Expressions with say, tell and ask

Say – Tell – Ask – Speak – Talk

REPORTED SPEECH

UNIT 19

Direct Speech gives the exact words someone said. We use inverted commas in Direct Speech. “It’s a nice song,” he said.

Reported Speech gives the exact meaning of what someone said but not the exact words. We do not use inverted commas in Reported Speech. He said it was a nice song.

Say is used in Direct Speech. It is also used in Reported Speech when it is not followed by the person the words were spoken to. “She won’t come,” he said. – He said (that) she wouldn’t come.

Tell is used in Reported Speech when it is followed by the person the words were spoken to. “She won’t come,” he said to me. – He told me (that) she wouldn’t come.

Ask is used in reported questions and commands or in direct questions. He said to me, “Please leave.” – He asked me to leave. He asked, “Have you got any money?” – He asked me if I had any money.

We use say + to - Infinitive but never say about. We use tell smb, speak/talk about instead. Ann said to call her at 12.00. He told them I spoke/talked about the incident.

Expressions with say	say good morning/evening etc, say something, say one's prayers, say a few words, say so, say no more, say for certain, say for sure etc
Expressions with tell	tell the truth, tell a lie, tell (smb) the time, tell smb one's name, tell a story, tell smb a secret, tell smb the way, tell one from another, tell smb’s fortune, tell smb so, tell the difference etc
Expressions with ask	ask a favour, ask the time, ask a question, ask the price etc

Exercise232. Fill in: say, tell or ask in the correct form.

1. Tony...said... he enjoyed the performance. 2. I can’t … for sure, but I think she’s divorced. 3. Never … me a lie again. 4. The teacher … she was happy with our results. 5. She … me for a loan of $50. 6. Don’t … the secret to anybody else. 7. He always … “hello” whenever he sees me. 8. Please … me if I look okay in this dress. 9. She … the doctor how long she would have to stay in hospital. 10. He … he had never seen such a ridiculous film before. 11. “Of course I’ll help you,” she … to me. 12. Can you … me the way to the nearest bank? 13. Don’t … I didn’t … you they were coming. 14. Mum promised to … us a story before we go to bed. 15. I wish she’d stop … favours. 16. She stopped to … a passer-by the time. 17. The twins look alike. I can’t … one from another. 18. She … me to meet her at the cinema at 8 o’clock. 19. I remember her … something; I just can’t remember exactly what. 20. And now I would like to … a few words about this year’s competition. 21. To … you the truth, this is the first time I’ve tasted blackberries. 22. She did … me her name but I can’t remember it now. 23. I don’t feel like arguing so we’ll … no more about the subject.

There are three types of Reported Speech: statements, questions and commands/requests/ suggestions.

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