EXERCISES ON REPORTED SPEECH
Exercise 1. Complete the following sentences with either say or tell in the correct form.
1. They ______ to us that they would come to visit in two weeks time.
2. She ______ that she would be a little late for the meeting.
3. He ______ me that he was broke but I knew he was lying.
4. I ______ good morning to you three times today and you didnt answer, he _____.
5. Sorry, I cant _____ you the way to the bus station because Im a stranger here myself.
6. My Granny always ______ prayers before she goes to sleep.
7. She didnt want to ______ him the truth about what had happened that night.
8. He ______ hed be back the next week, but I never saw him again.
9. Do you have anything to ______? the judge asked the accused man.
10. If you knew you were going to be late, why didnt you ______ me?
11. The offer was so good that I couldnt ______ no.
12. My grandmother used to ______ us exciting stories before we went to bed.
13. The two sisters look so much alike that you can hardly ______ the difference between them.
14. He rose to his feet, ______ a few words and sat down again.
15. I wish youd listen to what Im ______ you, Mum ______ to me.
16. I wasnt sure what had happened so I ______ nothing to either of them.
17. You ______ me you liked Julia. I never ______ that!
18. How do you ______ your name in Japanese?
19. Every time I ask you to do something, you always ______ youre too busy, Mum ______ me.
20. I think we should ______ him what do you ______?
Exercise 2. Turn the following statements into reported speech.
1. Im glad you are here now, Jane, he said.
2. Theres still time for us to get to the cinema before the film starts, she said to her children.
3. Ill call you back as soon as Ive settled the children for the night, Kate told me.
4. Its time he left home and found a house of his own, John said.
5. The chairman told the audience: Weve overrun our time, so I think we should stop now.
6. Im busy tomorrow, but Ive got nothing on the day after, he told his wife.
7. Its amazing nobody was injured because the two buses collided head on, the policeman said to the newspaper reporter.
8. I must be getting old those few steps have left me out of breath, the old man said.
9. Its no colder today than it was yesterday but its no warmer either, my husband said.
10. Weve had no news of them since they left for Australia, our neighbours told us.
11. I hope youre not planning to borrow my car tonight, Father said to me.
12. One day I hope Ill be able to do as much for you, Paul, as youve done for me, Tom said.
13. Weve bought a new house, but itll need a lot of work before we can move into it, they told him.
14. I feel that learning English will help my chances of promotion at work, my friend said.
15. Its good you checked the door, dear I forgot to lock it, she said to her daughter.
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16. If I can get out of going to the meeting tonight, I will, Lisa told me.
17. I can give you an explanation for why Im late, Joe told the teacher.
18. I really need a break, so Im counting on getting away for a few days next week, she told her husband.
19. If my eyesight falls, Ill have to stop doing this job, Dad said.
20. Im sorry, Phillip, but I think youre wrong when you say she did it deliberately, he said.
Exercise 3. Turn the following questions into reported speech.
1. What do you like most about your new job, Sally? Molly asked.
2. Do you think youll be able to get here tomorrow? I asked my friend.
3. Shall we go straight to the party or stop off at a pub first? he asked his friends.
4. Why is Helen training to be a teacher when she doesnt even like children? Cathy asked me.
5. Have you got your test results yet? my parents asked me.
6. Which of your many outfits are you wearing tonight? I asked Christine.
7. Is there anything in your past life that you regret, Granny? Tom asked.
8. Can you recall what happened last night, sir? the interrogator asked the man.
9. When you said we should eat out, did you have a particular restaurant in mind? my wife asked me.
10. Are there any good films on at the cinema this week? Mother asked me.
11. What do you think Fred will say the next time that happens? I asked my husband.
12. Is there any way that I can help, madam? the man asked.
13. What will you do if you dont go away for the weekend, Fred? I asked.
14. Did you hear that Ive started smoking again? Tim asked Jack.
15. How did she react when you told her you were leaving, Paul? Sam asked.
16. Is there a direct train to Edinburgh or do we have to change? my friend asked me.
17. Why does nobody ever laugh at my jokes? Father asked us.
18. Can I take your order now or would you like to have a drink first? the waiter asked us.
19. What do you think youll be doing this time next year, Liz? my classmate asked me.
20. Do you know how many people are coming to the party? Sue asked her boyfriend.
