, because stories and articles contain many examples of reported speech.

One of the most common things we do in our everyday language is to compare things. How do we make comparatives and superlatives in English? Learn more here.

The first verb tenses an English student learns are the present simple and the present continuous. Here is a guide on how to create and use both tenses.

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Direct and Indirect Speech Exercises

Direct and indirect speech is one topic in English grammar that confuses most language learners. It need not necessarily be so; if you understand how it works, you can easily use it in your writing.

Direct and Indirect Speech Exercises with Answers

When converting direct speech to indirect speech or vice-versa, you will have to take care to convert the verb , pronoun and the adverb appropriately. Go through the following exercises and try them out. Answers are given below each exercise; refer to them to see if your answers are right.

Exercise 1: Change into indirect speech

Read the following sentences and convert them into indirect speech.

• Rahul told to me, “When are you leaving?”
• “Where do you live?” the stranger asked Aladdin.
• The teacher said to Shelly, “Why are you laughing?”
• Dhronacharya said to Arjun, “Shoot the bird’s eye.”
• “Call the first convict,” said the jury.
• “Call the ambulance,” said the man.
• Bruce said to me, “I shall do the work.”
• My mother said to me, “You were wrong.”
• Mr Richard said to me, “Please wait here till I return.”
• The captain said to me, “Bravo! You have played well.”
• Raj said, “Alas! My pet died.”
• Ruchi said, “I may go there.”
• Bucky said to Steve, “Do you hear me?”
• The boy said, “Let me come in.”
• Granny said to me, “May God bless you.”

Answers –

• Rahul asked me when I was leaving.
• The stranger asked Aladdin where he lived.
• The teacher asked Shelly why he was laughing.
• Dhronacharya ordered Arjun to shoot the fish’s eye.
• The jury ordered to call the first convict.
• The man urged to call the ambulance.
• Bruce said to me he would do the work.
• My mother told me that I was wrong.
• Mr Richard requested me to wait there till he returned.
• The captain applauded me, saying that I had played well.
• Raj exclaimed sadly that his pet died.
• Ruchi said that she might go there.
• Bucky asked Steve if he heard him.
• The boy asked to let him come in.
• Granny prayed that God might bless me.

Convert the following into Direct Speech

Read the following passage and convert it into direct speech.

One of them told Issac that the latter had forgotten one thing that belonged to a mill. Issac enquired what that was. The friend asked where the miller was. Issac replied that (absence of the miller) was true – and he must look for one.

“But Issac,” said one of them, “you have forgotten one thing that belongs to a mill.”

“What is that?” asked Issac.

“Why, where is the miller?” said his friend.

“That is true – I must look for one,” said Issac.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is direct narration.

When the actual words/sentences as spoken by the speaker are quoted in a speech, it’s called direct speech/narration.

What is indirect speech?

When the quoted speech is reported in the form of a narrative without changing the meaning of the actual quotation/words by the speaker, it’s called indirect speech/narration.

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Reported Speech – Free Exercise

Write the following sentences in indirect speech. Pay attention to backshift and the changes to pronouns, time, and place.

• Two weeks ago, he said, “I visited this museum last week.” → Two weeks ago, he said that   . I → he|simple past → past perfect|this → that|last …→ the … before
• She claimed, “I am the best for this job.” → She claimed that   . I → she|simple present→ simple past|this→ that
• Last year, the minister said, “The crisis will be overcome next year.” → Last year, the minister said that   . will → would|next …→ the following …
• My riding teacher said, “Nobody has ever fallen off a horse here.” → My riding teacher said that   . present perfect → past perfect|here→ there
• Last month, the boss explained, “None of my co-workers has to work overtime now.” → Last month, the boss explained that   . my → his/her|simple present→ simple past|now→ then

Rewrite the question sentences in indirect speech.

• She asked, “What did he say?” → She asked   . The subject comes directly after the question word.|simple past → past perfect
• He asked her, “Do you want to dance?” → He asked her   . The subject comes directly after whether/if |you → she|simple present → simple past
• I asked him, “How old are you?” → I asked him   . The subject comes directly after the question word + the corresponding adjective (how old)|you→ he|simple present → simple past
• The tourists asked me, “Can you show us the way?” → The tourists asked me   . The subject comes directly after whether/if |you→ I|us→ them
• The shop assistant asked the woman, “Which jacket have you already tried on?” → The shop assistant asked the woman   . The subject comes directly after the question word|you→ she|present perfect → past perfect

Rewrite the demands/requests in indirect speech.

