Unit Cae 11 Reported Speech

Question 1

• When we report what someone said, we tend to change the verb tense, which is called backshift
• personal pronouns , démonstratives and other references to the here and now may also change

Answer 1

I’ve seen a bank clerk wearing a nose ring. She said that she would seen a bank clerk wearing a nose ring.

I will be arriving at your house at 10 tomorrow. She said that she would be arriving at my house at 10 the next day.

Question 2

Most modal verbs do not usually change but can changes to could and will changes to would.

Answer 2

You must dress professionally at all times
He told us we must dress professionally at all times

You should have a dress code.
She suggested that we should have a dress code.

I can pay cash
He said he could pay cash

I’love pay by credit card
He said he would pay by credit card

Question 3

When sthg is reported that is a general truth, or if the situation has not changed yet, there is often no tense change.

Answer 3

Darker clothes look smarter
She said that darker clothes look smarter

I want to be a dress designer when I grow up
My neighbour’s four years old told me she wants to be a dress designer when she grows up

Question 4

In reported questions, the subject usually comes before the verb. The auxiliaries do, does and did are only used in negative reported questions

Yes/no questions are report ed with if or whether. Questions mark are not used in reported questions.

Answer 4

Which suit do you prefer
She asked (me) which suit I preferred

Why don't you like shopping
He asked (me) why I didn't like shopping

Could you help me choose some new shoes.
She asked (me) if / whether I could help her choose some new shoes

Question 5

We can use a wide variety of verbs to introduce reported information
Different verb are followed by different structures.

That may be omitted after many reporting verbs

Answer 5

Advise + object+ to + infinitive
She advised us to check the contract carefully

Agree+ (that) + to + infinitive
He agreed ( that) our money would be refunded
He agreed to refund our money

ask+ if/whether
ask+ to+ infinitive
we asked if we could have more training
We asked to have more training

Question 6

complain+ that
He complained that the service was very slow

Deny + ( that)
Deny + ing
She denied ( that) she had taken the credit card
She denied taking the credit card

Answer 6

Insist + ( that)
Insist + on+ ing
He insisted (that) we stay at his house
He insisted on our staying at his house

Invite+ object+ to+ infinitive
She invited us to visit any time

Offer+ to+ infinitive
They have offered to help

Question 7

Promise +(that)
Promise + to+ infinitive
The management has promised (that) training will be provided
The management has promised to provide training

Recommend + (that)
Recommend + ing
I recommend (that ) you book well in advance
I recommend booking well in advance

Answer 7

Regret + ( that)
Regret + ing
He regrets ( that ) he won’t be able to attend the ceremony
He regrets not being able to attend the ceremony

Say + ( that)
The manager said ( that) we should arrange an appointment

Question 8

Suggest + object + ( that)
Suggest + ing
She suggested (that) I (should) buy the black jeans
She suggested buying the black jeans

Tell+ object + ( that)
Tell + object + to+ infinitive
His sister told him ( that) he should get a job
His sister told him to get a job

Answer 8

Threaten + ( that)
Threaten + to+ infinitive
The bank manager threatened (that) she would take away my credit card
The bank manager threatened to take away my credit card