Reported Speech

If the reporting verb is in the past, the statement reported is usually changed to
a form of the past.
Direct statement
Im not feeling well.
I made a date with Jim.
I visit my mom every Saturday.
I have planned a trip.
I cant come.
I will be out of town.
I may go out with a friend.
Reported statement
She said (that) she wasnt feeling well.
She said (that) she had made a date with Jim.
He said (that) he visited his mom every Saturday.
He told me (that) he had planned a trip.
He told me (that) he couldnt come.
He told me (that) He would be out of town.
He said (that) he might go out with a friend.

Cindy is having a party. Look at these excuses. Change them into reported
speech. Then compare:

1. Cindy: There is a party on Saturday at my house.

2. Bob: Im leaving town for the weekend.
3. Mary: Ive been invited to a weeding on Saturday.
4. Jim: I promised to help Joanne move.
5. Ana: I cant come because I have the flu.
6. John: Ill be studying for a test all weekend.
7. Susan: I have to meet someone at the airport.
8. David: I may have to work that night.
9. Johnny: I will not purchase that bag.
10. My mom: I have already fed the dogs.
11. Juan: I was fired yesterday.
12. Pedro: My mom was doing the laundry when I left the house.

76
 Reported request
Original Request
Can you visit me tomorrow? Juan asked me to visit him
tomorrow.

77