reported speech explanation worksheet

FREE Reported Speech Worksheets

Busyteacher.org says, “we’ve got 195 reported speech worksheets just for you” and once you’ve tried some of them in your classroom, we’re sure you’ll agree with thousands of other teachers all over the world, who’ve said, “busyteacher.org is a great site for esl resources” all cheesiness aside, reported speech can be a little confusing for some esl students, but it’s simple to teach if you have the right tools. just about every language involves some form of reported speech - so once your students get the general idea, they should be off and running with any activities you give them. the question is, how can you make sure you give them a solid foundation in english reported speech by starting with busyteacher.org worksheets, of course when you use some of these 195 worksheets along with the more rigorous exercises in your textbook, your students will quickly gain experience in all the ways english can be used to report speech. then it’s time to turn them loose on some of the fun activities and games you’ll find on this page, so they can start using reported speech in sentences and descriptions. it doesn’t matter if you’re teaching basic reported speech to esl level-one beginners, or practicing advanced reported speech with your level-five students - you’ll find worksheets here that are perfectly adapted for your students’ skill and experience. and whether you want to quiz them with some fill-in-the-blank or multiple-choice worksheets, help them analyze reported speech in english-language movies and tv shows, or get them up and active with some reported speech games, busyteacher.org has got the right worksheets for you. working through a special themed unit we love that we’ve got worksheets based on work and school vocabulary, animals, cartoon characters, emotions, movies, and much more. busyteacher.org even has worksheets that target specific aspects of reported speech, like direct speech, reporting verbs, and impersonal report structures. we’ve got a reported speech worksheet for everybody, from esl beginners to advanced students; from classes full of kids to business english seminars. not sure where to start with our 195 reported speech worksheets try looking through the top ten most popular ones, or searching using the bar at the top of the page. or if you’d prefer to just browse, all our worksheets are easy to preview as thumbnail images, or with our handy “quick view” feature, which lets you get a one-click preview of each worksheet before you download it. and just so you know, every worksheet you’ll find here is totally free to download, share, and duplicate. that’s thanks to our international community of esl teachers, who’ve created each of these worksheets themselves, and tested them in their own classrooms. want to say thanks why not share a worksheet of your own just click the “submit a worksheet” button at the bottom of this page to get started. busyteacher.org’s 195 reported speech worksheets await - so start scrolling we’re sure your students will love the worksheets you find. read more... ...less.

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Reported Speech

Perfect english grammar.

Reported Statements

Here's how it works:

We use a 'reporting verb' like 'say' or 'tell'. ( Click here for more about using 'say' and 'tell' .) If this verb is in the present tense, it's easy. We just put 'she says' and then the sentence:

• Direct speech: I like ice cream.
• Reported speech: She says (that) she likes ice cream.

We don't need to change the tense, though probably we do need to change the 'person' from 'I' to 'she', for example. We also may need to change words like 'my' and 'your'. (As I'm sure you know, often, we can choose if we want to use 'that' or not in English. I've put it in brackets () to show that it's optional. It's exactly the same if you use 'that' or if you don't use 'that'.)

But , if the reporting verb is in the past tense, then usually we change the tenses in the reported speech:

• Reported speech: She said (that) she liked ice cream.

* doesn't change.

• Direct speech: The sky is blue.
• Reported speech: She said (that) the sky is/was blue.

Click here for a mixed tense exercise about practise reported statements. Click here for a list of all the reported speech exercises.

Reported Questions

So now you have no problem with making reported speech from positive and negative sentences. But how about questions?

• Direct speech: Where do you live?
• Reported speech: She asked me where I lived.
• Direct speech: Where is Julie?
• Reported speech: She asked me where Julie was.

• Direct speech: Do you like chocolate?
• Reported speech: She asked me if I liked chocolate.

Click here to practise reported 'wh' questions. Click here to practise reported 'yes / no' questions. Reported Requests

There's more! What if someone asks you to do something (in a polite way)? For example:

• Direct speech: Close the window, please
• Or: Could you close the window please?
• Or: Would you mind closing the window please?
• Reported speech: She asked me to close the window.

• Direct speech: Please don't be late.
• Reported speech: She asked us not to be late.

Reported Orders

• Direct speech: Sit down!
• Reported speech: She told me to sit down.

• Click here for an exercise to practise reported requests and orders.

• Click here for an exercise about using 'say' and 'tell'.
• Click here for a list of all the reported speech exercises.

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Reported Speech – Rules, Examples

| Candace Osmond

Candace Osmond

Candace Osmond studied Advanced Writing & Editing Essentials at MHC. She’s been an International and USA TODAY Bestselling Author for over a decade. And she’s worked as an Editor for several mid-sized publications. Candace has a keen eye for content editing and a high degree of expertise in Fiction.

They say gossip is a natural part of human life. That’s why language has evolved to develop grammatical rules about the “he said” and “she said” statements. We call them reported speech.

Every time we use reported speech in English, we are talking about something said by someone else in the past. Thinking about it brings me back to high school, when reported speech was the main form of language!

Learn all about the definition, rules, and examples of reported speech as I go over everything. I also included a worksheet at the end of the article so you can test your knowledge of the topic.

What Does Reported Speech Mean?

Reported speech is a term we use when telling someone what another person said. You can do this while speaking or writing.

There are two kinds of reported speech you can use: direct speech and indirect speech. I’ll break each down for you.

A direct speech sentence mentions the exact words the other person said. For example:

• Kryz said, “These are all my necklaces.”

Indirect speech changes the original speaker’s words. For example:

• Kryz said those were all her necklaces.