• The passenger requested the taxi driver, “Stop the car.” → The passenger requested the taxi driver   . to + same wording as in direct speech
• The mother told her son, “Don’t be so loud.” → The mother told her son   . not to + same wording as in direct speech, but remove don’t
• The policeman told us, “Please keep moving.” → The policeman told us   . to + same wording as in direct speech ( please can be left off)
• She told me, “Don’t worry.” → She told me   . not to + same wording as in direct speech, but remove don’t
• The zookeeper told the children, “Don’t feed the animals.” → The zookeeper told the children   . not to + same wording as in direct speech, but remove don’t

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Tuesday, September 15, 2020

Direct And Indirect Speech Practice | Advanced English Grammar - 1

Advanced english grammar direct and indirect speech practice.

Hi friends and my dear students! In this post, I have covered  Direct And Indirect Speech Practice - 1 . After practicing  Direct And Indirect Speech Practice , please do share it with your friends.

Direct And Indirect Speech Practice - 1

Change the following sentences into Indirect Speech.

1. They said to me, “It has been raining since morning.”

Ans: ____________________________________________________________________.

2. Roja said to him, “I am leaving now and shall return after two hours.”

3. Rajesh said to me,” My father went to the market and brought toys for me.”

4. Sarala's husband said to me,  “I shall not go to the office today as I am not feeling well.

5. My friends said to me, “They will manage this.”

6. His brother said to me, “I am going to open a new branch.”

7. She said to him, ”Bring me a glass of water.”

8. The inspector said to the reporter, “We have caught the thief and he will be brought to book soon.”

9. The teacher said to the students, “I shall give you a small test in English today.”

10. Ravi said to me, “I am going to my house now.”

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1. They told me that it had been raining since morning.

2. Roja told him that she was leaving then and would return after two hours.

3. Rajesh told me that her father had gone to the market and had brought toys for her.

4. Sarala's husband told me that he would not go to the office that day as he was not feeling well.

5. My friends told me that they would manage that.

6. His brother told me that he was going to open a new branch.

7. She asked him to bring him a glass of water.

8. The inspector told the reporter that they had caught the thief and he would be brought to       book soon.

9. The teacher told the the students that he would give them a small test in English that day.

10. Ravi told me that he was going to his house then.

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Reported speech – advanced

English Reading Grammar Songs Idioms

Reported speech can be more complicated than I showed you on the Reported speech – basic page.  For example, there are more words that change besides  pronouns , possessive adjectives , and  verb tenses .     Place words   and   time words   also   change. 

To review, the first kind of reported speech is with statements .   All the examples below are statements.  Later we’ll look at imperatives, questions and other types of sentences.

In a statement that can be dropped anytime before a subject and verb, so I will put it in parentheses – ( that ) .  When you see this word in the examples that follow, remember that you can drop it if you want to.

It’s important to know which words you have to change in reported speech.

These verb tenses change :

present simple –>  past simple

Example: He said, “ I like to eat watermelon in the summertime.” He said ( that ) he liked to eat watermelon in the summertime..

present continuous –>  past continuous

Example: They said, “ We are putting together a basketball team.” They said ( that ) they were putting together a basketball team.

past simple –>  past perfect

Example: He told them, “ I went to our usual pub, but none of you were there.” He told them ( that ) he had gone to their usual pub, but ( that ) none of them had been there.

present perfect –>  past perfect

Example: He said, “ My family have lived in this area for generations.” He said ( that ) his family had lived in that area for generations.

present perfect continuous –>  past perfect continuous

Example: They said, “ We ’ve been practicing for hours.” They said ( that ) they ’d been practicing for hours.

Past continuous –>  past perfect continuous

Example: She said, “ I was working in the garden all afternoon.” She said ( that ) she had been working in the garden all afternoon.

However, these verb tenses don’t change:

past perfect –>  past perfect

Example: I said to her, “ I had forgotten to lock the door.” I told her ( that ) I had forgotten to lock the door.

past perfect continuous –>  past perfect continuous

Example: She said, “ I had been wondering about that for a long time.” She said ( that ) she had been wondering about that for a long time.

