Advanced reported speech

Report statements, questions and instructions while adjusting tense, reference words and sentence structure.

When do we use it?

Handle backshift, time references and embedded question order in longer reported messages.

Form

Backshift when appropriate, change reference words, and use statement order in reported questions.

• She said she had finished the day before.
• He asked where I had been.

Key contrast

At B2, choose the form from the complete context: sequence, viewpoint, degree of certainty and clause structure all matter.

Common mistakes

• He asked where had I been. → He asked where I had been.
• She said she finished yesterday. → She said she had finished the day before.

Remember

Report statements, questions and instructions while adjusting tense, reference words and sentence structure.

Quick check

• Identify the time relationship or intended meaning.
• Check the auxiliary, participle and clause pattern.
• Eliminate answers that fit the words but not the context.