Pronoun Changes in Reported Speech: A Guide for IELTS Aspirants

Introduction

A pivotal aspect of mastering English for the IELTS test is understanding how to correctly use reported speech, especially how pronouns change in this context. This article provides a detailed look at various instances where pronouns (‘I’, ‘you’, ‘he’, ‘she’, ‘we’, ‘they’) and demonstrative pronouns or adverbs (‘this’, ‘that’, ‘these’, ‘those’, ‘here’, ‘there’, ‘now’, ‘then’) transform when switching from direct to reported speech.

Understanding Pronoun Changes in Reported Speech

In reported speech, pronouns must change to match the perspective of the speaker. This shift is crucial for clarity and accuracy in communication. Let’s explore some examples:

1. Direct: “I am happy.”

• 1. • Reported: He said that he was happy.
  2. Direct: “You are invited.”
     • Reported: She said that I was invited.
  3. Direct: “He likes coffee.”
     • Reported: They said that he liked coffee.
  4. Direct: “She will join us.”
     • Reported: I said that she would join us.
  5. Direct: “It works well.”
     • Reported: He said that it worked well.
  6. Direct: “We have finished the task.”
     • Reported: She said that they had finished the task.
  7. Direct: “They were late.”
     • Reported: I said that they were late.
  8. Direct: “I can help you.”
     • Reported: She said that she could help me.
  9. Direct: “You should try this.”
     • Reported: He said that I should try that.
  10. Direct: “He is going to call me.”
      • Reported: She said that he was going to call her.
  11. Direct: “She needs your help.”
      • Reported: He said that she needed my help.
  12. Direct: “We would like to see them.”
      • Reported: I said that we would like to see them.
  13. Direct: “You must finish it today.”
      • Reported: She said that I had to finish it that day.
  14. Direct: “I will be there.”
      • Reported: He said that he would be there.
  15. Direct: “They could not understand us.”
      • Reported: I said that they could not understand us.
  16. Direct: “We did our best.”
      • Reported: She said that they had done their best.
  17. Direct: “I don’t know them.”
      • Reported: He said that he didn’t know them.
  18. Direct: “You are my friend.”
      • Reported: She said that I was her friend.
  19. Direct: “He has seen this before.”
      • Reported: I said that he had seen that before.
  20. Direct: “She was talking to you.”
      • Reported: He said that she had been talking to me.
  21. Direct: “I’ll make your favorite dish.”
      • Reported: She said that she would make my favorite dish.
  22. Direct: “You have won the prize.”
      • Reported: He said that I had won the prize.
  23. Direct: “They will not agree with us.”
      • Reported: She said that they would not agree with them.
  24. Direct: “We can solve this problem.”
      • Reported: He said that they could solve that problem.
  25. Direct: “I must leave now.”
      • Reported: She said that she had to leave then.

Why Pronoun Changes Matter in IELTS

In both the Speaking and Writing components of the IELTS test, demonstrating an ability to accurately use reported speech is essential. This not only showcases grammatical proficiency but also enhances the effectiveness of communication. Pronoun changes are fundamental in this regard, ensuring that the reported speech maintains the correct perspective and context.

Conclusion

For IELTS candidates, understanding and applying the concept of pronoun changes in reported speech is a valuable skill. It reflects a higher level of language understanding and contributes to more precise and effective communication. Embrace these changes in your IELTS preparation, and use this guide as a reference to master the nuances of reported speech.