The following modals change :

will –>  would

Example: He told me, “ I ’ll be there at 11:00 at the very latest.” He told me ( that ) he would be here at 11:00 at the very latest.

can –>  could

Example: She said, “ I can be at the meeting tomorrow morning.” She said ( that ) she could be at the meeting tomorrow morning.

may –>  might

Example: She said, “ I may be late, but I ’ll be there.” She said ( that ) she might be late, but ( that ) she ’d be there.

have to   –> had to

Example: He told her, “ I have to go to New York on business.” He told her ( that ) he had to go to New York on business.

must –> had to

Example: She said, “ I must see the dentist sometime this month.” She said ( that ) she had to see the dentist sometime this month.

However, these modals don’t change:

might –>  might

Example: He told them, “There’s one thing I might do for you .” He told them ( that ) there was one thing he might do for them .

could  –>  could

Example: He said, “ I could n’t come yesterday because I lost my car keys.” He said ( that ) he could n’t come yesterday because he had lost his car keys.

would –>  would

Example: I told them, “ I would visit more often if I could.” I told them ( that ) I would visit more often if I could.

should –>  should

Example: She said to him, “I think I should go stay with my aunt in Toronto.” She told him ( that ) she thought she should go stay with her aunt in Toronto

ought to  –>  ought to

Example: Mother told the children,” You ought to keep your rooms clean.” Mother told the children ( that ) they ought to keep their rooms clean.

had better –>  had better

Example: I said to her, “ You ’d better not be late for your appointment.” I said ( that ) she ’d better not be late for her appointment.

used to –>  used to

Example: He said, “ I used to be a fireman in Chicago.” He said ( that ) he used to be a fireman in Chicago.

Place words often change .  However, if the place hasn’t changed from the direct speech to the reported speech, then don’t change these words:

here –>  there this –>  that these –>  those

Examples: He said, “ I ’m supposed to meet him here later.” He told me ( that ) he was supposed to meet him there later. (I’m in a different place when I report the speech.)

They said to us, “ You can use this room for a meeting. They said ( that ) we could use that room for a meeting. (We’re in a different place when we report the speech.)

He said, “ I read these books when I was young.” He said ( that ) he had read those books when he was young. (The person is in a different place when he reports the speech.)

Time words often change .  However, if the time is still the same at the time of the reporting, then don’t change the time word.

next –>  the following last –>  the previous / the ____ before today –> that day tomorrow –>  the next day / the following day yesterday –> the previous day / the day before now –>  then in ____  –>  ____ later this –>   that

Examples: She said, “The store is having a sale next Friday.” She told  us ( that ) the store was having a sale the following Friday.

I said to him, “ I didn’t sleep very well last night.” I told him ( that ) I hadn’t slept very well the previous night ( the night before .)

He told me, “ My girlfriend is leaving for Los Angeles today .” He told me ( that ) his girlfriend was leaving for Los Angeles that day .

They told us, “ We ’re having a game tomorrow at the park.” They told us ( that ) they were having a game the next day ( the following day ) at the park.

He said to him, ” I could n’t find my bus pass yesterday .” He told him ( that ) he could n’t find his bus pass the previous day ( the day before .)

I told her, “ You have to come with me now .” I told her ( that ) she had to come with me then .

She said, “ I ‘ll   be finished   in half an hour .” She said ( that ) she   would  be finished  half an hour later .

John said, “ I can help you this Saturday.” John said ( that ) he could help us that Saturday.

In addition to statements, there are other kinds of sentences that you can report.

The imperative ( commands ) is a little different than statements in reported speech .  The verb becomes an infinitive (with to ).  Use told for your reporting verb or asked if there is a “please.”

Examples: I said to her, “ Go pick up the kids.” I told her to go pick up the kids.

He said to them, “Please take your seats.” He asked them to take their seats.

We said to the team, “ Do your best but most of all have fun.” We told the team to do their best but most of all to have fun.

The nurse said to us, “Please wait here and someone will be with you shortly.” The nurse asked us to wait here and ( that ) someone would be with us shortly.

Questions are also different in reported speech .

If it is a yes/no or a choice question , then use if .   Always use the reporting verb asked .  Also, there is no inversion of the subject and verb like in a real question.  Also remember to drop the question mark (?) because it’s no longer a question.

Examples: He said , “ Would you like coffee or tea?”  (Choice) He asked us if we would like coffee or tea.

My neighbor said , “ Could you look after my dog for a week?”  (Yes or no) My neighbor asked me if I could look after her dog for a week.

He said , “ Is it on the top or the bottom shelf?”  (Choice) He asked if it was on the top or the bottom shelf.

He asked her, “ Do you live around here?”  (Yes or no) He asked her if she lived around here.

Notice that there is no subject-verb inversion ( would we or could we ) in reported questions.  Always put the subject before the verb in reported speech ( we would or we could ).

