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Reported Speech and Reporting Verb Patterns

B2-C1 Level

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Question 1

Complete the sentence using the words in brackets.

On Monday, Ava told me, “Please send the revised estimate to me.” I am reporting her request to another team: Ava asked me (send) the revised estimate to her.

Grammar review

When you relay a decision or request, keep track of who spoke, who should act and when it happened. Some gaps complete a report clause already started for you. Others need an infinitive or an -ing phrase after the reporting verb.

Compare asked us to wait, promised to investigate and suggested waiting. The reporting verb determines the pattern. For time changes, read the dates in both the original words and the report. Backshift is useful, but it is not automatic: where a shifted and an unshifted version both preserve the stated timeline, both are accepted.

What to check

Reporting verb → check its complement pattern | Report clause → preserve speaker, meaning and timeline

1.She offered to investigate the delay.
2.They recommended checking the figures.
3.He said the meeting had ended.

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💡 Tips for Success

•Check who spoke, who was addressed and when the event happened.
•Reporting verbs use different patterns: some take a to-infinitive, some a person plus a to-infinitive, and others an -ing clause.
•Backshift is common after a past reporting verb, but a clear timeline or current relevance can allow an unshifted report.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I always change a past tense to past perfect?

No. A dated finished event can sometimes stay in the past simple when the sequence is already clear. This exercise accepts both forms where they preserve the meaning; read each timeline carefully.