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ESL forum > Grammar and Linguistics > Reporting verb    

Reporting verb



lokyuen
Hong Kong

Reporting verb
 
Hi, everyone.
 
In reported speech, is it acceptable to say:
 
He said to her that he would come the next morning.  I usually tell my students to write as: He told her that ......

24 Jun 2010      





magneto
Greece

Yes, it �s correct, provided that you always use to - "he said to her".

24 Jun 2010     



lokyuen
Hong Kong

Thank you, but is it common to write in this way?

24 Jun 2010     



magneto
Greece

I think it is - it doesn �t seem strange to me, at least...But maybe a native speaker can enlighten you more on that part of your question.Embarrassed

24 Jun 2010     



cathrine
Spain

Both are correct. But as a native speaker I would tend to use "he told her that....

24 Jun 2010     



yanogator
United States

I agree with cathrine. We generally use "said" for direct quotes, and "told" for reported speech, if the person being told is mentioned.
 
He said, "I will be late."
He said (that) he would be late.
He told her (that) he would be late.
 
Bruce

24 Jun 2010