Chapter 40: He Said, She Said

Gossip is an important skill. Learn how to report what others have said using Discours Indirect.

The Main Switch

When you report something in the past ("Il a dit que..."), the tense of the quote must move back in time.

Present -> Imparfait
Futur -> Conditionnel
Passé Composé -> Plus-que-parfait

Dialogue: Les Commérages

Passing on the news.

Sophie

Tu as parlé à Marc ? Il m'a dit qu'il allait (aller) changer de travail.

(Did you speak to Marc? He told me he was going to change jobs.)

Vraiment ? Il m'a dit qu'il était très content ici.

(Really? He told me he was very happy here.)

Julie

Sophie

Bizarre. Il a ajouté qu'il voudrait (vouloir) partir en Espagne.

(Weird. He added that he would like to go to Spain.)

Le Coin Culturel: On dit que... (Rumor has it)

French people love to discuss news and debate. Using "Il paraît que..." (It seems that...) or "Entendu dire que..." (Heard that...) allows you to share information without confirming it as fact. It's the safe way to gossip!

Be the Reporter

Convert the Direct Quote into Reported Speech.

"Je suis fatigué." (I am tired)

Il a dit qu'il _______ fatigué.

"Je ferai les courses." (I will do the shopping)

Elle a dit qu'elle _______ les courses.

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