Topic Explanation and Use
Core idea
Reporting grammar is about repeating an idea accurately in a new sentence.
Reporting structures let you repeat what someone said, thought, asked, or concluded. The challenge is choosing the right reporting verb and keeping the grammar after it accurate.
Use reporting grammar when you summarize other people's words or ideas. This is common in speaking, writing, and source-based tasks.
At C1 level, use this structure for precision and logic, not for decorative complexity.
Use it here
- Choose the reporting verb from the meaning: say, tell, explain, ask, suggest, or report.
- Check whether the structure after the reporting verb needs that, whether, or a wh-clause.
- Shift tense only when the timeline and context require it.
Watch it work
Remember this
- Choose the reporting verb from the meaning you want.
- Check the clause pattern the reporting verb needs after it.
- Keep normal statement order inside reported clauses and reported questions.
- Shift tense only when the timeline really calls for it.
- Make sure the reported version still matches the original idea accurately.
Real-World Examples with Reporting What Others Said
Example 1
Too weakThe witness said me that the road was closed.
BetterThe witness told me that the road was closed.
This correction matches the intended meaning and keeps Reporting What Others Said natural.
Example 2
Too weakShe explained that why the original plan had failed.
BetterShe explained why the original plan had failed.
This version sounds more natural because Reporting What Others Said fits the sentence clearly.
Common Errors with Reporting What Others Said
Common problem 1
choosing the wrong reporting verb or clause pattern after it
WeakThe witness said me that the road was closed.
StrongThe witness told me that the road was closed.
Fix: match the reporting verb to the message, then use the clause pattern it actually needs
Common problem 2
using say with an indirect object
WeakThe officer said us that the road was closed.
StrongThe officer told us that the road was closed.
Fix: use tell when the listener is named directly
Common problem 3
keeping direct-question word order inside a reported question
WeakShe asked where was the nearest station.
StrongShe asked where the nearest station was.
Fix: reported questions use statement order, not direct-question order
Interactive Practice Lab
Practice
First notice the right form. Then build it yourself. Then fix it in a full sentence.
Score: 0/4
Read for meaning first. If the meaning changes, the grammar usually has to change too.
1. Quick pick
Choose the stronger sentence for Reporting What Others Said.
2. Build it
Put this Reporting What Others Said sentence in the correct order.
Tap a chunk to move it down. Tap it again to send it back.
3. Type the fix
Rewrite the sentence so Reporting What Others Said is correct.
Fix this: The article reported that the route had reduce delays.
4. Final sort
Mark each sentence as correct or needing a fix.
The teacher told us that the deadline had changed.
The teacher said us that the deadline had changed.
He asked where the nearest station was.
He asked where was the nearest station.
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