1 Indirect Speech (He said that...) 2 Indirect Questions: Using Se and Interrogatives 3 Reported Commands (Said to do vs. Said that) 4 Indirect Speech: Present to Imperfect (He said he was...) 5 Reported Speech in the Past (Ele disse que...) 6 Future in the Past: Reporting What Someone 'Would' Do (Iria) 7 Hypothetical Past (If I had known...) 8 Third Conditional: Past Regrets (Se eu tivesse...)

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B2 Advanced Syntax 16 min read Medium

Indirect Speech (He said that...)

When reporting the past, shift Present to Imperfect, Future to Conditional, and adjust 'here' to 'there'.

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Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds

Indirect speech allows you to report what someone else said by shifting tenses and pronouns to match the current perspective.

Use 'que' to connect the reporting verb to the reported clause: 'Ele disse que ia.'
Shift verb tenses back (e.g., Present to Imperfect): 'Eu vou' becomes 'Ele disse que ia'.
Adjust pronouns and time markers to fit the new context: 'amanhã' becomes 'no dia seguinte'.

Reporting Verb (dizer/falar) + que + [Shifted Clause]

Overview

Indirect speech, or Discurso Indireto in Portuguese, is a fundamental grammatical structure used to report what someone has said without quoting their exact words. This system allows you to integrate another person's utterance into your own narrative, making it essential for recounting conversations, summarizing information, or conveying commands and questions indirectly. Mastering indirect speech is a hallmark of B2-level proficiency, enabling more fluid and sophisticated communication.

The core of Discurso Indireto involves two primary transformations: a tense backshift (alternância temporal) in the reported clause and contextual adjustments (adaptação contextual) to pronouns, demonstratives, and adverbs. These changes reflect the shift in perspective from the original speaker to the reporter. Understanding the systematic logic behind these transformations is key to accurate and natural Portuguese.

Discurso Indireto isn't merely a mechanical translation; it represents a cognitive reframing of an event or statement. Instead of presenting a direct quote, you are interpreting and relaying the content from your current vantage point, which naturally affects the grammatical structure. This linguistic mechanism is universally present across languages, but its specific rules, especially concerning tense changes, vary.

How This Grammar Works

When you report someone's words in Portuguese, particularly if the act of reporting itself occurred in the past, the original verb tenses in the reported clause typically "move back" in time. This phenomenon, known as tense backshift (alternância temporal), maintains logical coherence between the time of the original utterance and the time of the report. It's not arbitrary; it's a systematic adjustment that aligns the temporal references.

Consider the original statement as having its own "present moment." When you report it later, that original "present" becomes a past event relative to your current statement. For instance, if someone said "Eu estou cansado" (I am tired) yesterday, when you report it today, estou (present) shifts to estava (imperfect past) because their "being tired" was a state in the past from your current perspective.

Here's a detailed breakdown of the standard tense backshifts when the reporting verb (e.g., dizer, perguntar) is in a past tense (Pretérito Perfeito or Pretérito Imperfeito):

| Direct Speech Tense | Indirect Speech Tense (Reported in Past) |

|:-----------------------------|:-------------------------------------------|

| Presente do Indicativo | Pretérito Imperfeito do Indicativo |

| Pretérito Perfeito | Pretérito Mais-Que-Perfeito (Simples/Composto) |

| Pretérito Imperfeito | Pretérito Imperfeito do Indicativo (No change or Pretérito Mais-Que-Perfeito) |

| Pretérito Mais-Que-Perfeito| Pretérito Mais-Que-Perfeito (No change) |

| Futuro do Presente | Futuro do Pretérito |

| Futuro do Pretérito | Futuro do Pretérito (No change) |

| Presente do Subjuntivo | Pretérito Imperfeito do Subjuntivo |

| Imperativo | Pretérito Imperfeito do Subjuntivo or Infinitivo |

Example 1: Present to Imperfect

Direct: Ele disse: "Eu trabalho muito." (He said: "I work a lot.")
Indirect: Ele disse que trabalhava muito. (He said that he worked a lot.)

Example 2: Future to Conditional

Direct: Ela afirmou: "Vou viajar amanhã." (She affirmed: "I will travel tomorrow.")
Indirect: Ela afirmou que viajaria no dia seguinte. (She affirmed that she would travel the next day.)