When we tell someone what another individual said, we use reporting verbs like told, asked, convinced, persuaded, and said. We also change the first-person figure in the quotation into the third-person speaker.

Reported Speech Examples

We usually talk about the past every time we use reported speech. That’s because the time of speaking is already done. For example:

• Direct speech: The employer asked me, “Do you have experience with people in the corporate setting?”

Indirect speech: The employer asked me if I had experience with people in the corporate setting.

• Direct speech: “I’m working on my thesis,” I told James.

Indirect speech: I told James that I was working on my thesis.

Reported Speech Structure

A speech report has two parts: the reporting clause and the reported clause. Read the example below:

• Harry said, “You need to help me.”

The reporting clause here is William said. Meanwhile, the reported clause is the 2nd clause, which is I need your help.

What are the 4 Types of Reported Speech?

Aside from direct and indirect, reported speech can also be divided into four. The four types of reported speech are similar to the kinds of sentences: imperative, interrogative, exclamatory, and declarative.

Reported Speech Rules

The rules for reported speech can be complex. But with enough practice, you’ll be able to master them all.

Choose Whether to Use That or If

The most common conjunction in reported speech is that. You can say, “My aunt says she’s outside,” or “My aunt says that she’s outside.”

Use if when you’re reporting a yes-no question. For example:

• Direct speech: “Are you coming with us?”

Indirect speech: She asked if she was coming with them.

Verb Tense Changes

Change the reporting verb into its past form if the statement is irrelevant now. Remember that some of these words are irregular verbs, meaning they don’t follow the typical -d or -ed pattern. For example:

• Direct speech: I dislike fried chicken.

Reported speech: She said she disliked fried chicken.

Note how the main verb in the reported statement is also in the past tense verb form.

Use the simple present tense in your indirect speech if the initial words remain relevant at the time of reporting. This verb tense also works if the report is something someone would repeat. For example:

• Slater says they’re opening a restaurant soon.
• Maya says she likes dogs.

This rule proves that the choice of verb tense is not a black-and-white question. The reporter needs to analyze the context of the action.

Move the tense backward when the reporting verb is in the past tense. That means:

• Present simple becomes past simple.
• Present perfect becomes past perfect.
• Present continuous becomes past continuous.
• Past simple becomes past perfect.
• Past continuous becomes past perfect continuous.

Here are some examples:

• The singer has left the building. (present perfect)

He said that the singers had left the building. (past perfect)

• Her sister gave her new shows. (past simple)
• She said that her sister had given her new shoes. (past perfect)

If the original speaker is discussing the future, change the tense of the reporting verb into the past form. There’ll also be a change in the auxiliary verbs.

• Will or shall becomes would.
• Will be becomes would be.
• Will have been becomes would have been.
• Will have becomes would have.

For example:

• Direct speech: “I will be there in a moment.”

Indirect speech: She said that she would be there in a moment.

Do not change the verb tenses in indirect speech when the sentence has a time clause. This rule applies when the introductory verb is in the future, present, and present perfect. Here are other conditions where you must not change the tense:

• If the sentence is a fact or generally true.
• If the sentence’s verb is in the unreal past (using second or third conditional).
• If the original speaker reports something right away.
• Do not change had better, would, used to, could, might, etc.

Changes in Place and Time Reference

Changing the place and time adverb when using indirect speech is essential. For example, now becomes then and today becomes that day. Here are more transformations in adverbs of time and places.

• This – that.
• These – those.
• Now – then.
• Here – there.
• Tomorrow – the next/following day.
• Two weeks ago – two weeks before.
• Yesterday – the day before.

Here are some examples.

• Direct speech: “I am baking cookies now.”

Indirect speech: He said he was baking cookies then.

• Direct speech: “Myra went here yesterday.”

Indirect speech: She said Myra went there the day before.

• Direct speech: “I will go to the market tomorrow.”

Indirect speech: She said she would go to the market the next day.

Using Modals

If the direct speech contains a modal verb, make sure to change them accordingly.

• Will becomes would
• Can becomes could
• Shall becomes should or would.
• Direct speech: “Will you come to the ball with me?”

Indirect speech: He asked if he would come to the ball with me.

• Direct speech: “Gina can inspect the room tomorrow because she’s free.”

Indirect speech: He said Gina could inspect the room the next day because she’s free.

However, sometimes, the modal verb should does not change grammatically. For example:

• Direct speech: “He should go to the park.”

Indirect speech: She said that he should go to the park.

Imperative Sentences

To change an imperative sentence into a reported indirect sentence, use to for imperative and not to for negative sentences. Never use the word that in your indirect speech. Another rule is to remove the word please . Instead, say request or say. For example:

• “Please don’t interrupt the event,” said the host.

The host requested them not to interrupt the event.

• Jonah told her, “Be careful.”
• Jonah ordered her to be careful.

Reported Questions

When reporting a direct question, I would use verbs like inquire, wonder, ask, etc. Remember that we don’t use a question mark or exclamation mark for reports of questions. Below is an example I made of how to change question forms.

• Incorrect: He asked me where I live?

Correct: He asked me where I live.

Here’s another example. The first sentence uses direct speech in a present simple question form, while the second is the reported speech.

• Where do you live?

She asked me where I live.

Wrapping Up Reported Speech

My guide has shown you an explanation of reported statements in English. Do you have a better grasp on how to use it now?

Reported speech refers to something that someone else said. It contains a subject, reporting verb, and a reported cause.

