Reported speech with что
Russian often reports statements with что, while shifting pronouns, time reference, and viewpoint as needed.
Examples
She said that she would come later.
He explained that he had already read the article.
I was told that the meeting would start at nine.
Pattern
reporting verb + что + clause
How it works
Russian often reports statements with что, while shifting pronouns, time reference, and viewpoint as needed. This pattern typically appears as reporting verb + что + clause and becomes easier when you meet it again in short, readable examples.
What to notice
- Russian usually reports the statement through a finite clause with что.
- Viewpoint and time are adjusted by meaning, not by one universal backshift rule.
Why it matters
Handle softer tone, reported viewpoint, and less direct meaning.
Use in context
This becomes essential once you move into summaries, explanation, and storytelling based on another person’s words.