If it’s an information question ( who , what , where , when , why , how ), then repeat the question word.   As above, don’t invert the subject and verb .   Again, drop the question mark.

Examples: She said, “ What time is it ?” She asked me what time it was .

He asked her, “ Where can I go for coffee around here?” He asked her where he could go for coffee around there.

He asked me, “ Why are you always so tired?” He asked me why I was always so tired.

We asked him, “ How can we find out if we passed or not?” We asked him how we could find out if we had passed or not.

When reporting invitations , there are 2 ways to do it – the regular way or with an infinitive .  Use the reporting verbs invited or asked .  Once again, drop the question mark.

Examples: She said to him, “ Would you like to go on a picnic with us ?” She asked him if he would like to go on a picnic with them . She invited him to go on a picnic with them .

He said to her, “ Would you please not smoke in my car?” He asked her if she would not smoke in his car.. He asked her not to smoke in his car. [Note that the not is before  to , not after.]

We said to them, “ Would you like to come over for coffee?” We asked them if they would like to come over for coffee. We invited them to come over for coffee.

When reporting advice , there are 2 ways to do it – the regular way or with the infinitive .  Use the reporting verb told or advised .

Examples: He said to his daughter, “ You should clean up a bit before he arrives.” He told his daughter ( that ) she should clean up a bit before he arrived. He advised his daughter to clean up a bit before he arrived.

She told her boyfriend, “ You should call me when you arrive in Calgary.” She told her boyfriend ( that ) he should call her when he arrived in Calgary. She advised her boyfriend to call her when he arrived in Calgary.

The teacher said to the students, “ You should check your writing for mistakes.” The teacher told the students ( that ) they should check their writing for mistakes. The teacher advised  the students to check their writing for mistakes.

When reporting requests , do it the regular way or use the infinitive .  The reporting verb is asked .

Examples: The coach said to the team, “ Could you please be on time tomorrow ?” The coach asked the team if they could be on time the following day . The coach asked the team to be on time the following day .

The man said to us, “ Would you please be quiet so I can hear my cellphone.?” The man asked us if we would please be quiet so he could hear his cellphone. The man asked us to please be quiet so he could hear his cellphone

I said to him, “ Can you help me move on the weekend?” I asked him if he could help me move on the weekend. I asked him to help me move on the weekend.

When reporting permission given, do it the regular way or use an infinitive .  The reporting verbs to use are told , invited or gave (someone) permission .

Examples: I said to Jonathan, “ You ca n stay at my place for awhile.” I told Jonathan ( that ) he could stay at my place for awhile. I invited Jonathan to stay at my place for awhile.

He said to his friend, “ You can use my bike this afternoon.” He told his friend ( that ) he could use his bike that afternoon.” He gave his friend permission to use his bike that afternoon.

We told them, “ You can stay here until the store closes.” We told them ( that ) they could stay until the store closed. We invited them to stay until the store closed.

One last thing.  If the reporting verb is in the present tense ( say , tell , ask ), or if you’re reporting the speech immediately, then make no verb changes.

Examples: She said, “ What time are we going home?” She asked what time we are going home.  [Immediate reporting.  No change in time or place.]

His friend always tells him, “ You would be rich if you worked harder.” His friend always tells him ( that ) he would be rich if he worked harder.  [Reporting verb is present tense.]

They asked us, “ Will you help us.” They asked us if we will help them.  [Immediate reporting.]

Let’s review:

Statements:

She said , “The rainbow is beautiful.” She said ( that ) the rainbow was beautiful.

Imperative:

He told the class, “ Take your seats.” He told the class to take their seats.

Yes/no or choice question:

John said , “ Would you please  stop talking.” John asked them if they would stop talking.

Information question:

They asked me, “ When will the game start?” They asked me when the game would start.

Reporting invitations, advice, requests and permission:

We told them, “ You can stay overnight, but you must leave in the morning. We told them ( that ) they could stay overnight but they had to leave in the morning. We invited them to stay overnight but they had to leave in the morning.

Immediate reporting or when the  reporting verb is present tense – no verb tense change:

She asks me all the time, “ Are you going for a run?” She asks me all the time if I ‘m going for a run.

Study this page again, and when you’re ready, take the following quiz .

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© 2013 Ambien Malecot

Comment (1)

kevin | June 12, 2014

Hi, Ambien, i really love this one !

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Article Level 2

Article level 3, article level 4, conversations.