Beyond tense, contextual elements also shift. Pronouns, demonstratives, and adverbs of time and place are adjusted to reflect the reporter's perspective. The eu (I) of the original speaker becomes ele/ela (he/she) when you report it.

Likewise, aqui (here) becomes lá/ali (there), and hoje (today) becomes naquele dia (on that day).

| Direct Contextual Element | Indirect Contextual Element |

|:--------------------------|:----------------------------|

| eu / nós | ele/ela / eles/elas |

| tu / você | eu / ele/ela |

| meu / nosso | dele/dela / deles/delas |

| este / esta | aquele / aquela |

| aqui | lá / ali |

| agora | naquele momento |

| hoje | naquele dia |

| ontem | no dia anterior |

| amanhã | no dia seguinte |

| próximo(a) | seguinte / vindouro(a) |

| passado(a) | anterior |

This principle of backshift and contextual adaptation is not simply about memorizing rules; it's about understanding the shift in the deictic center – the point of reference for person, place, and time. When you use indirect speech, you become the new deictic center, and all references adjust accordingly.

Formation Pattern

Forming indirect speech in Portuguese involves a systematic process. You construct a main clause with a reporting verb and then introduce the reported content in a subordinate clause, applying the necessary tense and contextual changes.

Step 1: Choose a Reporting Verb.

Begin with a verb that introduces the reported statement, question, or command. Common reporting verbs include:

dizer (to say)

falar (to speak, to say – common in Brazil)

perguntar (to ask)

responder (to answer)

afirmar (to affirm)

declarar (to declare)

explicar (to explain)

comentar (to comment)

pedir (to ask for, to request – for commands/requests)

ordenar (to order – for commands)

aconselhar (to advise – for advice)

These verbs establish the primary clause and determine the need for tense backshift. If the reporting verb is in the present (Ele diz...), backshift generally does not occur. If it's in the past (Ele disse...), backshift is usually required.

Step 2: Introduce the Connector.

Connect the main clause (with the reporting verb) to the subordinate clause (with the reported content) using an appropriate conjunction or interrogative word.

For statements: Use que (that).

Ela disse: "Estou ocupada." → Ela disse que estava ocupada.

For yes/no questions: Use se (if/whether).

Ele perguntou: "Você vem?" → Ele perguntou se eu vinha.

For open-ended questions: Retain the original interrogative word (onde, quando, quem, como, por que, qual). These words act as the connector.

Nós perguntamos: "Quando a reunião termina?" → Nós perguntamos quando a reunião terminava.

Step 3: Apply Tense Backshift.

This is the most critical step and follows the rules outlined in the previous section. Transform the verb tense in the reported clause to reflect the past nature of the original utterance relative to the reporting act. For instance, a direct Presente becomes Pretérito Imperfeito.

Direct: "Eles viajam muito." (They travel a lot.)

Indirect: Ele disse que eles viajavam muito. (He said that they traveled a lot.)

Step 4: Adjust Contextual Elements.

Modify pronouns, possessive adjectives, demonstratives, and adverbs of time and place to align with the reporter's perspective. This ensures the reported statement makes sense in its new context.

Direct: "Eu terminarei meu projeto aqui amanhã." (I will finish my project here tomorrow.)

Indirect: Ela disse que terminaria o projeto dela lá no dia seguinte. (She said that she would finish her project there the next day.)

Commands and Requests:

Reporting commands or requests often uses the Pretérito Imperfeito do Subjuntivo or an infinitive construction, particularly in Brazilian Portuguese (BP).

Direct Command: A mãe disse: "Arrume seu quarto!" (The mother said: "Tidy your room!")

Indirect (Subjunctive): A mãe pediu que eu arrumasse o meu quarto. (The mother asked that I tidy my room.)

Indirect (Infinitive, common in BP): A mãe pediu para eu arrumar o meu quarto. (The mother asked for me to tidy my room.)

When To Use It

Indirect speech is pervasive in both formal and informal Portuguese, serving as a versatile tool for conveying information without direct quotation. Its utility extends across numerous communicative contexts, making it an indispensable component of B2-level fluency.

Reporting News and Information: In journalistic contexts, academic papers, or formal reports, indirect speech is standard. It provides a concise way to attribute statements or convey facts without the conversational tone of direct quotes. For example, O presidente declarou que as medidas econômicas seriam eficazes. (The president declared that the economic measures would be effective.)

