Introduction

In real conversations, we often tell someone what another person said earlier. When we do this, we usually change the original words into reported speech. At B1 level, the key skill is controlling tense changes: you are not only repeating information, you are placing it correctly in time. This unit guides you through the most common tense shifts and helps you avoid typical mistakes.

Learning Objectives

Learning Objectives
By the end of this unit, you will be able to: report statements using correct tense changes; choose the right past form after a reporting verb (said, told); keep meaning accurate when time moves from “now” to “then”; and decide when tense changes are not necessary.

1) What is reported speech?

Reported speech is the form we use to report what someone said without using quotation marks. Compare these two sentences:

Direct speech: “I work in a bank.”

Reported speech: She said (that) she worked in a bank.

In reported speech, we often use a past reporting verb (said, told, asked). When the reporting verb is in the past, the tense in the original sentence usually moves one step back in time. This is called backshift.

2) The main tense changes (backshift)

The most common pattern is: present becomes past, and past becomes an earlier past. Think of it as moving the message further away from the present moment.

Important concept
Backshift is most typical when the reporting verb is in the past (said, told). It helps the listener understand that the words were spoken earlier.

3) Tense change chart (statements)

4) “Said” vs “told” (and the object)

Both verbs are common in reported speech, but they behave differently:

We use said without an object: She said (that) she was tired.

We use told with an object (a person): She told me (that) she was tired.

Warning
Do not say: “She told that she was tired.” This is incorrect because told needs a person: “She told me that she was tired.”

5) When tense changes are not necessary

Backshift is common, but it is not a mechanical rule. You can keep the original tense when the information is still true or still relevant at the time of reporting, especially with facts and permanent situations:

Direct: “Water boils at 100°C.”

Reported: The teacher said (that) water boils at 100°C.

However, backshift is also possible in many contexts. The choice depends on what you want to emphasize: the original moment of speaking (backshift) or the continuing truth (no backshift).

6) Time expressions often change too

When you report past speech, the time reference often moves. These changes help your listener understand the new point of view:

today → that day

yesterday → the day before / the previous day

tomorrow → the next day / the following day

now → then

this week → that week

Practice

Practice section
Rewrite each sentence in reported speech. Use correct tense changes and choose said or told correctly. Answers are provided for self-check.