Reported speech

Direct speech is the exact words someone said. We use quotation marks in direct speech.

Reported speech is the exact meaning of what someone said, but not the exact words. We do not use quotation marks in reported speech. The word that can either be used or omitted after the introductory verb (say, tell, …)

Say-tell

1. Say + no personal object

Sarah said that she was afraid of thunderstorms.

1. Say + to+ personal object

Sarah said to me that she was afraid of thunderstorms.

1. Tell+ personal object

Sarah told me that she was afraid of thunderstorms.

1. We use say+ to -infinitive but never say about. We use tell sb, speak/ talk about.

Our teacher said to recycle our empty bottles. She told us/spoke/talked about helping endangered species.