Reported speech · sequence of tenses
How the tenses shift backwards when you report what someone said.
Examples
- Dijo que trabajaba allí.He said he worked there.
- Me preguntó si venía.He asked me if I was coming.
- Me dijo que llegaría tarde.He told me he would arrive late.
How it works
When the introducing verb (decir, preguntar, contar…) is in the PAST, the reported tenses shift back. With a present introducing verb, no shift.
Direct → indirect (past introducer):
Present → Imperfect:
Pronouns and demonstratives shift too:
Yes/no questions: use "si":
Wh-questions keep the question word:
If the introducer is PRESENT (dice / dice que / pregunta…), tenses don't shift:
What you'll practise
1. Present → imperfect
Shift present-tense quoted speech to imperfect after past 'said'.
- Dijo que estudiaba.He said he was studying.
2. Future → conditional
Future in original speech becomes conditional in reported speech.
- Dijo que vendría.He said he would come.
3. Imperative → que + imperfect subjunctive
Reported orders use que + imperfect subjunctive (a special verb form for wishes, doubts and feelings).
- Me dijo que viniera.He told me to come.
4. Past → había + participle
A past action in the original words (he comido, comí) becomes había comido after 'said'.
- Dijo que había terminado.He said he had finished.
5. Yes/no with 'si', wh- keeps the word
Reported questions: 'si' for yes/no; keep qué/dónde/cuándo otherwise.
- Me preguntó si tenía hambre.He asked if I was hungry.
- Me preguntó dónde vivía.He asked where I lived.
Practise it until it sticks
Short drills built on these 5 skills, with instant feedback on every answer. Free to start.