Don’t forget my rules for using reported speech. Practice the correct verb tense, modal verbs, time expressions, and place references.

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Reported Speech (Indirect Speech)

Exercises on reported speech.

If we report what another person has said, we usually do not use the speaker’s exact words (direct speech), but reported (indirect) speech. Therefore, you need to learn how to transform direct speech into reported speech. The structure is a little different depending on whether you want to transform a statement, question or request.

When transforming statements, check whether you have to change:

• present tense verbs (3rd person singular)
• place and time expressions
• tenses (backshift)

→ more on statements in reported speech

When transforming questions, check whether you have to change:

Also note that you have to:

• transform the question into an indirect question
• use the interrogative or if / whether

→ more on questions in reported speech

→ more on requests in reported speech

Additional Information and Exeptions

Apart from the above mentioned basic rules, there are further aspects that you should keep in mind, for example:

• main clauses connected with and / but
• tense of the introductory clause
• reported speech for difficult tenses
• exeptions for backshift
• requests with must , should , ought to and let’s

→ more on additional information and exeptions in reported speech

Statements in Reported Speech

• no backshift – change of pronouns
• no backshift – change of pronouns and places
• with backshift
• with backshift and change of place and time expressions

Questions in Reported Speech

Requests in reported speech.

• Exercise 1 – requests (positive)
• Exercise 2 – requests (negative)
• Exercise 3 – requests (mixed)

Mixed Exercises on Reported Speech

• Exercise on reported speech with and without backshift

Grammar in Texts

• „ The Canterville Ghost “ (highlight direct speech and reported speech)

English Practice Downloadable PDF Grammar and Vocabulary Worksheets

Reported speech (b1).

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Reported Speech

Reported Speech – Our ESL resources are free for everyone. We have collected the best ESL grammar practice handouts for all levels. The handouts and activities are online-friendly and flexible to meet all of your needs.

Reported Speech Lesson

This handout can be used to introduce and practice making “he said she said” statements.

Time: 30 -45 minutes

Level: Intermediate

Grammar Worksheet – Reported speech

This handout is provided by allthingsgrammar.com .

Reporting speech quiz

Time: 20 – 30 minutes

Level: Pre-intermediate/Intermediate

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ESL LESSON PLAN:

Reported speech, download lessons.

(SV) Reporting Speec

(tv) reporting speec.

Lesson Overview

This ESL reporting speech grammar worksheet is perfect for your intermediate students. It includes a theory explanation and multiple, fun exercises.

This ESL reporting speech grammar worksheet begins with an explanation of the grammar point, detailing how to form the grammar point and when to use it. That is followed by a fun exercise which allows students to put the theory into practice. 

Next, is another exercise where students have to correctly report a quote, using reported speech. They are given a quote and a selection of verbs to choose from. Through this exercise, participants will be encouraged to use reported speech in a clear way, increasing their understanding of the grammar point. 

Afterwards, you will find an activity that will challenge students to report questions. They will do this by reading a variety of quoted questions, then they will have to use their new acquired knowledge to structure their answers correctly. Finally, this ESL reporting speech grammar worksheet ends with multiple discussion questions which encourage students to use the words in a natural way. 

Activities :

• Theory. 
• Reporting Speech: 1
• Reporting Speech: 2
• Reporting Speech: 3
• Questions. 

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Reported speech worksheet

Sentences are given in direct speech. Change them into indirect speech.

1. The teacher said to the boys, ‘Have you done your homework?’

2. The little girl asked the man, ‘Will you help me?’

3. Janaki said, ‘I have been reading this book.’

4. Mother said to the daughter, ‘Go and change your dress.’

5. Susie said, ‘I had read this book before I gave it to you.’

6. Mike said, ‘I will bring my piano.’

7. The officer told the clerk, ‘Bring me that file.’

8. Jane asked, ‘Have you read that book?’

9. Malathi asked, ‘Where is your watch?’

10. Sophia said, ‘I watched this movie last week.’

11. Mother asked, ‘What is the matter?’

12. Shyam said, ‘I can solve this problem.’

1. The teacher asked the boys if they had done their homework.

2. The little girl asked the man if he would help her.

3. Janaki said that she had been reading that book.

4. Mother told the daughter to go and change her dresses.

5. Susie said that she had read that book before she gave it to me.

6. Mike said that he would bring his piano.

7. The officer told the clerk to bring him that file.

8. Jane asked if I had read that book.

9. Malathi asked where my watch was.

10. Sophia said that she had watched that movie the previous week.

11. Mother asked what the matter was.

12. Shyam said that he could solve that problem .

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Reported Speech ESL Printable Worksheets and Exercises

Reported speech esl grammar exercises worksheet.

Indirect Speech ESL Grammar Exercise Worksheet

Reported speech activities

• Games and Role Plays

Grammar - reported speech

LESSON OVERVIEW

The main objectives of this lesson with reported speech activities are to:

• practise reported speech in various situations;
• explore reported speech with audio recordings and film clips;
• encourage creative thinking in conversations.

With this lesson plan, students watch film clips to practise reported statements and questions . They listen to a recording and discuss professions based on what the people said. Students also work on reported speech and reporting verbs by playing a quest game . In addition, they read situations and use reporting verbs to explain what caused them and continue conversations using different reporting verbs.

WHAT DID THEY SAY?

In this activity, students practise reported statements and questions . They watch film clips and complete sentences to report what the actors said (e.g. They aren’t my friends. — He said they weren’t his friends. ). You can also ask them to guess details about the situations by answering some questions (e.g. Why did the people say the things? ).  

