passing on information

1. reported speech

1.1. when describe what somebody said

2. when the verb in direct speech is will or can. the form is:

2.1. past simple + subject + would/could

2.1.1. example:

2.1.1.1. direct speech

2.1.1.1.1. I'll be late

2.1.1.2. reported speech

2.1.1.2.1. He told me he would be late

2.1.1.3. direct speech

2.1.1.3.1. We can't deliver on time

2.1.1.4. reported speech

2.1.1.4.1. They said they couldn't deliver on time

3. For all other verbs the form is:

3.1. past simple + subject + past simple

3.1.1. example:

3.1.1.1. direct speech

3.1.1.1.1. The work is on schedule

3.1.1.2. reported speech

3.1.1.2.1. She told me the work was on schedule

4. there are other reporting verbs we can use to describe what somebody said (promise, offer, refuse, agree, etc)

4.1. example:

4.1.1. He agreed to give a presentation

4.1.2. I promised to be there on time