Reported Speech Basics: Say, Tell, Ask

Reported speech — also called indirect speech — is how we repeat what someone else has said without using their exact words. It’s used in conversations, storytelling, and everyday communication. Whether you are relaying a message from a colleague or retelling a funny story from a friend, reported speech is the tool that allows you to share information efficiently without needing to mimic the original speaker's exact tone and phrasing.

The core difference isn't just the meaning; it's the **grammatical structure** that follows the verb. Does it need a listener? Does it introduce a question? Is the focus on the information itself or the person receiving it? Mastering these three verbs—say, tell, and ask—is the foundation of becoming a natural storyteller and a clear communicator in English.

Visual Guide: Comparing how 'Say', 'Tell', and 'Ask' handle different reporting scenarios.

1. Using “Say” — Focusing on the Message

The verb say is our primary tool for reporting the content of a message. We use it when we want to highlight the words or the facts that were shared. Because "say" focuses on the statement itself, we do not follow it with a person (a direct object) like "me" or "him."

One of the most common mistakes for learners is saying "He said me..." This sounds unnatural and is grammatically incorrect in English. If you absolutely need to mention the listener with "say," you must use the preposition "to" (e.g., "He said to me..."). However, in most cases, we simply ignore the listener and jump straight to the information.

Rule: Say + Message

When to use "Say":

• General Information: "She said the meeting starts at nine."
• Reporting Feelings: "He said he was feeling much better today."
• The "That" Choice: You can include "that" or leave it out: "They said (that) it was raining."

2. Using “Tell” — Addressing the Listener

The verb tell is for situations where the listener is just as important as the message. When we "tell," we are instructing, informing, or sharing something specifically with someone else. This is why "tell" is almost always followed immediately by a person: tell me, tell her, tell the boss.

In reported speech, "tell" is particularly useful for reporting instructions and commands. If your teacher says "Sit down," you would report it as "The teacher told us to sit down." This structure (tell + person + to-infinitive) is a powerful way to relay orders without sounding too direct or rude.

When to use "Tell":

• Giving Instructions: "She told me to call her later."
• Specific Audience: "He told the team that the goal was reached."
• Fixed Phrases: We always use "tell" for: tell a lie, tell the truth, tell a story.

Rule: Tell + Person

3. Using “Ask” — For Questions and Requests

The verb ask is unique because it shifts the focus to inquiry. We use it to report both information-seeking questions and polite requests for help or objects. Unlike "say" or "tell," "ask" handles the technicality of shifting a question into a statement.

When reporting a question, we don't use question marks, and the word order is changed back to a normal statement (Subject + Verb). If the original question was a "Yes/No" question (e.g., "Are you coming?"), we use if or whether to connect the parts. If it was a "Wh-" question (e.g., "Where is it?"), we use the question word itself.

Ask + If / Question

Questions: Use "if" or "whether" for yes/no questions.
Example: "He asked if I was hungry."

Ask For + Object

Requests: Change a polite request into "ask + to + verb" or "ask for + noun".
Example: "She asked for a coffee" or "She asked me to help."

4. Tense Changes: The "Backshifting" Rule

In most cases of reported speech, especially when using a past tense reporting verb (said, told, asked), the verb in the message moves "one step back" in time. This is called backshifting, and it's essential for maintaining the logic of the timeline.

For example, if someone says "I am happy" (Present Simple), and you report it later, you would say "He said he was happy" (Past Simple). This shift mirrors the fact that the original statement happened in the past relative to your current conversation. While there are cases where you don't backshift (like when something is still true), following this rule generally makes your English sound more precise and advanced.

5. Quick Comparison Card

Save this table to your mental notes. It summarizes the structural requirements of each verb at a glance. Remember: the structure is often more important than the meaning!

6. Practice Your Mastery

Test your intuition by choosing the correct verb for these common reported speech scenarios. Think about the structure: Is there a listener? Is it a question?

Conclusion

Forming reported speech correctly is a major milestone in English fluency. It moves you beyond simple, single-clause sentences and allows you to weave complex narratives and professional reports. By focusing on the grammatical requirements of say, tell, and ask, and keeping the rule of backshifting in mind, you ensure that your communication is always clear, accurate, and professional.

The best way to master these is through active observation. Next time you read a news article or watch a movie, pay close attention to how the characters report information. You'll soon see these patterns everywhere, and before long, they will become a natural part of your own English repertoire.