The Grammaring Guide to English Grammar with Exercises

Answer key: indirect speech

Answer key - Indirect speech - Exercise 1

When I asked him about the debt, he didn't say a word.

Can you tell me what happened?

Jasmine said she would be back soon.

I asked Mia if she wanted to join us.

Did they say what time the ceremony began?

You mustn't tell lies. You must always tell the truth.

Could you say it a bit louder? I can't hear well.

Linda said to me that she was sorry.

Why did you ask what my blood type was?

You mustn't tell anyone that you've spoken to me.

Answer key - Indirect speech - Exercise 2

I have no idea why he is shouting.

Do you know if/whether Carol likes chocolate?

I can't remember if/whether I told you about the decision.

Why don't you ask the shop assistant how much that coat is?

Who can tell me what this word means?

I can't remember who wrote War and Peace.

I wonder where she found cranberries in January.

May I ask you what the purpose of your visit is?

Could you tell me if there is a bank near here?

I wish I knew where he lives.

Answer key - Indirect speech - Exercise 3

Sarah admitted (to) breaking the Ming vase.

Can you tell me what you are doing here?

Correct.

Paul said he would arrive the following day.

Correct.

Don't worry. I didn't tell him anything.

Correct.

Correct.

The professor didn't remember we had met earlier.

David was accused of shoplifting.

Answer key - Indirect speech - Exercise 4

I asked the operator where I had to write my client number.

Eric said, "We passed this same road sign two hours ago."

The patient said that he/she is not taking any medications (now). (the reported words are still true)

The patient said that he/she was not taking any medications (then). (the reported words are out-of-date)

She told me that she had last spoken to Matt yesterday. (reported on the same day)

She told me that she had last spoken to Matt the day before / the previous day. (reported later)

They said, "We may/might be late."

Niels asked me if I had ever been to Denmark.

He said he can't come tonight. (reported on the same day)

He said he couldn't come last night. (reported on the following day)

He said he couldn't come that night. (reported later)

I asked, "Matteo, what are you doing here on your own?"

She said the team should meet there the next/following day.

Mike said, "I will call you back next week."

Answer key - Indirect speech - Exercise 5

Can I ask you if you have any brothers or sisters?

Do you know if there is a good restaurant near where you live?

Could you tell me what the time is?

Do you mind if I ask where you bought your shoes?

Can I ask you if you go to the gym regularly?

Can you tell me what your five favourite movies are?

Would you mind telling me which area of grammar is the most difficult for you?

Do you remember how long you have been learning English?

Will you tell me when your birthday is?

I wonder if you can play chess.