English Grammar Test English Grammar Reported Speech 2

Question 1

She said, 'I have never been to Paris.' What is the reported speech?

Accepted Answer

She said that she had never been to Paris.

Answer

Present perfect 'have been' shifts to past perfect 'had been' in reported speech.

Question 2

He asked, 'Will you help me?' What is the reported speech?

Accepted Answer

He asked whether I would help him.

Answer

'Will' backshifts to 'would' and yes/no questions use 'if' or 'whether' in reported speech.

Question 3

They announced, 'The meeting starts at noon.' Which reported version is correct?

Accepted Answer

Both B and C are correct.

Answer

Both backshifted past simple and 'would' forms are acceptable for reporting a scheduled future event.

Question 4

Mom said, 'Don't touch the stove!' What is the reported speech?

Accepted Answer

Mom told me not to touch the stove.

Answer

Negative imperatives become 'told + object + not + to-infinitive' in reported speech.

Question 5

She said, 'I am waiting for the bus.' What is the reported speech?

Accepted Answer

She said that she was waiting for the bus.

Answer

Present continuous 'am waiting' backshifts to past continuous 'was waiting' in reported speech.

English Grammar Test Practice Test