Reported speech
It is also known as indirect speech. We use reported speech when you want to report someone what another person said.
The exact words of the person are known as direct speech.
Example: Direct speech: (Teacher) The exam is very easy.
Reported speech: (Maria) The teacher said that the exam was easy.
In order to report another person words, always use said. That is optional.
Example: (Maria) The teacher said the exam was easy. = The teacher said that the exam was easy.
When the direct speech is in present tense, the reported speech must be in past tense.
Example: Direct speech: (Lucy) Astronauts study the universe.
present
Reported speech: (Maria) Lucy said that astronauts studied the universe.
past
Direct speech: (Lucy) Astronauts are working in a space capsule.
present continuous
Reported speech: (Maria) Lucy said that astronauts were working in a space capsule.
past continuous
The exact words of the person are known as direct speech.
Example: Direct speech: (Teacher) The exam is very easy.
Reported speech: (Maria) The teacher said that the exam was easy.
In order to report another person words, always use said. That is optional.
Example: (Maria) The teacher said the exam was easy. = The teacher said that the exam was easy.
When the direct speech is in present tense, the reported speech must be in past tense.
Example: Direct speech: (Lucy) Astronauts study the universe.
present
Reported speech: (Maria) Lucy said that astronauts studied the universe.
past
Direct speech: (Lucy) Astronauts are working in a space capsule.
present continuous
Reported speech: (Maria) Lucy said that astronauts were working in a space capsule.
past continuous