Indirect speech/reported speech/how to change direct speech into indirect speech

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1. Changes in Tense (Backshifting)

When changing from direct to indirect speech, we usually move the tense one step back in the past.

Note: If the reporting verb is in the present/future, no backshift is needed:

• He says, “I like tea.” → He says (that) he likes tea.

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2. Pronoun Changes

Pronouns change depending on who is speaking and who is being spoken to.

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3. Time and Place Words Change

Words indicating time and place are usually adjusted.

Example:

• He said, “I will come tomorrow.” → He said (that) he would come the next day.

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4. Reporting Questions

For questions, the word order changes to a statement format, and the question mark is dropped.

a) Yes/No questions: use if/whether

• She asked, “Do you like pizza?”
  → She asked if I liked pizza.

b) Wh- questions: use the same question word

• He asked, “Where do you live?”
  → He asked where I lived.

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5. Reporting Commands, Requests, and Advice

Use the infinitive (to + verb) form.

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6. Reporting Speech Back to Direct

Reverse the rules:

• Adjust the tense forward
• Change pronouns and time/place words back
• Restore the quotation marks and question marks for questions

Example:

• Indirect: She said she was tired.
  → Direct: She said, “I am tired.”

• Indirect: He asked if I liked apples.
  → Direct: He asked, “Do you like apples?”