English Grammar Exercises: Reported Speech 2

Exercise 1   

Here are some things that Sarah said to you:

I’ve never been to the United States.

I don’t have any brothers or sisters.

I can’t drive.

I don’t like fish.

Jane has a very well-paid job.

I’m working tomorrow evening.

Jane is a friend of mine.

Dave is lazy.

But later Sarah says something different to you. What do you say?

Exercise 2   

Complete the sentences with say or tell (in the correct form). Use only one word each time.

1   Ann ……………………. goodbye to me and left.

2   ……………………. us about your holiday. Did you have a nice time?

3   Don’t just stand there! ……………………. something!

4   I wonder where Sue is. She ……………………. she would be here at 8 o’clock.

5   Dan ……………………. me that he was bored with his job.

6   The doctor ……………………. that I should rest for at least a week.

7   Don’t ……………………. anybody what I ……………………. it’s a secret just between us.

8   ‘Did she ……………………. you what happened?’ ‘No, she didn’t ……………………. anything to me.’

9   Gary couldn’t help me. He ……………………. me to ask Chris.

10   Gary couldn’t help me. He ……………………. to ask Chris.

Exercise 3   

The following sentences are direct speech:

Don’t wait for me if I’m late.

Mind your own business.

Don’t worry, Sue.

Please slow down!

Can you open your bag, please?

Could you get me a paper?

Hurry up!

Will you marry me?

Do you think you could give me a hand, Tom?

Now choose one of these to complete each of the sentences below. Use reported speech.

1   Will was taking a long time to get ready, so I …………………….

2   Sarah was driving too fast, so I asked …………………….

3   Sue was nervous about the situation. I told …………………….

4   I couldn’t move the piano alone, so I …………………….

5   The security guard looked at me suspiciously and …………………….

6   Tom was going to the shop, so I …………………….

7   The man started asking me personal questions, so I …………………….

8   John was in love with Marianne, so he …………………….

9   I didn’t want to delay Helen, so I …………………….