Recounting Past Conversations: Anytime you narrate a story or describe an event that involved dialogue, indirect speech allows for a smooth, narrative flow. Instead of interrupting your story with quoted remarks, you can seamlessly integrate what was said. Ela me contou que tinha encontrado um amigo antigo no supermercado. (She told me that she had met an old friend at the supermarket.)

Summarizing Meetings or Discussions: In professional settings, Discurso Indireto is crucial for summarizing points made by others in meetings, emails, or project updates. O cliente disse que precisava de mais tempo para analisar a proposta. (The client said that he needed more time to analyze the proposal.)

Expressing Indirect Commands, Requests, or Advice: Instead of directly telling someone what to do, you can report the command or request made by another person. This is often perceived as more polite or less confrontational. Ele me pediu para eu ligar mais tarde. (He asked me to call later.) or A médica aconselhou que ela fizesse mais exercício. (The doctor advised that she do more exercise.)

Avoiding Repetition and Redundancy: When the exact wording isn't critical, indirect speech helps maintain efficiency in conversation. It condenses what was said to its essential meaning. Meus pais perguntaram se eu estava bem. (My parents asked if I was okay.) is more natural than constantly using direct quotes.

Cultural Nuance: In Portuguese-speaking cultures, particularly in more formal interactions or when addressing elders or superiors, indirectness can be a mark of politeness and respect. Reporting a request indirectly can soften its impact compared to a direct command. This reflects a cultural preference for less direct communication in certain social strata.

Common Mistakes

Even at a B2 level, learners frequently make specific errors with indirect speech. These mistakes often stem from an incomplete understanding of the backshift rules or a direct translation approach from their native language.

Failing to Apply Tense Backshift: This is arguably the most common error. When the reporting verb is in a past tense, the reported clause must undergo backshift, unless the statement remains universally true or is still true at the moment of reporting. Learners often keep the verb in its original tense.
Incorrect: Ele disse que está ocupado. (Unless he is still occupied right now.)
Correct: Ele disse que estava ocupado. (He said that he was busy.)

Incorrect Backshift (especially with Pretérito Imperfeito vs. Pretérito Mais-Que-Perfeito): Learners sometimes struggle to choose between the Pretérito Mais-Que-Perfeito (simple or compound) for an original Pretérito Perfeito. While tinha + Particípio (compound) is very common in spoken Portuguese, fora (simple) is more formal.
Direct: Ela disse: "Eu fui ao mercado." (She said: "I went to the market.")
Incorrect: Ela disse que ia ao mercado. (This implies she used to go, not had gone.)
Correct: Ela disse que tinha ido ao mercado. (BP common) / Ela disse que fora ao mercado. (Formal)

Mistakes with Contextual Adverbs: Forgetting to change time and place adverbs is a significant indicator of error. Amanhã (tomorrow) and ontem (yesterday) are particularly tricky.
Direct: Ele prometeu: "Pagarei amanhã." (He promised: "I will pay tomorrow.")
Incorrect: Ele prometeu que pagaria amanhã. (If amanhã is no longer tomorrow for the reporter.)
Correct: Ele prometeu que pagaria no dia seguinte. (He promised he would pay the next day.)

Confusion with Connectors: Using que for questions instead of se or the interrogative word. This changes the meaning or makes the sentence ungrammatical.
Direct: "Você sabe o caminho?" (Do you know the way?)
Incorrect: Perguntei que ele sabia o caminho.
Correct: Perguntei se ele sabia o caminho. (I asked if he knew the way.)

Direct Translation of Imperatives: Attempting to directly translate English structures like "He told me to do X" (using an infinitive without para or que) rather than Portuguese constructions with the subjunctive or para + infinitive.
Direct: O chefe disse: "Termine o relatório!" (The boss said: "Finish the report!")
Incorrect: O chefe disse terminar o relatório.
Correct: O chefe pediu que eu terminasse o relatório. (More formal) / O chefe pediu para eu terminar o relatório. (More common BP)

Over-backshifting with Presente Reporting Verbs: Remember, if the reporting verb is in the present, no backshift is generally needed, as the original statement is still considered current. This is a crucial distinction.
Ele diz que está cansado. (He says he is tired - and is still tired.)

Brazilian vs. European Portuguese for Reported Future: In informal Brazilian Portuguese, the Pretérito Imperfeito do Indicativo is frequently used to report a future action that was originally stated with ir + infinitivo (or simple Futuro do Presente). In European Portuguese and formal BP, the Futuro do Pretérito is preferred.
Direct: Ela disse: "Vou ligar para você." (She said: "I'm going to call you.")
BP Informal: Ela disse que ia ligar para mim.
EP / Formal BP: Ela disse que ligaria para mim.

