Before you look at this lesson, make sure you've checked out part 1 and part 2 of this GrammarReminder series to review the rules and see the first set of examples.
In this lesson, take note of how the past perfect tense doesn't change when you report what someone said. Also notice how can becomes could, may becomes might, and how an imperative (a command) becomes an infinitive.
like this:
Sally said, "I had already eaten lunch when they finally arrived."
Reported Speech: I spoke to Sally, and she said that she had already eaten lunch when they finally arrived.
Sally said, "I can never depend on them to be on time."
Reported Speech: She said she could never depend on them to be on time.
Sally said: "I may not go to their party, after all."
Reported Speech: She told me she might not go to their party, after all.
Sally said, "Let me know if you decide to go to Montreal; I may go with you."
Reported Speech: She said to let her know if I decided to go to Montreal because she might go with me.
Stay tuned for part 4 to review how to report questions. For now, why not sign up for our email updates? Simply type in your email address on the right margin and start getting our lessons in your inbox. Simple!
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