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Transformation of Direct Speech into Reported Speech

To transform a direct speech statement into reported speech, we change the following:

l Tenses l Pronouns l Expressions of time and place
Change in Tenses
Since the time of the reporting is after the actual words have been spoken, there is a need

to change the tense. The pronouns also change accordingly.

Direct Speech Indirect Speech

Simple Present Simple Past

She said, “I am sad.” She said that she was sad.

Present Continuous Past Continuous

He said, “I am looking for my shoes.” He said that he was looking for his shoes.

Simple Past/Present Perfect Past Perfect
She said, “I visited London last year.” She said that she had visited London last year.

They said, “We have done our duty.” They said that they had done their duty.

Past Continuous Past Perfect Continuous

He said, “I was playing with my friends He said that he had been playing with his friends
when the accident occurred.” when the accident occurred.

Present Perfect Continuous Past Perfect Continuous
He said, “I have been playing He said that he had been playing basketball for
basketball for two hours.” two hours.

Past Perfect Continuous Past Perfect Continuous
She said, “I had been reading a book She said that she had been reading a book when
when the light went off.” the light had gone off.

Change in Pronouns

The pronoun of the reported speech changes according to the subject (pronoun) or object of the
reported verb.

He said, “I ran two rounds.” (direct speech)
l
l He said that he had run two rounds. (reported speech)

l She said, “I think you called me.” (direct speech)
l She said that she thought I called her. (reported speech)

l Priti said, “I told you we were coming.” (direct speech)
l Priti said that she had told me they were coming. (reported speech)

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