Reported Statements worksheet
Backshift, say vs tell, time expressions
The rule
Backshift: present→past, will→would, can→could, must→had to. 'tell' needs an object; 'say' does not.
4 exercises · 40 questions · answer key on the last page
What is on the sheet
Choose the backshifted verb
EasyChoose the correct backshifted verb.
'I live in Paris.' → She said she ___ in Paris.
Said or Told?
MediumChoose 'said' or 'told'. Tell needs an object.
She ___ that she was tired.
Write the reported statement
HardWrite the reported clause only.
'I work in hospital.' → He said he ___.
Full reported sentences
HarderWrite the complete reported speech sentence.
Direct: 'I live here.' (She / said)
Using this in class
Print as many copies as you need. There is a name and date line at the top, the exercises run over the first pages, and the answer key sits on its own page at the end, so you can keep it or hand it out. No attribution required, no account needed.
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