GUESS THE PROFESSION

As part of the lesson on reported speech activities, students listen to a recording in which people talk about their professions. They discuss what profession each person has and use reported statements to give reasons for their answers based on what the people said.

WHAT WAS THE QUESTION?

In this task, students get cards with questions . Student A asks the question from the card but instead of reading the word in brackets, they say “beep” (e.g. I’m taking the car. Have you seen my (keys)? ). Student B guesses the word in brackets by reporting the question which includes the answer (e.g. I think you asked me if I’d seen your car. ). Then, they swap roles . 

In this exercise, students practise reporting verbs (e.g. inform, convince, promise , etc.) by playing a quest game . It consists of making choices based on a situation presented on a card. First, students complete gaps using the words in brackets. Then, they read a situation and decide what to do next. Students can play the game a few times choosing different scenarios. 

TELL ME WHAT HAPPENED

Students work on reporting verbs as part of reported speech activities. They read different situations and use verbs (e.g. accuse, remind, deny , etc.) to report what someone might have said to cause them (e.g. The police officer was furious after talking to the main suspect. – The suspect denied being involved and said he had an alibi. ). 

CONVERSATIONS

Students work with a partner in this activity. They choose one statement and continue the conversation for as long as they can using reporting verbs (e.g. promise, refuse, suggest , etc.). Students don’t have to be too serious . When they are out of ideas, they pick another statement to start a new conversation .

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• Reported Speech Exercises for Class 10 with Answers

Reported Speech Exercises for Class 10

Reported speech is an important part of learning English, especially in Class 10. It involves telling someone what another person has said, but without quoting their exact words . For example, instead of saying, "She said, 'I am going to the market,'" the reported speech would be, "She said that she was going to the market."

Practising Reported Speech Exercises For Class 10 helps students understand how to convey information accurately and clearly. In this article, there are different exercises prepared to test and improve your skills in reported speech. Each exercise comes with answers, students can check their work and learn from any mistakes. By working through these exercises, students will improve their ability to use reported speech correctly in different situations.

Reported Speech Exercises with Answers for Class 10

Try these Reported Speech exercises with answers for Class 10 to practise changing direct quotes into reported speech. Check your answers to see how well you understand the topic, and watch the Reported speech video for a clear explanation and more examples .

Reported Speech Dialogue Exercises for Class 10 CBSE with Answers

Exercise 1: Transform the following sentences into reported speech.

"I am going to the market," said Rahul.

"Are you coming to the party?" asked Riya.

"I will finish my homework later," said Tina.

"We have never been to Paris," they said.

"Did you see the new movie?" he asked.

"She can speak three languages," said Mr. Sharma.

"Please, close the door," she said.

"Why are you late?" asked the teacher.

"I don’t like spicy food," said Raj.

"You should take your medicine ," the doctor said.

"Where have you been?" she asked.

"I need a new pair of shoes," he said.

"Will you help me with this project?" she asked.

"I can’t find my keys," said John.

"I have completed my assignment," he said.

"Are they coming to the meeting?" she asked.

"We visited the museum yesterday," they said.

"Why didn’t you answer my call?" she asked.

"I am reading an interesting book," he said.

"Let’s go for a walk," she suggested.

"You must finish this work by tomorrow," he said.

"Did you enjoy the concert?" she asked.

"I don’t understand this chapter," said Ravi.

"Where is the nearest bus stop?" he asked.

"She will call you later," said Mr. Gupta.

"Can you lend me a pen?" he asked.

"I am not feeling well," she said.

"When does the train arrive?" he asked.

"Do you know where she went?" they asked.

"We are planning a surprise party," they said.

"I have a meeting at 5 PM," she said.

"Will it rain tomorrow?" he asked.

"I need to talk to you," she said.

"Did you hear the news?" he asked.

"I will be there on time ," she assured.

"Where can I find a taxi?" he asked.

"She is coming to the party," they said.

"Can you help me with this?" he asked.

"I have to leave now," she said.

"Are you sure about this?" he asked.

"I will call you later," he said.

"She told me that she was busy," he said.

"Did you see that movie?" she asked.

"I can’t come to the meeting," he said.

"Where did you put my book?" she asked.

"I am looking for my wallet," he said.

"Can you meet me tomorrow?" she asked.

"They are watching a movie," she said.

"Do you know his address?" he asked.

"I have been waiting for an hour," she said.

Rahul said that he was going to the market.

Riya asked if I was coming to the party.

Tina said that she would finish her homework later.

They said that they had never been to Paris.

He asked if I had seen the new movie.

Mr. Sharma said that she could speak three languages.

She requested to close the door.

The teacher asked why I was late.

Raj said that he didn’t like spicy food.

The doctor advised that I should take my medicine.

She asked where I had been.

He said that he needed a new pair of shoes.

She asked if I would help her with the project.

John said that he couldn’t find his keys.

He said that he had completed his assignment.

She asked if they were coming to the meeting.

They said that they had visited the museum the day before.

She asked why I hadn’t answered her call.

He said that he was reading an interesting book.

She suggested going for a walk.

He said that I had to finish the work by the next day.

She asked if I had enjoyed the concert.

Ravi said that he didn’t understand the chapter.

He asked where the nearest bus stop was.

Mr. Gupta said that she would call me later.

He asked if I could lend him a pen.

She said that she was not feeling well.

He asked when the train arrived.

They asked if I knew where she had gone.

They said that they were planning a surprise party.

She said that she had a meeting at 5 PM.

He asked if it would rain the next day.

She said that she needed to talk to me.

