Reported Speech — Full Range

Article excerpt · target grammar marked

José Manuel Pérez admitted that he had never once questioned whether his work was meaningful. But Aiko Suzuki insisted that money alone was not enough. She claimed she would rather earn less and feel proud of what she did every day.

Grammar Reference · Reported Speech — Full Range

Backshifting — core

She said she wanted meaningful work. — present → past in reported speech

Reporting verb

He admitted making a mistake. She insisted that she was right. — verb choice shapes tone

Modal backshifting

"I will stay." → She said she would stay. — will→would, can→could, may→might

Common error

He said he will leave. ✗ → He said he would leave. ✓ — backshift after said

01Exercise 1 — Form · Write the Correct Form

Reported Speech — Full Range

1."I will look for a new role next year." → She said she for a new role the following year.

2."We can offer you a better package." → They said they a better package.

3."You should ask for a pay rise." → He her to ask for a pay rise.

4."I didn't take the promotion for the money." → She taking the promotion for the money.

5."Why don't you try the four-day week?" → The consultant trying the four-day week.

6."I have always believed resilience matters most." → He that resilience mattered most.

02Exercise 2 — Transform

rewrite with the new structure

1."I want to leave a legacy, not just a pay cheque." (she / say)

2."You must set your sights on something bigger." (he / tell / her)

3."I didn't ignore the work-life balance issue." (the CEO / deny)

4."Please don't measure your worth only by your salary." (she / beg / him)

5."Why don't you speak to your manager about fulfilment?" (he / suggest)

6."We will redefine what success means here." (they / promise)

03Exercise 3 — About You

in your notebook

Personalise: complete five sentences about yourself using the target grammar.

Reported Speech — Full Range01EnglishPlans.com