Question 1

What is the difference between "say" and "tell" in reported speech?

Accepted Answer

"Say" does not require an object: "He said he was tired." "Tell" requires a person as object: "He told me he was tired." Remember: say something, tell someone something. Never use "say me" or "tell that".

Question 2

How do you use "suggest" and "recommend" in reported speech?

Accepted Answer

"Suggest" and "recommend" can be followed by: 1) gerund: "She suggested going to the park." 2) that + subjunctive (base form): "She suggested that he go to the doctor." 3) that + should: "She recommended that I should apply." Never use infinitive: "suggest to go" is incorrect.

Question 3

How do you report speech with "insist" and "demand"?

Accepted Answer

"Insist" and "demand" use the subjunctive (base verb form) after "that": "He insisted that she be present." Alternatively, use "on + gerund": "He insisted on paying the bill." The subjunctive form looks like the infinitive without "to" for all subjects.

Question 4

What pattern follows "apologize" and "thank" in reported speech?

Accepted Answer

Both "apologize" and "thank" are followed by "for + gerund/noun": "She apologized for being late." "He thanked me for helping." Remember to change pronouns: "Thank you for your help" becomes "He thanked me for my help."

Question 5

How do you use "congratulate" in reported speech?

Accepted Answer

"Congratulate" is followed by "on + gerund/noun" (not "for"): "She congratulated me on passing my exam." Common mistake: "congratulated for" is incorrect. Always use "congratulate someone on something."

Reported Speech Special Cases: Suggest, Recommend, Insist + Subjunctive