Reported speech
When reporting what someone said, Spanish often adjusts pronouns, time expressions, and sometimes tense depending on context.
Examples
Ana said that she would arrive after lunch.
He told me that he had already read the report.
They explained that the meeting started at nine.
Pattern
reporting verb + que + clause
How it works
When reporting what someone said, Spanish often adjusts pronouns, time expressions, and sometimes tense depending on context. This pattern typically appears as reporting verb + que + clause and becomes easier when you meet it again in short, readable examples.
What to notice
- Time and person often shift when the original context moves away.
- The change is driven by viewpoint, not by a mechanical rule in every single sentence.
Why it matters
Express information more indirectly or impersonally when needed.
Use in context
This is especially useful in articles, summaries, and opinion writing based on another person’s statement.