Grammar Lessons

Reported Speech

Conversations & What People Say

Reported speech lets you relay what someone said, asked, or thought — without quoting them directly. It's essential for storytelling, gossip, giving advice, and professional communication.

Upper Intermediate · B2 Lesson ready

Grammar Focus

Reporting statements, questions, and instructions.

Tense backshift

When reporting past speech, the tense usually shifts back one step. Pronouns and time expressions also change.

said She said (that) + shifted tense — "I'm tired." → She said she was tired.

told He told me (that) + shifted tense — He told me he had already spoken up.

asked She asked if/whether + shifted tense — "Are you coming?" → She asked if I was coming.

asked He asked + wh-word + shifted tense — "What do you think?" → He asked what I thought.

Reporting verbs

said / told

Neutral reporting of a statement.

"She told me she had opened up about it."

suggested / admitted / claimed

Adds meaning — what kind of speech it was.

"He admitted he had let on more than he meant to."

warned / advised / encouraged

For reporting instructions or recommendations.

"She advised me to talk it through with someone."

Vocabulary in Context

Six phrasal verbs for conversations, honesty, and communication. Each example uses reported speech.

open up

Meaning

To start talking honestly about feelings or personal experiences — often about something difficult.

Example

"She told me she had finally opened up to her family about how she was feeling."

Conversation questions

Is it easy for you to open up about personal things? Who do you find it easiest to open up to?
Has someone ever opened up to you in a way that surprised you?

speak out

Meaning

To say something publicly or firmly, especially to express disagreement or challenge something wrong.

Example

"He said he had spoken out against the decision, but nobody had listened."

Conversation questions

Have you ever spoken out about something you felt strongly about? What happened?
Why do you think some people are afraid to speak out even when they know something is wrong?

bring up

Meaning

To introduce a topic into a conversation — especially one that might be sensitive.

Example

"She said she hadn't brought up the issue because she was worried about the reaction."

Conversation questions

Is there something you've been wanting to bring up with someone but haven't found the right moment?
How do you bring up a sensitive topic with someone without causing a conflict?

talk through

Meaning

To discuss something in detail — especially to understand it better or find a solution.

Example

"My manager told me she wanted to talk through the situation before making any decisions."

Conversation questions

When you face a difficult decision, do you prefer to talk it through or think it through alone?
Have you ever talked through a problem with someone and found the answer just by speaking?

let on

Meaning

To reveal information — often accidentally or when you shouldn't.

Example

"He admitted he had let on more than he intended — he hadn't meant to say so much."

Conversation questions

Have you ever let on something by accident — about yourself or about someone else?
Do you think people always know when someone is letting on less than the full truth?

pass on

Meaning

To give or communicate information, a message, or advice to someone else.

Example

"She told me she had passed on the advice her mentor had given her years ago."

Conversation questions

What's the best piece of advice you've ever been given — and have you passed it on to anyone?
Is there something you'd like to pass on to the next generation — a value, a lesson, a warning?

Conversation Practice

Questions grouped by theme. Tell stories using reported speech — she said, he told me, they asked whether — and use the reporting verbs from the grammar section above.

Advice You've Received

What's the most memorable piece of advice someone has given you? Report exactly what they said.
Has a teacher or mentor ever told you something that changed the way you think?
Has anyone ever warned you about something that you ignored — and later wished you hadn't?

Difficult Conversations

Tell me about a time when someone said something to you that was hard to hear — but turned out to be true.
Have you ever had to bring up something difficult with a friend or colleague? How did the conversation go?
Has someone ever opened up to you about something serious? How did you respond?

Things People Say

Is there something people often say about you — that you agree or disagree with?
What's something a parent or grandparent used to say that you now understand differently?
Has anyone ever said something to you that you've never forgotten? What was it?