Reported speech: statements, commands and requests
We use reported speech to tell what someone said. For statements use said that or told + object + that, and note that said me and told that are wrong. Move the verb one step back: the present simple becomes the past simple, the present continuous becomes the past continuous, the present perfect and the past simple become the past perfect, will becomes would and can becomes could. Change the pronouns and the time words: I becomes he or she, my becomes his or her, today becomes that day, tomorrow becomes the next day, now becomes then and yesterday becomes the day before. That is optional after said. For commands use told + object + to + the base verb; for polite requests with please use asked + object + to + the base verb; for a negative use not to, and use warned for a danger. Your book has the details on pages 29 to 31; our table adds the changes that its box leaves out.
| Direct speech | Reported speech | What changes |
|---|---|---|
| “I work in the lab.” | She said that she worked in the lab. | present simple to past simple |
| “I am fixing it.” | He said that he was fixing it. | present continuous to past continuous |
| “I will call you tomorrow.” | She said that she would call me the next day. | will to would; tomorrow to the next day |
| “Press the green button.” | He told me to press the green button. | told + object + to + verb |
| “Please plug in the cable.” | She asked me to plug in the cable. | asked + object + to + verb |
| “Do not touch the wires.” | He told us not to touch the wires. | told + object + not to + verb |
The library scanner is easy to use if you follow four steps. First, switch it on and wait until the green light stays on. Then lift the lid and put your page face down on the glass. Next, press the start button and wait for the sound. Finally, save the file in your class folder. Remember to keep your fingers away from the lid when you close it, and never leave your bag on the glass. After you finish, switch the scanner off. Now you have a clear copy.
Report and write. Write your own process description of 70 to 90 words about a machine you know, such as a kettle. Then report three instructions from a grown-up with told me to, asked me to and warned me not to.