Real Conversations

In authentic Portuguese communication, Discurso Indireto adapts to the context, ranging from strict adherence in formal writing to more flexible structures in casual spoken interactions and digital messaging. Understanding these variations is vital for B2 learners to sound natural.

Formal Contexts (News, Academic, Business):

In formal settings, the rules of tense backshift and contextual changes are generally followed rigorously. This ensures clarity, precision, and a professional tone.

- A investigação revelou que o problema surgira devido a falha humana. (The investigation revealed that the problem had arisen due to human error.)

- O porta-voz informou que as negociações seriam retomadas na próxima semana. (The spokesperson informed that negotiations would resume the following week.)

Informal Spoken Portuguese (especially Brazilian Portuguese):

Casual conversations often show a relaxation of the backshift rules, particularly if the reported statement is still true or relevant in the present moment. This is a significant point of divergence from strictly prescriptive grammar.

- Original: Ele disse: "Estou com fome." (He said: "I'm hungry.")

- Strict Indirect: Ele disse que estava com fome. (He said he was hungry.)

- Common Informal BP (if still hungry): Ele disse que está com fome. (He said he is hungry.) – This implies the hunger persists.

Another common informal simplification in BP is using Pretérito Imperfeito instead of Futuro do Pretérito to report a future action:

- Original: Ela disse: "Vou ao cinema." (She said: "I'm going to the cinema.")

- Strict Indirect: Ela disse que iria ao cinema. (She said she would go to the cinema.)

- Common Informal BP: Ela disse que ia ao cinema. (She said she was going to the cinema.)

Texting and Social Media:

Digital communication, characterized by brevity and immediacy, further simplifies Discurso Indireto. Backshift might be omitted entirely, especially for recent events or ongoing states, and abbreviations are common.

- Ana perguntou se vc vem. (Ana asked if you're coming.) – No backshift for vem (Present Indicative).

- Ele disse q tá atrasado. (He said he's late.) – tá (colloquial está) retains present tense if he is still late.

Cultural Insights:

Portuguese speakers sometimes use indirect questions or statements as a form of politeness, particularly when making requests or giving advice. Instead of a direct "Feche a porta!", a more indirect "Ele pediu que eu fechasse a porta." (He asked that I close the door) might be chosen even when reporting one's own intention, subtly shifting responsibility or softening the directness. This often reflects a less confrontational communication style in certain contexts.

Quick FAQ

Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about indirect speech in Portuguese, clarifying common doubts and nuances.

Q: Do I always have to change the tense (backshift)?

Not always. The backshift is primarily triggered when the reporting verb itself is in a past tense (Pretérito Perfeito, Pretérito Imperfeito, Pretérito Mais-Que-Perfeito). If the reporting verb is in the Presente do Indicativo (Ele diz que... – He says that...), the tense in the reported clause typically remains unchanged. Additionally, if the reported statement expresses a universal truth or a fact that is still true at the moment of reporting, the original tense may be retained, even with a past reporting verb.

Ele disse que a Terra é redonda. (He said that the Earth is round. – Universal truth)
Ela me contou que o João está doente. (She told me that João is sick. – If João is still sick now)

Q: How do I report a direct question like "Onde você mora?" (Where do you live?)

For open-ended questions (those starting with an interrogative word like onde, quando, quem, como, por que, qual), you retain the interrogative word as the connector, and then apply the tense backshift and contextual changes. You do not use que or se.

Direct: Perguntei: "Quando você chega?" (I asked: "When are you arriving?")
Indirect: Perguntei quando ele chegava. (I asked when he was arriving.)

Q: What happens to adverbs like ontem (yesterday) and agora (now)?

These adverbs of time and place are deictic, meaning their reference point shifts with the speaker. They must be changed to reflect the new temporal and spatial context of the report.

ontem (yesterday) becomes no dia anterior (the day before) or na véspera.
amanhã (tomorrow) becomes no dia seguinte (the next day).
agora (now) becomes naquele momento (at that moment).
aqui (here) becomes lá or ali (there).

Q: How are commands and requests reported in indirect speech?

