Unit 48. Reported speech 2.
Unit 48; Part A

• direct Paul said, 'My new job is very interesting.'
reported Paul said that his new job is very interesting.
(The situation hasn't changed. His job is still interesting.)
• direct Helen said, 'I want to go to New York next year.'
reported Helen told me that she wants to go to New York next year.
(Helen still wants to go to New York next year.)
You can also change the verb to the past:
• Paul said that his new job was very interesting.
• Helen told me that she wanted to goto New York next year.
But if you are reporting a finished situation, you must use a past verb:
• Paul left the room suddenly. He said he had to go. (not has to go)
Unit 48; Part B

![]() You met Sonia a few days ago. She said: 'Joe is in hospital.' (direct speech) Later that day you meet Joe in the street. You say: 'I didn't expect to see you, Joe. Sonia said you were in hospital.' (not 'Sonia said you are in hospital', because clearly he is not) |
Unit 48; Part C

If you say who somebody is talking to, use tell: • Sonia told me that you were in hospital. (not Sonia said me) • What did you tell the police? (not say the police) | TELL SOMEBODY |
Otherwise use say: • Sonia said that you were in hospital. (not Sonia told that...) • What did you say? | SAY |
But you can 'say something to somebody': • Ann said goodbye to me and left. (not Ann said me goodbye) • What did you say to the police? |
Unit 48; Part D

We also use the infinitive (to do / to stay etc.) in reported speech, especially with tell and ask (for orders and requests):
• direct 'Stay in bed for a few days,' the doctor said to me.
reported The doctor told me to stay in bed for a few days.
• direct 'Don't shout,' I said to Jim.
reported I told Jim not to shout.
• direct 'Please don't tell anybody what happened,' Jackie said to me.
reported Jackie asked me not to tell anybody what (had) happened.
You can also say 'Somebody said (not) to do something':
• Jackie said not to tell anyone. (but not Jackie said me)
Exercises
![]() | Unit 47 Unit 48 Unit 49 | ![]() |