Reported speech

B2 · Upper Intermediate

Lesson video

Watch the lesson here on Enverson.

Explanation

Explanation · İngilis + Azərbaycan

“Exact words”
She said (that) …

Reported speech (or indirect speech) tells what someone said without quoting every word. It is not the same as direct speech.

AZ
Dolayı nitq (indirect) hər sözü dırnaqda vermədən deyilən məzmunu çatdırır; birbaşa nitqdən fərqlidir.
Əsas cığır
reporting verbthat (optional)clause

Basic pattern

Reporting verbs: said, told, explained, asked, suggested… + that (optional) + clause.

AZ
Hesabat feilləri: said, told, asked… + istəyə bağlı that + cümlə.
  • Direct: “I work in Baku,” she said.
  • Reported: She said (that) she worked in Baku. — tense often shifts back if the reporting verb is past.
AZ
Əgər «dedi» keçmişdürsə, zamanı geri çəkmək (backshift) adətən lazım olur: work → worked.

Common changes

  • Pronouns and time words: here → there, today → that day, tomorrow → the next day.
  • Tense backshift after past reporting: present → past, will → would, can → could (unless the fact is still true).
  • Questions: word order becomes statement order: He asked if/whether I was ready.
  • Commands/requests: He told me to wait.
AZ
Özəvəzliklər və vaxt sözləri dəyişir; sual dolayı nitqdə adətən if/whether və ya sual sözü ilə; əmr/təklif üçün told + to + feil.

Direct speech = exact words in quotes. Reported speech = summary with grammar and reference adjustments.

AZ
Birbaşa = dırnaqdakı sözlər. Dolayı = qrammatik uyğunlaşdırma ilə ötürülmüş məzmun.

Vocabulary

50 söz — ingilis tələffüzü üçün dinlək ikonasına basın; AZ tərcümə üçün düyməyə basın.

concede verb /kənˈsiːd/

To admit, often unwillingly, that something is true or correct.

Example: After a long argument, she finally conceded that she might have been wrong.

confess verb /kənˈfɛs/

To admit that you have done something wrong or something that you feel guilty about.

Example: She finally confessed to stealing the money from her friend's wallet.

confession noun /kənˈfɛʃən/

A statement in which someone admits that they have done something wrong or something they feel guilty about.

Example: She made a full confession to the police about her involvement in the crime.

confine Verb /kənˈfaɪn/

To keep someone or something within limits or in a particular place.

Example: The doctor advised her to confine her activities to avoid further injury.

correspondent noun /ˌkɒrɪˈspɒndənt/

A person who writes letters or reports for a newspaper, television, or radio, often from a particular place.

Example: The foreign correspondent reported live from the scene of the earthquake.

crocodile noun /ˈkrɒk.ə.daɪl/

A large reptile with a long body, strong jaws, and a tough skin, found in rivers and lakes in hot countries.

Example: The guide warned us not to swim in the river because it was home to several crocodiles.

damn verb /dæm/

To condemn someone or something to a fate, often eternal punishment or severe criticism.

Example: The preacher warned that immoral behavior could damn one's soul.

exclaim verb /ɪkˈskleɪm/

To say something suddenly and loudly, often because of surprise, excitement, or emotion.

Example: "She exclaims in delight every time she sees her favorite actor on TV."

honorable/honourable adjective /ˈɒnɚəbəl/

Deserving respect or high regard for being honest and having strong moral principles.

Example: It is considered honorable to admit your mistakes and take responsibility for them.

lawsuit noun /ˈlɔˌsuːt/

A legal case brought to a court by someone who wants to claim money or another remedy from another party.

Example: The company filed a lawsuit against its competitor for stealing its designs.

motorist noun /ˈməʊtərɪst/

A person who drives a car.

Example: Motorists are advised to drive carefully during heavy rain to avoid accidents.

newsworthy adjective /ˈnuːzˌwɜːrði/

Describing something that is interesting or important enough to be reported in the news.

Example: The journalist spent hours deciding if the story was newsworthy enough to publish.

openly adverb /ˈoʊ.pən.li/

In a way that is honest and not hidden, showing feelings or opinions clearly.