Commands are typically reported using either the Pretérito Imperfeito do Subjuntivo in the subordinate clause or an infinitive construction, often preceded by para. The choice can depend on formality and regional preference.

Direct: Ele disse: "Estude mais!" (He said: "Study more!")
Indirect (Subjunctive, more formal/EP): Ele pediu que eu estudasse mais. (He asked that I study more.)
Indirect (Infinitive, common in BP): Ele pediu para eu estudar mais. (He asked for me to study more.)

Q: Is it always iria for reported future, or can I use ia?

This is a significant point of difference between formal and informal Portuguese, particularly in Brazil. While iria (Futuro do Pretérito) is the grammatically standard and more formal choice for reporting a future action, in informal Brazilian Portuguese, it is extremely common to use ia (Pretérito Imperfeito of ir) to convey the same meaning, especially when the original direct speech used ir + infinitivo.

Formal/EP: Ela disse que iria viajar. (She said she would travel.)
Informal BP: Ela disse que ia viajar. (She said she was going to travel.)

Q: Does the original tense of the reported clause (present, past, future) affect the backshift rule?

Yes, absolutely. The backshift rules are specific to the original tense used. For example, an original Presente always shifts to Pretérito Imperfeito (unless it's a general truth, etc.), and an original Futuro do Presente always shifts to Futuro do Pretérito. The key is to correctly identify the original tense before applying the transformation.

Tense Backshifting Table

Direct Speech	Indirect Speech
Presente (Eu como)	Imperfeito (Ele comia)
Pretérito Perfeito (Eu comi)	Mais-que-perfeito (Ele comera/tinha comido)
Futuro do Presente (Eu comerei)	Futuro do Pretérito (Ele comeria)
Imperativo (Coma!)	Subjuntivo/Infinitivo (Ele pediu para comer)

Meanings

Indirect speech is used to convey the content of someone else's words without quoting them directly. It requires adjusting verb tenses, pronouns, and temporal expressions.

Reporting statements

Relaying information or opinions.

“Ele disse que viria.”

“Ela afirmou que não sabia.”

Reporting questions

Relaying questions using 'se' or 'o que'.

“Ele perguntou se eu ia.”

“Ela quis saber o que eu fiz.”

Reporting commands

Relaying orders or requests using the infinitive.

“Ele pediu para eu sair.”

“Ela mandou eu estudar.”

Reference Table

Reference table for Indirect Speech (He said that...)
Form	Structure	Example
Statement	Verb + que + Clause	Ele disse que ia.
Yes/No Question	Verb + se + Clause	Ele perguntou se eu ia.
Wh- Question	Verb + Question Word + Clause	Ele perguntou onde eu ia.
Command	Verb + para + Infinitive	Ele pediu para eu ir.
Negative	Verb + que + não + Clause	Ele disse que não ia.
Future	Verb + que + Conditional	Ele disse que iria.

Formality Spectrum

Formal

Ele declarou que estava ocupado.

Ele declarou que estava ocupado. (Professional vs casual)

Neutral

Ele disse que estava ocupado.

Ele disse que estava ocupado. (Professional vs casual)

Informal

Ele falou que tava ocupado.

Ele falou que tava ocupado. (Professional vs casual)

Slang

Ele disse que tava na correria.

Ele disse que tava na correria. (Professional vs casual)

Indirect Speech Components

Indirect Speech

Reporting Verbs

dizer to say
perguntar to ask
afirmar to state

Shifts

Tense Backshift
Pronoun Person change
Time Temporal marker

Examples by Level

Ele disse que gosta de café.

He said that he likes coffee.

Ela disse que estuda muito.

She said that she studies a lot.

Ele disse que está feliz.

He said that he is happy.

Ela disse que vai ao cinema.

She said that she is going to the cinema.

Ele disse que comeu pizza.

He said that he ate pizza.

Ela disse que não sabia.

She said that she didn't know.

Eles disseram que estavam cansados.

They said that they were tired.

Ele disse que comprou um carro.

He said that he bought a car.

Ele disse que viria à festa.

He said that he would come to the party.

Ela perguntou se eu tinha visto o filme.

She asked if I had seen the movie.

Eles comentaram que gostariam de viajar.

They commented that they would like to travel.

Ele afirmou que terminaria o trabalho.

He stated that he would finish the work.

O gerente disse que a reunião seria adiada.

The manager said the meeting would be postponed.

Ela indagou se eu estaria disponível no dia seguinte.