He asked if I had heard the news.

She assured me that she would be there on time.

He asked where he could find a taxi.

They said that she was coming to the party.

He asked if I could help him with that.

She said that she had to leave then.

He asked if I was sure about it.

He said that he would call me later.

He said that she had told him that she was busy.

She asked if I had seen that movie.

He said that he couldn’t come to the meeting.

She asked where I had put her book.

He said that he was looking for his wallet.

She asked if I could meet her the next day.

She said that they were watching a movie.

He asked if I knew his address.

She said that she had been waiting for an hour.

Exercise 2: Convert the following reported speech sentences back into direct speech .

She said that she was going to the store.

He asked if I had finished my homework.

The teacher mentioned that the exam was on Friday.

They said that they would be arriving late.

She warned me that the water was too hot.

He asked if she was coming to the party.

The manager said that the meeting was scheduled for 3 PM.

She told me that she had seen that movie before.

He said that he would help me with the project.

The doctor advised that I should get more rest.

She mentioned that she had lost her keys.

They asked if we could join them for dinner.

He said that he was not feeling well.

The professor explained that the assignment was due next week.

She said that they were planning a surprise party.

He informed me that he would be traveling abroad.

The guide said that the tour would start at noon.

She asked if I wanted to come with her.

He said that he had been working on the report all night.

They complained that the service was too slow.

The student said that he had forgotten his book.

She explained that she had a family emergency.

He mentioned that the flight was delayed.

They said that they had enjoyed the concert.

The chef suggested that we try the special dish.

She told me that she had won a prize.

He asked if I could help him with the assignment.

The coach said that practice would start at 5 PM.

She said that she was excited about the new job.

He stated that he had completed the project.

The police officer asked if I had seen anything suspicious.

She mentioned that she would be moving to a new city.

He informed me that the event was canceled.

The librarian said that the book was overdue.

She told him that she would call him later.

He said that he had missed the bus.

The employee mentioned that the system was down.

She asked if I could pick her up from the airport.

He said that they were going on vacation next month .

They complained that the hotel room was not clean.

The artist said that she had finished her painting.

She told me that they had already eaten dinner.

He asked if I had read the latest book in the series.

The teacher mentioned that the project was due soon.

She said that she would be arriving late.

He informed me that the deadline was extended.

The chef said that the food was almost ready.

She asked if we had seen her sunglasses.

He said that he would call me when he arrived.

The guide mentioned that the museum was closed on Mondays.

She said, "I am going to the store."

He asked, "Have you finished your homework?"

The teacher mentioned, "The exam is on Friday."

They said, "We will be arriving late."

She warned, "The water is too hot."

He asked, "Is she coming to the party?"

The manager said, "The meeting is scheduled for 3 PM."

She told me, "I have seen that movie before."

He said, "I will help you with the project."

The doctor advised, "You should get more rest."

She mentioned, "I have lost my keys."

They asked, "Can we join you for dinner?"

He said, "I am not feeling well."

The professor explained, "The assignment is due next week."

She said, "We are planning a surprise party."

He informed me, "I will be traveling abroad."

The guide said, "The tour will start at noon."

She asked, "Do you want to come with me?"

He said, "I have been working on the report all night."

They complained, "The service is too slow."

The student said, "I have forgotten my book."

She explained, "I have a family emergency."

He mentioned, "The flight is delayed."

They said, "We enjoyed the concert."

The chef suggested, "Try the special dish."

She told me, "I have won a prize."

He asked, "Can you help me with the assignment?"

The coach said, "Practice will start at 5 PM."

She said, "I am excited about the new job."

He stated, "I have completed the project."

The police officer asked, "Have you seen anything suspicious?"

She mentioned, "I will be moving to a new city."

He informed me, "The event is canceled."

The librarian said, "The book is overdue."

She told him, "I will call you later."

He said, "I missed the bus."

The employee mentioned, "The system is down."

She asked, "Can you pick me up from the airport?"

He said, "We are going on vacation next month."

They complained, "The hotel room is not clean."

The artist said, "I have finished my painting."

She told me, "We have already eaten dinner."

He asked, "Have you read the latest book in the series?"

The teacher mentioned, "The project is due soon."

She said, "I will be arriving late."

He informed me, "The deadline has been extended."

The chef said, "The food is almost ready."

She asked, "Have you seen my sunglasses?"

He said, "I will call you when I arrive."

The guide mentioned, "The museum is closed on Mondays."

Exercise 3: Reported Speech dialogue exercises for Class 10 CBSE with Answers

A: "I will meet you at the café at 3 PM," she said.

B: "I’ll be there," he replied.

A: "Please call me when you arrive," he said.

B: "I will definitely call," she promised.

A: "Can you help me with this project?" she asked.

B: "Of course, I’ll help you," he responded.

A: "I am planning to visit my parents next weekend," she said.

B: "That sounds nice," he replied.

A: "We need to finish this report by tomorrow," he said.

B: "I’ll get it done," she promised.

A: "Do you want to join us for lunch?" they asked.

B: "Yes, I’d love to join," she answered.

A: "The weather is going to be great this weekend," he said.

B: "I hope so," she replied.

A: "I have never been to Australia," she said.

B: "Neither have I," he replied.

A: "Please make sure to lock the door," he said.

B: "I will lock it," she assured.

A: "I am excited about the new movie," she said.

B: "Me too," he replied.

A: "We should start the meeting now," he suggested.

B: "I agree, let's begin," she said.

A: "Can you finish this by 5 PM?" he asked.

B: "I will try my best," she replied.

