STATEMENTSWHEN TRANSFORMING STATEMENTS, CHECK WHETHER YOU HAVE TO CHANGE

1. Statements

When transforming statements, check whether you have to change:



pronouns



present tense verbs (3rd person singular)



place and time expressions



tenses (backshift)

Type

Example

direct speech

“I speak English.”

reported speech

(no backshift)

He says that he speaks English.

He said that he spoke English.

(backshift)