If we want to
say what other people said, thought or felt, we can use the direct and indirect speech
(reported speech).
STATEMENT
The direct speech: "I like
it," he said. "Irene is late," he thought. "I will pass the
exam," she hoped.
The reported speech: He said he
liked it. He thought that Irene was late. She hoped she would pass the exam.
The reported
speech is typically introduced by verbs such as say, tell,
admit, complain, explain, remind, reply, think, hope, offer, refuse etc. in the
past tense. Example :
He said (that)
he didn't want it.
She explained
that she had been at the seaside.