A: "I’m thinking of buying a new car," she said.

B: "That sounds like a good idea," he replied.

A: "Have you finished your assignment?" he asked.

B: "Not yet, but I’m working on it," she replied.

A: "I’ll be attending the conference next month," she said.

B: "I look forward to hearing about it," he replied.

A: "Please be on time for the meeting," he said.

B: "I will be punctual," she promised.

A: "I’m not sure if I can make it to the party," she said.

B: "I hope you can come," he replied.

A: "The train leaves at 8 AM," he said.

B: "I’ll make sure to be there early," she promised.

A: "Did you enjoy the book?" he asked.

B: "Yes, it was fantastic," she replied.

A: "I’ll send you the details later," she said.

B: "Thank you, I’ll wait for them," he replied.

A: "We have to submit the form by Friday," he said.

B: "I’ll get it done by then," she promised.

A: "Can you pass the salt, please?" she asked.

B: "Sure, here you go," he replied.

A: "I’m planning to take a vacation next month," she said.

B: "That sounds wonderful," he replied.

A: "Don’t forget to call me," he said.

B: "I won’t forget," she assured.

A: "I’ve never seen such a beautiful sunset," she said.

A: "Can you help me move this weekend?" he asked.

B: "I’m available to help," she replied.

A: "I have a dentist appointment tomorrow," she said.

B: "I hope it goes well," he replied.

A: "Please submit your reports by Monday," he said.

B: "I will submit them on Monday," she promised.

A: "We’re going to a concert tonight," she said.

B: "That sounds fun," he replied.

A: "I’m not feeling well today," he said.

B: "I hope you get better soon," she replied.

A: "I will finish my work before lunch," she said.

B: "Great, I’ll see you then," he replied.

A: "Can you give me a ride to the airport?" he asked.

B: "Yes, I can," she replied.

A: "I’ve completed the assignment," she said.

B: "That’s good to hear," he replied.

A: "Please let me know if you need any help," he said.

B: "Thank you, I will," she promised.

A: "I’m excited for the holiday season ," she said.

A: "I’ll be back by 10 PM," he said.

B: "Okay, I’ll see you then," she replied.

A: "Don’t forget to turn off the lights," she said.

B: "I’ll make sure to do that," he promised.

A: "The deadline for the project is next week," he said.

B: "I’ll work on it," she assured.

A: "Can you give me some feedback on my presentation?" she asked.

B: "Sure, I’ll review it," he replied.

A: "I’ll call you as soon as I arrive," he said.

B: "I’ll be waiting for your call," she replied.

A: "We need to discuss this further," she said.

B: "Let’s talk about it later," he replied.

A: "I’m planning a surprise party for her," she said.

B: "That’s exciting," he replied.

A: "Have you completed the budget report?" he asked.

B: "Yes, I finished it last night," she replied.

A: "I’ll get the tickets for the concert," he said.

B: "Thank you," she replied.

A: "I’ve booked a table for two," she said.

B: "Perfect, I’ll see you there," he replied.

A: "Can you meet me at the station?" he asked.

B: "I’ll be there on time," she assured.

A: "I’ve lost my wallet," he said.

B: "Let me help you find it," she offered.

A: "Please remember to bring your ID," she said.

B: "I won’t forget," he promised.

A: "I’m excited about the new project," he said.

B: "Me too," she replied.

A: "Can you check my email for me?" she asked.

B: "Sure, I’ll do that now," he replied.

Speaker A: She said that she would meet him at the café at 3 PM.

Speaker B: He replied that he would be there.

Speaker A: He said to call him when she arrived.

Speaker B: She promised that she would definitely call.

Speaker A: She asked if he could help her with the project.

Speaker B: He responded that he would help her.

Speaker A: She said that she was planning to visit her parents the following weekend.

Speaker B: He replied that it sounded nice.

Speaker A: He said that they needed to finish the report by the next day.

Speaker B: She promised that she would get it done.

Speaker A: They asked if she wanted to join them for lunch.

Speaker B: She answered that she would love to join.

Speaker A: He said that the weather was going to be great that weekend.

Speaker B: She replied that she hoped so.

Speaker A: She said that she had never been to Australia.

Speaker B: He replied that he had not been either.

Speaker A: He said to make sure to lock the door.

Speaker B: She assured him that she would lock it.

Speaker A: She said that she was excited about the new movie.

Speaker B: He replied that he was excited too.

Speaker A: He suggested that they should start the meeting then.

Speaker B: She agreed and said they should begin.

Speaker A: He asked if she could finish it by 5 PM.

Speaker B: She replied that she would try her best.

Speaker A: She said that she was thinking of buying a new car.

Speaker B: He replied that it sounded like a good idea.

Speaker A: He asked if she had finished her assignment.

Speaker B: She replied that she had not yet finished but was working on it.

Speaker A: She said that she would be attending the conference the following month.

Speaker B: He replied that he looked forward to hearing about it.

Speaker A: He said to be on time for the meeting.

Speaker B: She promised that she would be punctual.

Speaker A: She said that she was not sure if she could make it to the party.

Speaker B: He replied that he hoped she could come.

Speaker A: He said that the train left at 8 AM.

Speaker B: She promised that she would make sure to be there early.

Speaker A: He asked if she had enjoyed the book.

Speaker B: She replied that it was fantastic.

Speaker A: She said that she would send him the details later.

Speaker B: He replied that he would wait for them.

Speaker A: He said that they had to submit the form by Friday.

Speaker B: She promised that she would get it done by then.

Speaker A: She asked if he could pass the salt.