She asked if I would be available the next day.

Eles declararam que não tinham conhecimento do fato.

They declared they had no knowledge of the fact.

Ele perguntou o que eu faria naquela situação.

He asked what I would do in that situation.

O porta-voz asseverou que as medidas seriam implementadas.

The spokesperson asserted that the measures would be implemented.

Ela alegou que não fora informada sobre a decisão.

She claimed she had not been informed about the decision.

Eles questionaram se a proposta teria sido analisada.

They questioned if the proposal had been analyzed.

Ele sustentou que a teoria carecia de evidências.

He maintained that the theory lacked evidence.

O autor observou que, caso houvesse tempo, ele teria escrito mais.

The author observed that, had there been time, he would have written more.

Ela ponderou se, porventura, a solução não residisse no diálogo.

She pondered if, perhaps, the solution did not lie in dialogue.

Eles argumentaram que, embora fosse difícil, a tarefa fora concluída.

They argued that, although it was difficult, the task had been completed.

Ele ressaltou que, se tivessem agido antes, o resultado seria outro.

He highlighted that, if they had acted earlier, the result would be different.

Easily Confused

Indirect Speech (He said that...) vs Direct vs Indirect Speech

Learners mix up the tense shifts.

Indirect Speech (He said that...) vs Dizer vs Falar

Learners use them interchangeably.

Indirect Speech (He said that...) vs Que vs Se

Using 'que' for questions.

Common Mistakes

✗

Ele disse que eu sou feliz.

✓

Ele disse que ele era feliz.

Pronoun mismatch.

✗

Ele disse que vou.

✓

Ele disse que ia.

No backshift.

✗

Ele disse: eu vou.

✓

Ele disse que ia.

Using direct speech instead of indirect.

✗

Ele falou que eu vou.

✓

Ele disse que ia.

Wrong reporting verb choice.

✗

Ele perguntou que eu vou.

✓

Ele perguntou se eu ia.

Wrong conjunction for questions.

✗

Ele disse que come.

✓

Ele disse que comia.

Tense mismatch.

✗

Ele disse que amanhã vou.

✓

Ele disse que no dia seguinte ia.

Time marker not shifted.

✗

Ele disse que virá.

✓

Ele disse que viria.

Future instead of conditional.

✗

Ele pediu para que eu vou.

✓

Ele pediu para eu ir.

Wrong structure for commands.

✗

Ele disse que tinha comido.

✓

Ele disse que comera.

Overusing compound tenses.

✗

Ele alegou que não foi informado.

✓

Ele alegou que não fora informado.

Missing literary pluperfect.

✗

Ele disse que, se ele soubesse, ele viria.

✓

Ele disse que, se soubesse, viria.

Redundant pronouns.

✗

Ele questionou se a proposta teria analisada.

✓

Ele questionou se a proposta teria sido analisada.

Missing auxiliary verb.

✗

Ele disse que a reunião foi ontem.

✓

Ele disse que a reunião fora no dia anterior.

Time marker mismatch.

Sentence Patterns

Ele disse que ___.

Ela perguntou se ___.

Eles comentaram que ___.

O gerente afirmou que ___.

Real World Usage

Social Media very common

Ela postou que estava na praia.

Job Interview common

O recrutador disse que a empresa valorizava a inovação.

Texting constant

Ele falou que já tava chegando.

News Report very common

O governo afirmou que as medidas seriam mantidas.

Food Delivery occasional

O entregador disse que o pedido estava pronto.

Academic Paper common

O autor sustenta que os dados são inconclusivos.

💡

Check your tenses

Always ask: did this happen in the past? If yes, backshift!

⚠️

Pronoun traps

Don't forget to change 'Eu' to 'Ele/Ela' or 'Nós' to 'Eles'.

🎯

Use variety

Don't just use 'disse'. Use 'afirmou', 'comentou', 'indagou' to sound better.

💬

Regional differences

In Brazil, 'falar' is very common for reporting. In Portugal, 'dizer' is more standard.

Smart Tips

Always use the conditional tense.

Ele disse que vai viajar. → Ele disse que viajaria.

Use 'se' instead of 'que'.

Ele perguntou que eu ia. → Ele perguntou se eu ia.

Use 'para' + infinitive.

Ele disse que eu vá. → Ele pediu para eu ir.

Shift 'hoje' to 'naquele dia'.

