oxford_guide_to_english_grammar

34
Direct and indirect speech
263 Summary
Introduction to indirect speech • 264
We use direct speech when we repeat someone's words and indirect speech when
we use our own words to report what someone says.
Direct speech: 'I like football,' Emma said.
Indirect speech: Emma said she likes football.
Verbs of reporting • 265
We use verbs of reporting such as say, tell, ask, answer.
Tell, say and ask • 266
Tell takes an indirect object.
Emma told me she likes football.
Changes in indirect speech • 267
We have to make changes to the original words when there are changes in the
situation.
Nick: I won't be at the club next week.
(spoken to you at a cafe a week ago)
You: Nick said he won't be here this week.
(speaking to Polly at the club now)
Here there are changes of person (I he), place (at the club here) and time
(next week this week).
Tenses in indirect speech • 268
We sometimes change the tense of the verb from present to past, especially when
the statement may be untrue or is out of date.
Emma said she liked football, but she never watches it.
Leon said he was tired, so he had a rest.
Reporting questions • 269
In an indirect question we use a question word or if/whether.
I'll ask the assistant how much it costs.
Vicky wants to know if Emma likes football.
Reporting orders, requests, offers etc • 270
We use a pattern with the to-infinitive to report orders and requests.
' Could you fill in the form, please?' They told/asked us to fill in the form.
We can also report offers, suggestions etc.
'I can lend you some money.' Sue offered to lend me some money.