HiLernity Practice & Tests · B1 Grammar

B1 Reported Speech Statements Test

12 questions · 22 minutes · instant feedback

22:00

British English usage: In reported speech after a past reporting verb, tense backshift is common: present to past, present perfect to past perfect, and will to would. Pronouns and time expressions may also change.

Cambridge Grammar reference: Cambridge notes that backshift is common but not automatic in every context; when the reported information is still true or the reporting verb is present, backshift may be unnecessary.

Source note: HiLernity is independent and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the British Council or Cambridge University Press & Assessment.

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1. She said, ‘I work in a bank.’ → She said that she ___ in a bank.

2. He said, ‘I am tired.’ → He said that he ___ tired.

3. They said, ‘We are leaving.’ → They said that they ___.

4. She said, ‘I have finished.’ → She said that she ___.

5. He said, ‘I will call you.’ → He said that he ___ me.

6. Anna said, ‘I can swim.’ → Anna said that she ___ swim.

7. She said, ‘I saw him.’ → She said that she ___ him.

8. He said, ‘I was working.’ → He said that he ___.

9. Choose the correct report: ‘I live here,’ she said. She said that she lived there. She said that I live here.

10. ‘I will see you tomorrow,’ he said. → He said he would see me ___.

11. ‘I saw her yesterday,’ he said. → He said he had seen her ___.

12. Choose the statement that may reasonably keep the present because it is still true now. The teacher says water boils at 100 degrees. The teacher says water boiled at 100 degrees always.