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Passive voice with reporting verbs
If we want to avoid mentioning the generalised agents we, they, people, everybody, one etc. with reporting verbs, we can use the following passive patterns:
In this pattern, the generalised agent + active reporting verb is replaced with it + passive reporting verb:
Everybody knows that my grandfather likes red wine. It is known that my grandfather likes red wine.
In this pattern we start with the subject of the reported clause, which is followed by the passive reporting verb and the to -infinitive form of the verb in the reported clause:
Everybody knows that my grandfather likes red wine. My grandfather is known to like red wine.
The reporting verb ( is known ) is in the same tense as it was in the active sentence ( knows ). The type of to -infinitive we use ( to like ) corresponds to the temporal relationship between the action of reporting and the reported event. This temporal relationship can be of two basic types:
- The reporting and the reported event happen simultaneously (as in the example above).
- The reported event happens before the reporting.
The following table shows examples of reporting verbs which can be used with the patterns above:
| Examples of reporting verbs used in the passive voice | |||
|---|---|---|---|
- Reporting a simultaneous event in the passive voice
- Reporting an earlier event in the passive voice
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| You . . | ' also forgetting something important', he said. He told also forgetting something important. He told also forgetting something important. |
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| Get some advanced extra practice turning the sentences below into the passive voice and reported speech (drag the mouse over the space between the square brackets to see the correct answers). Sometimes it is not strictly necessary to change the tenses in reported speech, because the sentences are still true a long time after they were said. ] Reported speech: They said [ ] ] Reported speech: She said [ ] ] Reported speech: The scientist said [ ] ] Reported speech: The minister claimed [ ] ] Reported speech: She asked [ ] ] Reported speech: He asked them [ ] ] Reported speech: He wondered [ ] ] Reported speech: He said [ ] ] Reported speech: The priest said [ ] ] Reported speech: He declared [ ] �������������
© Juan Jos� Casta�o Passive Voice in English GrammarWhen to use the passive in english grammar, how to form the passive in english grammar, how to change a sentence from active to passive, the passive in sentences with two objects, personal & impersonal passive, have/get something done, what is the passive voice. The passive voice in English grammar allows us to make the recipient of the action the focus of the sentence; the person or thing performing the action is unknown, unimportant or obvious. The passive is formed as follows: form of be + past participle . Learn the difference between the active and passive voice with Lingolia, then put your knowledge to the test in the exercises. My bike was stolen last night. The cellar in our building was broken into and several bikes were taken . I called the police earlier, but they had already been informed by my neighbour. An investigation is being conducted , but the thief has not been arrested yet. Any information should be reported to the police. Active sentences usually follow the subject-verb-object word order and focus on the person or thing performing the action. In contrast, the passive voice focuses on the action itself. Passive sentences tell us what happens to the recipient of the action. We use the passive when the person or thing performing the action (known as the agent ) is unknown, unimportant or obvious. If we want to include the agent of a passive sentence, we use the preposition by . Passive sentences are formed as follows: form of be + past participle of the main verb . Only the form of the verb be changes depending on the tense that we are using; the past participle remains the same in every tense. The table below provides an overview of the passive voice in all of the English tenses .
The present perfect progressive and the past perfect progressive do not exist in the passive. Instead, we use the simple forms ( present perfect simple and past perfect simple ). When transforming a sentence from active to passive, we can take a step-by-step approach.
Because the direct object of the active sentence becomes the subject of the passive sentence, we can only use transitive verbs in the passive voice (e.g., steal a car, write a book, make a mistake … ). Intransitive verbs do not take a direct object (e.g., arrive, die, go … ) so cannot be used in the passive. Learn more about the difference between transitive and intransitive verbs. Table of English Tenses in Active and PassiveCheck out the table below to learn how to change active sentences into the passive voice in every tense.
Certain verbs like ask, give, offer, pay, send, show etc. are used with two objects. Usually, one is a person (indirect object) and the other is a thing (direct object). In the active voice, these sentences can be expressed in two different ways: This is the same in the passive voice; either object can become the subject of the passive sentence. Changing object pronouns to subject pronounsWhen the indirect object of an active sentence is an object pronoun (me, you, him, her …), we must change it to a subject pronoun in the passive voice.