Speaker B: He replied that he would pass it.

Speaker A: She said that she was planning a vacation the following month.

Speaker B: He replied that it sounded wonderful.

Speaker A: He said not to forget to call him.

Speaker B: She assured him that she would not forget.

Speaker A: She said that she had never seen such a beautiful sunset.

Speaker B: He replied that he had not seen one either.

Speaker A: He asked if she could help him move that weekend.

Speaker B: She replied that she was available to help.

Speaker A: She said that she had a dentist appointment the next day.

Speaker B: He replied that he hoped it went well.

Speaker A: He said to submit the reports by Monday.

Speaker B: She promised that she would submit them on Monday.

Speaker A: She said that they were going to a concert that night.

Speaker B: He replied that it sounded fun.

Speaker A: He said that he was not feeling well that day.

Speaker B: She replied that she hoped he would get better soon.

Speaker A: She said that she would finish her work before lunch.

Speaker B: He replied that he would see her then.

Speaker A: He asked if she could give him a ride to the airport.

Speaker B: She replied that she could.

Speaker A: She said that she had completed the assignment.

Speaker B: He replied that it was good to hear.

Speaker A: He said to let him know if she needed any help.

Speaker B: She promised that she would.

Speaker A: She said that she was excited about the holiday season.

Speaker A: He said that he would be back by 10 PM.

Speaker B: She replied that she would see him then.

Speaker A: She said not to forget to turn off the lights.

Speaker B: He promised that he would make sure to do that.

Speaker A: He said that the deadline for the project was the following week.

Speaker B: She assured him that she would work on it.

Speaker A: She asked if he could give her some feedback on her presentation.

Speaker B: He replied that he would review it.

Speaker A: He said that he would call her as soon as he arrived.

Speaker B: She replied that she would be waiting for his call.

Speaker A: She said that they needed to discuss it further.

Speaker B: He replied that they should talk about it later.

Speaker A: She said that she was planning a surprise party for her.

Speaker B: He replied that it was exciting.

Speaker A: He asked if she had completed the budget report.

Speaker B: She replied that she had finished it the previous night.

Speaker A: He said that he would get the tickets for the concert.

Speaker B: She replied that she was thankful.

Speaker A: She said that she had booked a table for two.

Speaker B: He replied that he would see her there.

Speaker A: He asked if she could meet him at the station.

Speaker B: She assured him that she would be there on time.

Speaker A: He said that he had lost his wallet.

Speaker B: She offered to help him find it.

Speaker A: She said to remember to bring his ID.

Speaker B: He promised that he would not forget.

Speaker A: He said that he was excited about the new project.

Speaker B: She replied that she was excited too.

Speaker A: She asked if he could check her email for her.

Speaker B: He replied that he would do that then.

Still finding it difficult to answer these questions, Watch Common Mistakes in Reported Speech and improve your performance.

Test your Knowledge of Reported Speech

Task 1: Convert Direct Speech to Reported Speech

"I have been working here for five years," he said.

"Are you coming to the picnic tomorrow?" she asked.

"The package will arrive by Friday," the delivery man said.

"I forgot to bring my lunch," he admitted.

"We are moving to a new house next month," they said.

"Please finish your homework before dinner," the mother said.

"You should try the new restaurant," he suggested.

"I will help you with your maths problems," she promised.

"The movie starts at 8 PM," the ticket seller said.

"I have never been to Italy," she said.

Task 2: Convert Reported Speech to Direct Speech

He said that he was going to visit his parents the following week.

She asked if I could lend her my book.

The teacher mentioned that the test was postponed until next Friday.

They said that they had completed the project on time.

He explained that he had been studying for the exam all night.

The guide said that the museum would open at 10 AM.

She said that she had never seen such a beautiful garden.

He asked if we were interested in joining the new club.

The manager told us that the deadline had been extended.

They mentioned that they would be arriving late.

Task 3: Identify the Error

She said that she will meet us at the café.

He asked if I would help him with his project next week.

The teacher mentioned that the assignment was due yesterday.

They told me that they are going to the concert last night.

She said that she would have finished her work by now.

He asked if I have seen his keys.

The chef explained that the dish will be ready soon.

She said that she had forgot her phone at home.

They mentioned that the flight would have landed already.

He informed me that he would be arriving tomorrow.

Task 4: Complete the Reported Speech

"I am visiting my grandmother this weekend," she said. → She said that ______.

"Will you be at the meeting?" he asked. → He asked if ______.

"I have never tried sushi before," he said. → He said that ______.

"I will get the groceries later," she promised. → She promised that ______.

"Do not forget to lock the door," he said. → He said not to ______.

"I have already completed the task," she said. → She said that ______.

"We will go hiking if the weather is good," they said. → They said that ______.

"Please bring your notes to the class," the teacher said. → The teacher asked to ______.

"I cannot attend the event due to a prior commitment," she said. → She said that ______.

"The concert tickets are sold out," he said. → He said that ______.

Task 5: Transform the Dialogue

A: "I will meet you at the restaurant at 7 PM," she said.

B: "I will be there on time," he replied.

Reported Speech:

Speaker A: She said that ______.

Speaker B: He replied that ______.

A: "Please send me the details by email," he said.

B: "I will send them to you this evening," she promised.

Speaker A: He said that ______.

Speaker B: She promised that ______.

A: "We need to finish this project before the deadline," he said.

B: "I agree. Let's work on it together," she replied.

Speaker B: She replied that ______.

A: "Can you help me with this task?" he asked.

B: "Sure, I will assist you," she responded.

