#️⃣#️⃣#️⃣ O’Connor Grammar: Reported Speech 2: When the Situation Changes (and SAY/TELL Rules)
🗣️➡️📘
#️⃣ Today we continue our journey into reported speech — the moments when the O’Connor family retells each other’s stories, news, and complaints. This time we’ll focus on two big ideas:
1️⃣ When we do and do not change the verb tense.
2️⃣ How to use say and tell correctly.
A little grammar, a little chaos — just how the O’Connors like it 😄.
#️⃣ 1. When we DO NOT change the tense 🔄❌
If the situation is still true at the moment of reporting, we can keep the original tense
🔹 Direct speech: “My knee hurts,” John said after football practice.
🔹 Reported speech: Sarah said that John’s knee hurts.
Сара сказала, что у Джона болит колено (и оно действительно всё ещё болит).
B
Вut we can also change the tense — both versions are correct if the situation is still true.
#️⃣ 2. When we MUST change the tense 🔄✔️
If the situation has changed, finished, or is no longer true, we switch to a past form.
For example, imagine this O’Connor moment:
🔹 Direct speech (earlier): “I have to go,” Alex said before running to the bus.
🔹 Reported speech (later): John said that Alex had to go.
Джон сказал, что Алексу нужно было уйти (это уже произошло).
Another example:
🔹 Direct speech: “Our kitchen is a mess,” Sarah complained in the morning.
🔹 Reported speech (after they cleaned it): Sarah said their kitchen was a mess.
Сара сказала, что их кухня была в беспорядке (и теперь порядок наведен).
#️⃣ 3. SAY vs TELL — the O’Connor edition 🗣️👥
This part confuses everyone — but not us 😉
➤ TELL + somebody
You must mention a person after tell.
1️⃣ Sarah told John that dinner was ready.
Сара сказала Джону, что ужин готов.
2️⃣ Tom told Lily to stop eating his snacks.
Том сказал Лили перестать есть его снеки.
3️⃣ The coach told Tom not to overtrain after his wrestling accident.
Тренер сказал Тому не переусердствуй не тренировке после его случая.
➤ SAY + (that…)
You don’t need a person after say.
1️⃣ Alex said that his exam was easier than expected.
Алекс сказал, что экзамен оказался легче, чем он думал.
2️⃣ Sarah said she might buy a new blender.
Сара сказала, что, возможно, купит новый блендер.
3️⃣ John said he was too tired to fix the garage door.
Джон сказал, что слишком устал, чтобы чинить гаражные двери.
If you do mention a person, use to:
🔹 John said to Tom that the fishing trip was postponed.
Джон сказал Тому, что рыбалка откладывается.
#️⃣ 4. SAY something TO somebody 👇
You can say:
1️⃣ “Sarah said to me that Lily used all the hot water again.”
Сара сказала мне, что Лили опять использовала всю горячую воду.
But NOT ❌ “Sarah said me…”
#️⃣ 5. TELL somebody TO do something 📝➡️
With commands, instructions, or requests, use tell somebody to…
1️⃣ Sarah told Tom to finish his homework before gaming.
Сара сказала Тому закончить уроки перед играми.
2️⃣ Alex told Lily not to worry about her track meet.
Алекс сказал Лили не переживать по поводу соревнований.
3️⃣ John told Sarah to relax, because he would cook tonight.
Джон сказал Саре расслабиться, потому что сегодня он будет готовить.
#️⃣ 6. ASK somebody TO do something 🙋♀️➡️
1️⃣ Sarah asked John to help with the groceries.
Сара попросила Джона помочь с покупками.
2️⃣ Lily asked Alex to explain her chemistry homework.
Лили попросила Алекса объяснить ей домашку по химии.
#️⃣ Final Thought 🌟
Reported speech is easy once you remember:
✔️ If the situation is still true — the tense can stay.
✔️ If it’s finished — move one step back in time.
✔️ SAY for information, TELL for the person.
And just like the O’Connors, you’ll never confuse who said what again 😄📢
❕❕❕Now also on other social media platforms.
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