Example: She openly admitted that she had made a mistake.

overemphasize verb /ˌoʊvərˈɛmfəsaɪz/

To give something too much importance or attention.

Example: The teacher warned us not to overemphasize small mistakes when writing essays.

recommendable adjective /ˌrɛkəˈmɛndəbəl/

Worthy of being suggested or advised as suitable or appropriate.

Example: This restaurant is highly recommendable for anyone who enjoys Italian cuisine.

refute verb /ɹɪˈfjut/

To say or prove that something is not true or correct.

Example: She was able to refute the claims made against her with clear evidence.

stern adjective /stɜːn/

strict, serious, or showing disapproval.

Example: The teacher gave the students a stern warning about being late to class.

sue verb /su/

To take legal action against someone in a court of law, usually to claim money for harm caused.

Example: She decided to sue the company for unfair dismissal.

surrender noun /səˈrɛndər/

The act of giving up control or admitting defeat.

Example: The enemy's surrender marked the end of the war.

unashamedly adverb /ˌʌnəˈʃeɪmɪdli/

In a way that shows no embarrassment or guilt about something, even if it might be considered wrong or unusual.

Example: She unashamedly admitted that she loved watching reality TV shows.

venture verb /ˈvɛntʃər/

To go somewhere or do something that involves risk or uncertainty.

Example: She decided to venture into the forest despite the warnings.

artistry noun /ˈɑːɹtɪstɹi/

skill or creativity in producing art or something beautiful.

Example: The dancer's performance showed incredible artistry and grace.

ash noun /æʃ/

The soft gray or black powder that remains after something, especially wood or coal, has burned.

Example: After the fire was extinguished, the ground was covered in ash.

aspiration noun /ˌæspəˈreɪʃən/

A strong desire to achieve something or to succeed in something.

Example: She has an aspiration to become a successful doctor in the future.

aspire verb /əˈspaɪɚ/

To have a strong desire to achieve or become something.

Example: She aspires to become a successful architect in the future.

assault verb /əˈsɔlt/

To attack someone violently.

Example: The soldiers were ordered to assault the enemy's position at dawn.

assert verb /əˈsɝt/

To state something confidently and firmly as true.

Example: She asserted her opinion during the meeting, even though others disagreed.

assess verb /əˈsɛs/

To carefully judge or evaluate the quality, importance, or value of something.

Example: The teacher will assess the students' projects based on creativity and effort.

assessment noun /əˈsɛsmənt/

The process of judging or evaluating something, often to determine its value, quality, or importance.

Example: The teacher gave us an assessment to check how well we understood the topic.

assumption noun /əˈsʌmpʃən/

Something that is accepted as true or as certain to happen, without proof.

Example: Many decisions were made based on the assumption that the project would succeed.

assurance noun /əˈʃʊrəns/

A feeling of confidence or certainty about something.

Example: She gave me her assurance that the project would be completed on time.

assure verb /əˈʃʊr/

To tell someone confidently that something is true, especially so that they do not worry.

Example: She assured me that the project would be completed on time.

astonish verb /əˈstɑnɪʃ/

To surprise someone very much or make them feel very impressed.

Example: Her ability to speak six languages fluently never fails to astonish me.

astonished adjective /əˈstɑnɪʃt/

Very surprised or amazed by something unexpected.

Example: She was astonished to see how much her hometown had changed over the years.

astonishing adjective /əˈstɒnɪʃɪŋ/

Very surprising or impressive in a way that is difficult to believe.

Example: The view from the top of the mountain was absolutely astonishing.

astonishment noun /əˈstɒnɪʃmənt/

A feeling of great surprise or amazement.

Example: To her astonishment, the package arrived earlier than expected.

astronomy noun /əˈstrɒnəmi/

The scientific study of stars, planets, and other objects in outer space.

Example: She has always been interested in astronomy and spends hours looking at the stars through her telescope.

athletics noun /æθˈlɛtɪks/

physical activities or sports, especially those that involve running, jumping, or throwing.

Example: She has always been interested in athletics and competes in track and field events.

attached adjective /əˈtætʃt/

feeling close to someone or something emotionally, or connected to something physically.