Listening Practice Through Dictation with Transcripts

• English Grammar Exercises for B2 – Reported speech

English Grammar Exercises for B2

1. Change the direct speech into reported speech.

1   ‘You must take these tablets twice a day.’

      The doctor says I ………………………………………….

2   ‘I’m going to the gym tomorrow.’

      Ben told me ………………………………………….

3   ‘You don’t have to wait for me.’

       Liz said that I ………………………………………….

4   ‘I took my final exam yesterday.’

       Jack told me ………………………………………….

5   ‘I haven’t told you the complete truth.’

       Pablo said ………………………………………….

6   ‘I’ll meet you later today.’

       Jim tells me ………………………………………….

7   ‘I prefer this café to the one opposite.’

      Julia says ………………………………………….

8   ‘I’ll always remember meeting you.’

      Ann told me ………………………………………….

1    must take these tablets twice a day.

2   (that) he was going to the gym the next day.

3    didn’t have to wait for her.

4   (that) he had taken his final exam the day before.

5    (that) he hadn’t told me the complete truth.

6    (that) he’ll meet me later today.

7   (that) she prefers this café to the one opposite.

8    (that) she would always remember meeting me.

2. Complete the sentences with the correct form of the words in brackets. Do not change the order of the words. Use a maximum of five words including the words in brackets.

1   Will asked us …………………………… (time / game / start) the next day.

2   The assistant asked him if …………………………… (he / like / try) on a smaller jacket.

3   My teacher asked me …………………………… (I / finish) the exercise and I said I hadn’t.

4   I asked Maria …………………………… (which / film / seen) the night before.

5   The dentist asked …………………………… (me / why) never used an electric toothbrush before.

6   She asked him if …………………………… (he / going) the park and he said he wasn’t.

7   I asked the policeman whether …………………………… (he / help / us) and he said he could.

1 what time the game started   2 he would like to try

3 if I had finished   4 which film she had seen

5 me why I had   6 he was going to   7 he could help us

3. Change the direct speech into reported speech. Begin with My mum asked me .

1   ‘Why are you home so late?’

      …………………………………..

2   ‘Did you leave school on time today?’

3   ‘You’ve got lots of homework to do, haven’t you?’

4   ‘When are you doing to tidy your room?’

5   ‘Have you seen your brother this afternoon?’

6   ‘Will you help me with the shopping tomorrow?’

7   ‘Would you like me to give you some money for a pizza?’

      …………………………………..

1   My mum asked me why I was home so late.

2    … if I had left school on time that day.

3    … if I had (got) lots of homework to do.

4    … when I was going to tidy my room.

5    … if I had seen my brother that afternoon.

6    … if I’d help her with the shopping the next day.

7    … if I’d like her to give me some money for a pizza.

4. Report the dialogue using say or ask in the past simple.

Dan     Are you going to the concert tomorrow evening?

Zoe      No, I’m not. I haven’t got any money.

Dan     I’ll lend you some. How much do you need?

Zoe      That’s really kind of you, but I have to finish my homework too.

Dan     Would you like me to help you finish it?

Zoe      Do you speak German?

Dan     No, I don’t. Your cousin does, doesn’t she?

Zoe      Yes, she does. Perhaps I should ask her.

      ……………………………………………

Dan asked Zoe if she was going to the concert the next evening. Zoe said she wasn’t. She said she didn’t have any money. Dan said he’d lend her some. He asked her how much she needed. Zoe said that was really kind of him, but she had to finish her homework too. Dan asked her if she’d like him to help her finish it. Zoe asked him if he spoke German. Dan said he didn’t. He asked her if her cousin did. Zoe said she did. She said perhaps she should ask her.

5. Write a second sentence that has a similar meaning to the first. Use the words in brackets.

1   ‘Do you know the answer to these questions?’ Sally asked me. (if)

      ……………………………………………

2   ‘I mustn’t be late for the trip tomorrow,’ said Bella. (next)

3   ‘Have you heard the band’s new album yet?’ asked Kostas. (me)

4   ‘I won’t be at school next week,’ said Mark. (says)

5   ‘Will you be getting a new phone soon?’ asked Harry. (whether)

6   ‘My plane arrives at ten in the morning,’ said Andrew. (tells)

1   Sally asked me if I knew the answer to the / those questions.

2    Bella said that she mustn’t be late for the trip the next day.

3    Kostas asked me if I’d heard the band’s new album yet.

4    Mark says that he won’t be at school next week.

5    Harry asked (me) whether I’d be getting a new phone soon.

6    Andrew tells me that his plane arrives at ten in the morning.

6. Rewrite the sentences using reported speech.

1   ‘I’ll never wear this outfit again.’