Ele disse que hoje estava cansado. → Ele disse que naquele dia estava cansado.

Pronunciation

Ele disse que ia. (Falling tone)

Intonation

Reported speech usually has a falling intonation at the end of the sentence.

Reporting Questions

Ele perguntou se eu ia? (Rising tone)

Indicates a question is being reported.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Backshift the verb, shift the 'I' to 'He', and change 'today' to 'that day'.

Visual Association

Imagine a mirror reflecting a person. The mirror is the 'que' clause, and the reflection is the shifted tense.

Rhyme

Present to past, future to conditional, keep the meaning, stay professional.

Story

Maria said 'I am tired'. Later, I told my friend: 'Maria said that she was tired'. The 'I' became 'she' and 'am' became 'was'.

Word Web

Backshift from present to imperfect.

Choose the correct indirect form. Multiple Choice

Direct: 'Eu como'. Indirect: ___

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Ele disse que comia.

Present shifts to imperfect.

Fix the error. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

Ele disse que eu estou cansado.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Ele disse que ele estava cansado.

Pronoun and tense shift.

Transform to indirect. Sentence Transformation

Ela disse: 'Eu vou comprar um carro'.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Ela disse que ela ia comprar um carro.

Tense shift.

Is this correct? True False Rule

Ele perguntou que eu ia.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: False

Questions need 'se' or a question word.

Complete the dialogue. Dialogue Completion

A: 'Eu estou pronto'. B: Ele disse que ___.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: estava pronto

Backshift.

Build the sentence. Sentence Building

disse / que / ele / ia / viajar

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Ele disse que ia viajar.

Correct word order.

Match direct to indirect. Match Pairs

Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 1-A, 2-B

Correct backshifting.

Score: /8

Practice Exercises

8 exercises

Complete the sentence.

Ele disse que ___ (ir) à festa.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: ia

Backshift from present to imperfect.

Choose the correct indirect form. Multiple Choice

Direct: 'Eu como'. Indirect: ___

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Ele disse que comia.

Present shifts to imperfect.

Fix the error. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

Ele disse que eu estou cansado.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Ele disse que ele estava cansado.

Pronoun and tense shift.

Transform to indirect. Sentence Transformation

Ela disse: 'Eu vou comprar um carro'.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Ela disse que ela ia comprar um carro.

Tense shift.

Is this correct? True False Rule

Ele perguntou que eu ia.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: False

Questions need 'se' or a question word.

Complete the dialogue. Dialogue Completion

A: 'Eu estou pronto'. B: Ele disse que ___.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: estava pronto

Backshift.

Build the sentence. Sentence Building

disse / que / ele / ia / viajar

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Ele disse que ia viajar.

Correct word order.

Match direct to indirect. Match Pairs

1. Eu vou. 2. Eu fui.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 1-A, 2-B

Correct backshifting.

Score: /8

Practice Bank

12 exercises

Report the question: "Você gosta de café?" Fill in the Blank

Ele perguntou ___ eu gostava de café.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: se

Match the direct speech time marker to its indirect equivalent. Match Pairs

Match the time markers.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: ["Naquele dia","No dia seguinte","No dia anterior","L\u00e1\/Ali"]

Reorder the words to form the indirect sentence. Sentence Reorder

Direct: "Onde está o banheiro?"

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Ele perguntou onde o banheiro estava

Identify the correct verb form for: "Eu já comi." Multiple Choice

Ela disse que já...

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: tinha comido

Fix the pronoun usage. Error Correction

Pedro disse: "Eu sou esperto." -> Pedro disse que eu era esperto.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Pedro disse que ele era esperto.

Translate into Portuguese Indirect Speech. Translation

He said he was tired.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Ele disse que estava cansado.

Use the correct connector for an open question: "Quem é ela?" Fill in the Blank

Ele perguntou ___ ela era.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: quem

Which reporting verb is best for a command? Multiple Choice

Direct: "Saia daqui!"

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Ele mandou sair.

Shift the future tense: "Nós venceremos." Fill in the Blank

O capitão disse que eles ___.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: venceriam

Reconstruct the gossip. Sentence Reorder

Direct: "Eu não te amo mais."

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Ele disse que não a amava mais

Fix the tense in this future report. Error Correction

Ela prometeu que chega cedo amanhã.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Ela prometeu que chegaria cedo no dia seguinte.