In formal situations such as news reports or academic articles, we use reporting verbs and verbs of speech and thought in the passive voice to express information in a neutral, unbiased way. Common verbs: agree, announce, assume, believe, claim, consider, declare, expect, feel, find, know, mention, say, suppose, think, and understand . Such sentences can start with it (impersonal passive) or with the subject (personal passive) . Impersonal PassiveSentences in the impersonal passive begin with it: it is said/believed/agreed etc. + that + clause. Note: in the impersonal form, only the reporting verb is formed in the passive voice; the rest of the sentence stays the same. Personal PassiveSentences in the personal passive begin with the subject and contain an infinitive clause: subject + is said/believed/thought etc. + to + infinitive. We use the perfect infinitive (have + past participle ) after the reporting verb to refer to the past. We can also form the passive with have/get + object + past participle . (Note: g et is more informal than have). We use this form when someone else does something for us, particularly in the context of paid services. Like with a standard passive, the agent of the action is unknown or unimportant; the focus is on the action itself. If we want to include the agent, we use by . We can use this structure in every tense: This passive structure is a type of causative. You can learn more on our page all about causative structures with have and get . Passive with haveIn addition to services, the passive with have has an extra meaning. We use have + object + past participle to express an experience that was negative, painful or unpleasant. How good is your English? Find out with Lingolia’s free grammar test Take the test! Maybe later
Reported Speech - Definition, Rules and Usage with ExamplesReported speech or indirect speech is the form of speech used to convey what was said by someone at some point of time. This article will help you with all that you need to know about reported speech, its meaning, definition, how and when to use them along with examples. Furthermore, try out the practice questions given to check how far you have understood the topic.  Table of ContentsDefinition of reported speech, rules to be followed when using reported speech, table 1 – change of pronouns, table 2 – change of adverbs of place and adverbs of time, table 3 – change of tense, table 4 – change of modal verbs, tips to practise reported speech, examples of reported speech, check your understanding of reported speech, frequently asked questions on reported speech in english, what is reported speech. Reported speech is the form in which one can convey a message said by oneself or someone else, mostly in the past. It can also be said to be the third person view of what someone has said. In this form of speech, you need not use quotation marks as you are not quoting the exact words spoken by the speaker, but just conveying the message. Now, take a look at the following dictionary definitions for a clearer idea of what it is. Reported speech, according to the Oxford Learner’s Dictionary, is defined as “a report of what somebody has said that does not use their exact words.” The Collins Dictionary defines reported speech as “speech which tells you what someone said, but does not use the person’s actual words.” According to the Cambridge Dictionary, reported speech is defined as “the act of reporting something that was said, but not using exactly the same words.” The Macmillan Dictionary defines reported speech as “the words that you use to report what someone else has said.” Reported speech is a little different from direct speech . As it has been discussed already, reported speech is used to tell what someone said and does not use the exact words of the speaker. Take a look at the following rules so that you can make use of reported speech effectively.
Transforming Direct Speech into Reported SpeechAs discussed earlier, when transforming a sentence from direct speech into reported speech, you will have to change the pronouns, tense and adverbs of time and place used by the speaker. Let us look at the following tables to see how they work.
Here are some tips you can follow to become a pro in using reported speech.
Given below are a few examples to show you how reported speech can be written. Check them out.
Transform the following sentences into reported speech by making the necessary changes. 1. Rachel said, “I have an interview tomorrow.” 2. Mahesh said, “What is he doing?” 3. Sherly said, “My daughter is playing the lead role in the skit.” 4. Dinesh said, “It is a wonderful movie!” 5. Suresh said, “My son is getting married next month.” 6. Preetha said, “Can you please help me with the invitations?” 7. Anna said, “I look forward to meeting you.” 8. The teacher said, “Make sure you complete the homework before tomorrow.” 9. Sylvester said, “I am not going to cry anymore.” 10. Jade said, “My sister is moving to Los Angeles.” Now, find out if you have answered all of them correctly. 1. Rachel said that she had an interview the next day. 2. Mahesh asked what he was doing. 3. Sherly said that her daughter was playing the lead role in the skit. 4. Dinesh exclaimed that it was a wonderful movie. 5. Suresh said that his son was getting married the following month. 6. Preetha asked if I could help her with the invitations. 7. Anna said that she looked forward to meeting me. 8. The teacher told us to make sure we completed the homework before the next day. 9. Sylvester said that he was not going to cry anymore. 10. Jade said that his sister was moving to Los Angeles. What is reported speech?What is the definition of reported speech. Reported speech, according to the Oxford Learner’s Dictionary, is defined as “a report of what somebody has said that does not use their exact words.” The Collins Dictionary defines reported speech as “speech which tells you what someone said, but does not use the person’s actual words.” According to the Cambridge Dictionary, reported speech is defined as “the act of reporting something that was said, but not using exactly the same words.” The Macmillan Dictionary defines reported speech as “the words that you use to report what someone else has said.” What is the formula of reported speech?You can use the following formula to construct a sentence in the reported speech. Subject said that (report whatever the speaker said) Give some examples of reported speech.Given below are a few examples to show you how reported speech can be written.
