In reported speech, the verb can change ‘one tense back’. This often emphasises that what you are reporting is not a fact, but it’s just what someone said. Compare these examples: “I’m married.” He told me he’s married. or He told me he was married. “I’ve been to Guatemala.” She said she’s been to Guatemala. or She said she’d been to Guatemala. “The figures are wrong.” They explained that the figures are wrong. or They explained that the figures were wrong. “I needed to see my brother.” He explained that he needed to see his brother. or He explained that he had needed to see his brother. Note: Pronouns and adverbs of time / place also change: pronouns this, these that, those adverbs of time today / tonight yesterday tomorrow last week next week that day / night the day before the day after the week before the week after adverbs of place here there Practice 1 C omplete sentences 1–7 reporting Anna and Bill’s conversation. Anna: (1) Do you know how to cook this soup? Bill: Yeah, (2) I make it all the time! Anna: (3) Can you help me? Bill: (4) Yes, of course. I’ll make it, if you like. Anna: Oh thanks. (5) But I’d like to know how to do it. Maybe we could do it together. Bill: (6) Yeah, of course. So, first of all, you chop the veg. (7) Can you do that? 1 2 Bill said that he 3 Anna asked him 4 He offered 5 Anna said 6 They agreed 7 Then Bill asked Anna 2 Turn sentences 1–6 into reported speech. 1 The IT manager said, “We developed new computer software last month to catch email liars.” 2 The Head of Personnel announced, “My new PA will start work next week.” Anna asked Bill how to cook the soup. 3 The CEO warned, “The new marketing manager has not approved these plans yet.” 4 The tour guide suggested, “Let’s go and see The Sound of Music this evening.” 5 In the past, psychologists claimed, “Women are more talkative than men.” 6 Jo’s superior asked her, “Why didn’t you turn up for the meeting yesterday?” Unit 9 Indirect questions Meaning Indirect questions are more formal and polite than direct questions. You often use them when you talk to strangers or people you don’t know well. You tend to begin a conversation with indirect questions, then continue with direct questions. A: Could you tell me where the nearest bank is? B: Yes, it’s on Grant Street, opposite the train station. A: Thanks. Can I walk there? There are many ways of introducing an indirect question. Some of the most common are: Do you know what time the coach leaves? Could you tell me if you’re free tomorrow afternoon? Could I ask you if you enjoyed the film? I was wondering whether I could borrow your laptop. Form Yes / no questions Direct Do you know her well? Are you waiting for a bus? Have you seen a wallet around here? Indirect Could I ask you if you know her well? Could you tell me whether you’re waiting for a bus? I was wondering if you’ve seen a wallet around here. Wh- questions Direct When’s the next bus? Where’s the nearest cash machine? What’s the time? Indirect Do you know when the next bus is? Do you have any idea where the nearest cash machine is? Could you tell me what the time is? 191 G Grammar reference and practice Nur zu Prüfzwecken – Eigentum des Verlags öbv
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy ODE3MDE=