Speaker A: He asked if ______.

Speaker B: She responded that ______.

A: "I am excited about the vacation," she said.

B: "So am I," he replied.

Find out if you got them all right from the answers below.

She said that she had been working there for five years.

She asked if I was coming to the picnic the next day.

The delivery man said that the package would arrive by Friday.

He admitted that he had forgotten to bring his lunch.

They said that they were moving to a new house the following month.

The mother said to finish our homework before dinner.

He suggested trying the new restaurant.

She promised that she would help me with my math problems.

The ticket seller said that the movie started at 8 PM.

She said that she had never been to Italy.

He said, "I am going to visit my parents next week."

She asked, "Can you lend me your book?"

The teacher mentioned, "The test is postponed until next Friday."

They said, "We completed the project on time."

He explained, "I was studying for the exam all night."

The guide said, "The museum will open at 10 AM."

She said, "I have never seen such a beautiful garden."

He asked, "Are you interested in joining the new club?"

The manager told us, "The deadline has been extended."

They mentioned, "We will be arriving late."

Corrected: She said that she would meet us at the café.

Corrected: He asked if I would help him with his project the following week.

Corrected: The teacher mentioned that the assignment had been due yesterday.

Corrected: They told me that they were going to the concert the previous night.

Corrected: She said that she would have finished her work by now.

Corrected: He asked if I had seen his keys.

Corrected: The chef explained that the dish would be ready soon.

Corrected: She said that she had forgotten her phone at home.

Corrected: They mentioned that the flight would have already landed.

Corrected: He informed me that he would be arriving the next day.

She said that she was visiting her grandmother that weekend.

He asked if I would be at the meeting.

He said that he had never tried sushi before.

She promised that she would get the groceries later.

He said not to forget to lock the door.

She said that she had already completed the task.

They said that they would go hiking if the weather was good.

The teacher asked to bring our notes to the class.

She said that she could not attend the event due to a prior commitment.

He said that the concert tickets were sold out.

Speaker A: She said that she would meet me at the restaurant at 7 PM.

Speaker B: He replied that he would be there on time.

Speaker A: He said that he wanted the details sent by email.

Speaker B: She promised that she would send them that evening.

Speaker A: He said that they needed to finish the project before the deadline.

Speaker B: She replied that she agreed and suggested working on it together.

Speaker A: He asked if she could help him with the task.

Speaker B: She responded that she would assist him.

Speaker A: She said that she was excited about the vacation.

Takeaways from this Page

Practising reported speech helps you learn how to convey what others have said in a different way. Key points to remember are changing the verb tenses, adjusting pronouns, and keeping the meaning intact. For example, if someone says, "I am going," in reported speech it becomes, "She said she was going." It's also important to use reporting verbs like "said," "asked," and "promised" to show how the information is shared. Getting these elements right makes sure you communicate clearly and accurately, both in writing and speaking.

FAQs on Reported Speech Exercises for Class 10 with Answers

1. What is reported speech?

Reported speech, also known as indirect speech, is a way of conveying what someone else has said without quoting their exact words. Instead of saying exactly what was spoken, you summarize or paraphrase it. For example, "He said, 'I am tired'" becomes "He said that he was tired."

2. How do you change tenses in reported speech?

In reported speech, the tense usually shifts one step back from the original. For example:

Present simple becomes past simple (e.g., "She says, 'I work hard'" becomes "She said that she worked hard").

Present continuous becomes past continuous (e.g., "They are playing" becomes "They were playing").

3. Do you need to change pronouns in reported speech?

Yes, pronouns should be adjusted to match the perspective of the reporter. For example:

"I" changes to "he" or "she" (e.g., "I will come" becomes "He said that he would come").

4. What happens to the word order in reported speech?

The word order generally changes to fit the structure of the reporting sentence. For instance, "She said, 'I will go to the market'" changes to "She said that she would go to the market."

5. How do you report questions?

To report questions, you use reporting verbs like "asked" or "inquired" and change the question format into a statement. For example:

Direct: "Are you coming?"

Reported: "He asked if I was coming."

6. How can Reported Speech Exercises for Class 10 with Answers help improve grammar skills?

Reported Speech Exercises for Class 10 with Answers help improve grammar by teaching students how to change tenses and pronouns when reporting what someone else said. These exercises show how to use verbs like "said" and "asked" correctly, and help students practice turning direct speech into reported speech. By working through these exercises and checking their answers, students can spot and fix common mistakes, which makes their grammar more accurate. Regular practice helps students become better at using correct grammar in writing and speaking, leading to clearer and more effective communication.

7. Do you need to use 'that' in reported speech?

Using "that" is optional but helps clarify the connection between the reporting verb and the reported speech. For example:

"She said, 'I am leaving'" can be reported as "She said that she was leaving" or simply "She said she was leaving."

8. How do you handle time expressions in reported speech?

Time expressions often need to be adjusted to fit the new context. For example:

"Today" changes to "that day," "tomorrow" becomes "the next day," and "yesterday" changes to "the day before."

9. Can you give an example of reporting a statement with a modal verb?

Yes. For instance, if someone says, "I can swim," it becomes "He said that he could swim" in reported speech.

10. Are there exceptions to changing tenses in reported speech?

Yes, if the reporting verb is in the present, or if the information remains true regardless of time, the tense might not change. For example:

"She says, 'I am tired'" remains, "She says that she is tired" in reported speech because the reporting verb is in the present.

Reported speech: questions

Marta Dominguez Bernabe

Sentence rephrasing to practice reported questions

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