      Monica said ……………………………………..

2   ‘I don’t believe you.’

      My dad told my sister ……………………………………..

3   ‘I’ve been talking to Frank.’

      Susanna tells me ……………………………………..

4   ‘You mustn’t tell anyone.’

       Harry told me ……………………………………..

5   ‘I’ll give you an answer tomorrow.’

      Jenny told Tom ……………………………………..

6   ‘I was at a friend’s house yesterday.’

      Lisa said ……………………………………..

1    (that) she would never wear that outfit again

2    (that) he didn’t believe her

3    (that) she’s been talking to Frank

4    (that) I mustn’t tell anyone

5    (that) she would give him an answer the next day

6    (that) she had been at a friend’s house the day before

7. Rewrite the questions using reported speech.

1   ‘Did you see the football match yesterday?’

      Jimmy asked me ……………………………………..

2   ‘You’ve ordered the pizzas, haven’t you?’

      I asked Eddie ……………………………………..

3   ‘What languages do you speak?’

      The tourist asked me ……………………………………..

4   ‘You’re going out later, aren’t you?’

      My dad asked me ……………………………………..

5   ‘Do you like Indian food?’ ‘Yes, I do’

      They asked me ……………………………………..

6   ‘Where does your brother work?’

      I asked Emma ……………………………………..

7   ‘Were you late for school this morning?’

      My mum asked my sister ……………………………………..

8   ‘Are you tired?’ ‘No, I’m not.’

      We asked him ……………………………………..

1   if / whether I had seen the football match the day before.

2   if / whether he had ordered the pizzas

3   what languages I spoke

4   if / whether I was going out later

5   if / whether I liked Indian food and I said I did

6   where her brother worked

7   if / whether she had been late for school that morning

8   if / whether he was tired and he said that he wasn’t

Related Posts

• English Grammar Exercises for B2 – Unreal past and had better
• English Grammar Exercises for B2 – Emphasis
• English Grammar Exercises for B2 – Mixed conditionals
• English Grammar Exercises for B2 – Criticising past actions
• English Grammar Exercises for B2 – Relative clauses

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Reported Speech Exercises

Perfect english grammar.

Here's a list of all the reported speech exercises on this site:

( Click here to read the explanations about reported speech )

Reported Statements:

• Present Simple Reported Statement Exercise (quite easy) (in PDF here)
• Present Continuous Reported Statement Exercise (quite easy) (in PDF here)
• Past Simple Reported Statement Exercise (quite easy) (in PDF here)
• Present Perfect Reported Statement Exercise (quite easy) (in PDF here)
• Future Simple Reported Statement Exercise (quite easy) (in PDF here)
• Mixed Tense Reported Statement Exercise (intermediate) (in PDF here)
• 'Say' and 'Tell' (quite easy) (in PDF here)

Reported Questions:

• Present Simple Reported Yes/No Question Exercise (intermediate) (in PDF here)
• Present Simple Reported Wh Question Exercise (intermediate) (in PDF here)
• Mixed Tense Reported Question Exercise (intermediate) (in PDF here)

Reported Orders and Requests:

• Reported Requests and Orders Exercise (intermediate) (in PDF here)
• Reported Speech Mixed Exercise 1 (difficult) (in PDF here)
• Reported Speech Mixed Exercise 2 (difficult) (in PDF here)

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Reported speech - 1

Reported speech - 2

Reported speech - 3

Worksheets - handouts

Exercises: indirect speech

• Reported speech - present
• Reported speech - past
• Reported speech - questions
• Reported questions - write
• Reported speech - imperatives
• Reported speech - modals
• Indirect speech - tenses 1
• Indirect speech - tenses 2
• Indirect speech - write 1
• Indirect speech - write 2
• Indirect speech - quiz
• Reported speech - tenses
• Indirect speech – reported speech
• Reported speech – indirect speech

• Grammar & vocab

Upper-intermediate grammar exercise (B2 level): reported speech

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English grammar practice exercise, upper-intermediate.

In this exercise you will practise reported speech.

Exercise instructions

Rewrite the following using reported speech:

Anonymous - November 3, 2020, 6:18 am Reply

Good exercise.

Anonymous - November 20, 2022, 6:26 pm Reply

Great excercise

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• Upper-intermediate grammar exercise (B2 level): prepositions ex. 2
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