Example: She felt very attached to her childhood home and didn’t want to leave it.

attainable adjective /əˈteɪnəbl̩/

Possible to achieve or accomplish.

Example: With hard work and determination, most goals are attainable.

attainment noun /əˈteɪnmənt/

The act of achieving something, especially after working hard for it.

Example: Her attainment of a university degree was a result of years of dedication and effort.

attendance noun /əˈtɛndəns/

The act of being present at a place, such as an event, meeting, or school.

Example: The teacher took attendance at the beginning of the class to see who was present.

attentive adjective /əˈtɛntɪv/

Paying close attention to something or being considerate and helpful to others.

Example: The teacher was very attentive to the needs of her students, making sure everyone understood the lesson.

attentively adverb /əˈtɛntɪvli/

In a way that shows you are listening to or watching something carefully and with interest.

Example: The students listened attentively to the teacher's explanation.

attractiveness noun /əˈtræktɪvnəs/

The quality of being appealing or pleasing to look at or think about.

Example: The attractiveness of the city lies in its beautiful architecture and vibrant culture.

attribute verb /ætrɪbjuːt/

To say that something is caused by or is the result of something else.

Example: She attributes her success to hard work and determination.

attribute verb /ætrɪbjuːt/

To say that something is the result of a particular cause or to believe that something belongs to or is caused by someone or something.

Example: She attributes her success to hard work and dedication.

atypical adjective /ˌeɪˈtɪpɪkəl/

Not typical or usual; different from what is normal or expected.

Example: Her reaction to the news was quite atypical compared to how others responded.

aubergine noun /ˈəʊbəʒiːn/

A dark purple vegetable with smooth skin, also known as eggplant in American English.

Example: She prepared a delicious dish using grilled aubergine and fresh herbs.

audit verb /ˈɔːdɪt/

To examine financial records or processes officially to ensure they are accurate and follow the rules.

Example: The accountant was hired to audit the firm's accounts for the last year.

Practice sentences

Əvvəlcə Azərbaycan dilindəki cümləni oxuyun; ingilis dilindəki qarşılığını görmək üçün düyməyə basın.

AZ EN

O dedi ki, gecikəcək.

Mənə dedilər ki, görüş ləğv olunub.

O, soruşdu biz harada yaşadığımızı.

Dolayı nitqdə zamanlar tez-tez geri çəkilir.

“Say” və “tell” fərqli strukturlar tələb edir.

O, mənə kömək edəcəyini vəd etdi.

Bizə xəbər verdilər ki, qapı bağlıdır.

Sual dolayı nitqdə “if” və ya sual sözü ilə gedir.

Əmr forması “to” ilə dolayı nitqə keçir.

Həqiqət hələ də doğrudursa, zaman dəyişməyə bilər.

Reading task

Mətni oxuyun və suallara cavab verin.

Reading: Reported speech

Yesterday, my friend told me that she had finished her homework. My teacher explained that we would have a test next week. My father said that I should help my mother in the kitchen. My brother mentioned that he had seen an interesting movie yesterday. My mother told me not to forget to water the plants. Later, my friend said that she could join me for a walk in the park. Reported speech helps me remember what people said without repeating their exact words, which is useful in conversations.

Dostum ev tapşırığı haqqında nə dedi?

Atam mənə hansı məsləhəti verdi?

Qardaşım nəyi qeyd etdi?

Writing task

Son günlərdə eşitdiyiniz sözləri başqasına nəql edin.

Tapşırıq

  • reported speech (he/she said, told, mentioned)
  • nə söyləndi, kim söylədi
  • keçmiş hadisələr

Clicking will open ChatGPT in a new tab with your task + answer (prompt is also copied).

Quick quiz

Tap an answer — you’ll see right away if it’s correct.

0 / 3

Direct: “I work in Baku.” Reported (past): She said that she _____.

Report a yes/no question: “Are you ready?” → He asked _____.

“He told me _____.” (wait)

Lesson complete — great job!

Danışığınızdakı səhvləri görmək, danışıq praktikası etmək və səlisləşdirmək üçün Enverson AI tətbiqi yükləyə bilərsiniz.

Yüklə

Topics