Grammar
Anna and Chiara are Chatting using Reported Speech
1. Reporting on Weekend Plans
Anna and Chiara were sitting in their favorite café, catching up about their conversations with their friends from yesterday. Chiara was excited to share what Arianna had told her about the weekend.
‘You won’t believe what Arianna said yesterday!’ Chiara began enthusiastically. ‘She told me she was planning a surprise picnic for tomorrow. She explained that she had already bought all the food and found the perfect spot in the park. Then she added that Marco would be joining us too. She went on to say that we should all meet at her house at 11 AM.’
Anna smiled and replied, ‘That’s funny because I just spoke to Simona yesterday too. She told me she was thinking about suggesting a picnic! She said she wasn’t sure about the weather though. She explained that she had checked three different weather apps. Then she added that she would call Arianna to coordinate plans.’
Key Terms
saidused to report someone’s words without specifying who was toldtold meused to report someone’s words when specifying the listenerexplained thatused to report detailed information or clarificationsadded thatused to report additional informationwent on to say thatused to report further continuation of speech
2. Understanding Reported Speech Patterns
✓ Notice how the friends report past conversations:
Direct: Arianna: ‘I’m planning a surprise picnic.’
Reported: Chiara: ‘She told me she was planning a surprise picnic.’
✓ Time expressions sometimes change in reported speech – particulalry if ‘tomorrow’ isn’t tomorrow anymore when you report:
Direct: ‘We should meet tomorrow.’ [02 June]
Reported: ‘She said we should meet the next day.’ [reported on o5 June]
✓ Reporting verbs help show the flow of conversation:
– Use said for general reporting
– Use told me when mentioning who received the information
– Use explained that for detailed information
– Use added that for extra points
– Use went on to say that for continuing thoughts
💬 Typical Conversations
Reporting Weekend Plans
Anna and Chiara continue their conversation, reporting what their friends said
Chiara: “Arianna told me she wanted to bring her new camera to the picnic.”Anna: “Oh really? Simona said she was hoping to take some photos too!”Chiara: “Arianna explained that she’s been taking a photography course.”Anna: “That’s interesting! Simona went on to say that she’d love to learn photography.”Chiara: “Arianna added that she could teach us all some basics tomorrow.”
📝 Key Vocabulary Recap
said→basic reporting verb for statementstold me→reporting verb specifying the listenerexplained that→reporting verb for detailed informationadded that→reporting verb for additional informationwent on to say that→reporting verb for continued speech