Speaking: The Future of our Planet
Language: reporting verbs
Speaking: Quiz: How eco-friendly are you? click here
http://newsvote.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_depth/sci_tech/2004/climate_change/default.stm
Grammar:
Say or tell?
click here
Reported speech
Indirect Speech (also known as Reported Speech) refers to a sentence reporting what someone has said. It is almost always used in spoken English.
If the reporting verb (i.e. said) is in the past, the reported clause will be in a past form. This form is usually one step back into the past from the original.
For example:
- Simple Present -> past simple
- "My job is interesting!" she said
She said her job was interesting. - "I am currently working on a new play" she said
- She said she was currently working on a new play.
- "I will speak French every day" said our new colleague
- Our new colleague said he would speak French every day.
If simple present, present perfect or the future is used in the reporting verb (i.e. says) the tense is retained. For example:
- She says that her job is interesting.
- She says that she goes to the library each day.
- Our new colleague will say that he speaks French every day.
If reporting a general truth the present tense will be retained or even the future tense can be used. For example:
- She said that her country is very beautiful.
- They said that trust is vital for any business.
- My wife said that she will always love me no matter what.
Practice: click here
Listen to this BBC report and then present back what was said: Bull Power
Aucun commentaire:
Enregistrer un commentaire