Leave a Comment Cancel replyYour Mobile number and Email id will not be published. Required fields are marked * Request OTP on Voice Call Post My Comment  Register with BYJU'S & Download Free PDFsRegister with byju's & watch live videos.  Reported Speech: Important Grammar Rules and ExamplesReported speech is a very common aspect of the English language. You use it nearly every day, both in conversations and in writing. This reference covers key sections about reported speech, including what it is, examples, rules, and verb tense changes. You’ll also learn about modal verbs, changes in time and place, and different reporting verbs. Reported Speech What Is Reported Speech?Reported speech is simply when you tell somebody what someone else said. You can do this in your writing, or in speech. Reported speech is very different from direct speech , which is when you show what somebody said in the exact way that they said it . In reported speech though, you do not need to quote somebody directly. Instead, you use a reporting verb, such as ‘say’ or ‘ask’. These reporting verbs are used to report the speech to someone else. There are many different reporting verbs that can be used. In short, reported speech is the linguistic technique that you use to tell somebody what someone else’s direct speech was. In reported speech though, you may need to make certain changes to the grammar to make the sentence make sense. Some examples below highlight what needs to be changed. Reported Speech ExamplesWhen using reported speech, you are usually talking about the past. The verbs, therefore, usually have to be in the past too. For example :
Another example :
Table of Changes :
Reported Speech RulesVerb tense changes in reported speech. When the reporting verb is in the present tense, only small changes are needed.
When the reporting verb is in the past tense, you need to change the tense of both the reporting verb and the main verb.
The tenses generally move backward as follows:
For sentences about the future, you also need to change the future verbs.
Here are the changes for future tenses:
Modal Verbs and Reported SpeechModal verbs also change when used in reported speech.
Some modal verbs do not need to change tense because they fit naturally.
Here are both correct and incorrect examples of reported speech for clarity:
To correct these:
Direct and Indirect SpeechChanges in time and place in reported speech. References to time and place often need to change when you use indirect speech. Here is a useful guide to these changes:
No Change in Verb Tenses in Reported SpeechIn some cases, verb tenses do not change when you report speech indirectly. Here are the key instances:
Reporting Verbs in Indirect SpeechReporting verbs are crucial in indirect speech. Here is a list categorized by their usage:
Reported QuestionsWhen converting questions from direct to indirect speech, you follow rules similar to those for statements. Verbs used include inquire, wonder, want to know, ask. Reported Commands and RequestsCommands and requests in Indirect Speech are formed using the to-infinitive and not to-infinitive . Common reporting verbs include order, shout, demand, warn, beg, command, tell, insist, beseech , threaten, implore, ask, propose, forbid. Pronoun and tense changes are needed when shifting from direct to indirect speech. Reported Speech Video
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COMMENTS
Learn how to use passive voice with reporting verbs in indirect speech. See examples of different patterns and reporting verbs with passive voice.
We can use the passive of a reporting verb in a sentence after an introductory it: It + passive reporting verb + (that) + clause (subject + verb) It is believed that the murderer is no longer in the country.
1) A passive reporting structure can take this form: It + passive reporting verb + that-clause. For example: It is known that the sky is blue; It is known that the criminal escaped
What is the passive voice? In general, the active voice makes your writing stronger, more direct, and, you guessed it, more active. The subject is something, or it does the action of the verb in the sentence. With the passive voice, the subject is acted upon by some other performer of the verb.
---> reported speech we repeat someone's words, but not literally. (We can also transform a sentence in the passive voice into reported speech, or viceversa; the result is the same: Donald Trump said Jerusalem had been declared the capital of Israel.) Let's revise how these transformations are done. In the example below, there is only one verb:
Reporting and summarising. When we want to report what people say, we don't usually try to report their exact words. We usually give a summary, for example: Direct speech (exact words): Mary: Oh dear. We've been walking for hours!
Reporting verbs are verbs of saying or believing, such as agree, announce, believe, claim, consider, expect, hope, know, report, say, suggest, think, understand, etc. And we can use their passive form for distancing in two different ways. Check the examples below: It is said that they are in Las Vegas. They are said to be in Las Vegas.
In English grammar, we use the passive to avoid saying who or what performed an action. It is conjugated with the formula: form of be + past participle. Learn the rules for conjugating the passive voice online with Lingolia. In the free exercises, you can practise writing the passive voice.
Reported speech or indirect speech is the form of speech used to convey what was said by someone at some point of time. This article will help you with all that you need to know about reported speech, its meaning, definition, how and when to use them along with examples.
SHARES. Reported speech is a very common aspect of the English language. You use it nearly every day, both in conversations and in writing. This reference covers key sections about reported speech, including what it is, examples, rules, and verb tense changes.