Lesson 24 drill — Reporting verbs + backshift in reported speech
When you report what someone SAID, two things change. (1) The TENSE shifts back one step ('I am tired' → He said he was tired; 'I have seen it' → She said she had seen it; 'will' → would; 'can' → could). (2) Pronouns and time/place words shift to fit YOUR position ('I' → he/she; 'tomorrow' → the next day; 'here' → there). The reporting VERB itself carries meaning: 'said' is neutral; 'claimed' suggests doubt; 'admitted' suggests reluctance; 'denied' = said no; 'argued' = made a case; 'warned' = predicted danger; 'pointed out' = stated a fact. At B1+, choose the reporting verb that shows your stance. NOTE: with universal truths or current situations, you CAN keep the present ('She said the earth is round' / 'He said he lives in Berlin').
'I am tired,' she said. → Reported:
Which verb suggests the speaker DOUBTS the claim?
'I haven't read it,' he admitted. Best paraphrase:
'Tomorrow' in reported speech usually becomes:
Choose the most accurate report. Original: 'I didn't see the article.'
She ____ that she had been working from home all year.
He ____ he hadn't read the source.
The headline was pure ____ — the article was reasonable.
Always check the ____ before you share.
Experts ____ that misinformation spreads faster than fact-checks.