Select the correct subjunctive form. Fill in the Blank

Mamãe disse: "Lave a louça." -> Mamãe disse que eu ___ a louça.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: lavasse

Score: /12

FAQ (8)

Usually yes, if the reporting verb is in the past. If the reporting verb is in the present, you don't need to backshift.

Yes, especially in Brazil. It's very common in informal speech.

Shift it to the conditional (Futuro do Pretérito).

Use 'pedir' + 'para' + infinitive.

It can be both. It's used in everyday conversation and formal reports.

Because you are now the one telling the story, not the original speaker.

Change it to 'no dia seguinte' to keep the timeline clear.

The rules are the same, but they use the simple pluperfect more often in formal writing.

Scaffolded Practice

1

2

3

4

Mastery Progress

Needs Practice

Improving

Strong

Mastered

In Other Languages

Spanish high

Estilo indirecto

Spanish uses the subjunctive more frequently in reported commands.

French high

Discours indirect

French requires more complex sequence of tenses.

German low

Konjunktiv I

Portuguese uses indicative/subjunctive; German uses Konjunktiv I.

Japanese low

To iu

Japanese does not backshift tenses in the same way.

Arabic low

Naql al-kalam

Arabic does not require tense backshifting.

Chinese low

Jianjie yinyong

Chinese lacks verb conjugation and tense backshifting.

Learning Path

Prerequisites

Indirect Questions: Using Se and Interrogatives

Overview The verb `ter` (to have) occupies a unique and central position in modern Brazilian Portuguese (BP), extending...

Related Grammar Rules

Omitting Repeated Words (Elipse & Zeugma)

Overview Ever caught yourself listening to a native Portuguese speaker and wondering where half the words went? It is no...

Mastering Rhetorical Repetition (Repetição Retórica)

Overview Ever wondered why some Netflix monologues give you chills? Or why that one LinkedIn post went viral? It is not...

Unreal Hypotheses: Dreams and Regrets (se eu fosse, eu faria)

Overview The **Unreal Hypotheses** in Portuguese, often encapsulated by the structure `se eu fosse, eu faria` (if I were...

Reported Speech in the Past (Ele disse que...)

Overview Reporting what someone else said, thought, or commanded is a fundamental aspect of communication. In Portuguese...

Future in the Past: Reporting What Someone 'Would' Do (Iria)

Overview Ever promised a friend you'd call them back, but then your phone died and you forgot? Or maybe you're recountin...

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Indirect Speech (He said that...)

Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds

Overview

How This Grammar Works

Formation Pattern

When To Use It

Common Mistakes

Real Conversations

Quick FAQ

Tense Backshifting Table

Meanings

Reporting statements

Reporting questions

Reporting commands

Reference Table

Formality Spectrum

Indirect Speech Components

Reporting Verbs

Shifts

Examples by Level

Easily Confused

Common Mistakes

Sentence Patterns

Real World Usage

Check your tenses

Pronoun traps

Use variety

Regional differences

Smart Tips

Pronunciation

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Visual Association

Rhyme

Story

Word Web

Challenge

Cultural Notes

Did You Know?

Conversation Starters

Journal Prompts

Common Mistakes

Test Yourself

Practice Exercises

Practice Bank

FAQ (8)

Scaffolded Practice

1

2

3

4

Mastery Progress

In Other Languages

Learning Path

Prerequisites

Continue With

Indirect Questions: Using Se and Interrogatives

Reported Commands (Said to do vs. Said that)

Indirect Speech: Present to Imperfect (He said he was...)

Reported Speech in the Past (Ele disse que...)

Future in the Past: Reporting What Someone 'Would' Do (Iria)

Portuguese Sequence of Tenses: Preserving the Subjunctive

Advanced Reporting Verbs (Not just 'Dizer')

Formal Portuguese: Acknowledgment Phrases (vimos por este meio)

Indirect Speech & Citation Mechanisms (Disse que...)

Existential 'Ter': Using 'Tem' instead of 'Há'

Related Videos

Build Longer, Natural Portuguese Sentences (Here’s How!)

Romance Languages: syntax of compound & passive sentences

Related Grammar Rules

Omitting Repeated Words (Elipse & Zeugma)

Mastering Rhetorical Repetition (Repetição Retórica)

Unreal Hypotheses: Dreams and Regrets (se eu fosse, eu faria)

Reported Speech in the Past (Ele disse que...)

Future in the Past: Reporting What Someone 'Would' Do (Iria)

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