Reporting what people said
Objective: Report statements using common changes in tense and pronouns.
Explanation
After a past reporting verb, the original tense often moves one step back. Use tell with an object and say without one.
Examples
- He said that he was tired.
- She told me that she could not come.
- They said that they were working.
Practice
Choose the correct answer.
Tom said, "I am tired." Tom said that he ___.
Practice
Choose the correct answer.
Anna said, "I cannot come." Anna said that she ___.
Practice
Choose the correct answer.
They said, "We are working." They said that they ___.