Indirect speech in the past is used to report statements or thoughts expressed earlier. It requires an adaptation of verb tenses to maintain temporal coherence in the narrative.
Sequence of Tenses
When reporting in the past, verb tenses systematically change to reflect the temporal shift:
- The present becomes the imperfect.
- Direct speech: "Je suis heureux." ➡️ Indirect speech: He said that he was happy.
- The future becomes the conditional.
- Direct speech: "Je serai là demain." ➡️ Indirect speech: She said that she would be there the next day.
- The passé composé (or passé simple) becomes the pluperfect.
- Direct speech: "J'ai vu ce film." ➡️ Indirect speech: We heard that he had seen that film.
Other Changes
In addition to the sequence of tenses, other elements may change when switching to indirect speech, including:
- Time and place indicators (aujourd'hui becomes ce jour-là, ici becomes là, etc.).
- Personal and possessive pronouns are adjusted according to the context.