Módulo 4

CON DITION S AN D R EPOR TS

Introducción

7. CON DITION ALS

7.1 Introduction

7.2 Conditionals

8. R EPOR TED SPEECH

8.1 Introduction

8.2 Reported speech

CIER R E DEL MÓDULO

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16

Introducción

Ingles 04_Subs
EaD Kennedy

03:59

Conditional Sentences indicate that one action or event depends on another. Conditionals are used to
speak about true, possible or unreal situations.

On the other hand, Reported Speech is the way we represent what other people say.
Both structures are essential for complex communication of results, and reporting sources, which are
frequent messages in the academic and professional world. This module deals with them in detail.

Objetivos del módulo

Expresar certeza o verdad, predicción o posibilidad o situaciones hipotéticas.

Relatar o informar lo expuesto por otra persona.

 UNIDAD 7 7.1 Introduction
Conditionals 7.2 Conditionals

UNIDAD 8 8.1 Introduction

Reported Speech 8.2 Reported speech

C O NT I NU A R
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7.1 Introduction

In the present unit, you will find:

• Reading material (theory) about conditionals; read it carefully and if you have any questions,
write us in "Foro de Consulta".

• Video explanation of Conditional sentences: Watch and listen to it.

• A video with examples from a TV series to see how conditionals are used in English. When you
finish, you will find:
 • Grammar Exercise 7: First, read the paragraph and select the correct option; then, match the
beginnings and the endings. You will find this activity in the section "Evaluaciones" in the menu.

Conditional Sentences indicate that one action or event depends on another. Conditionals are used to
speak about true, possible or unreal situations.

Figura 1: Glasbergen, R. (2004). Why didn't you do your homework?

“If/When your press ‘enter’, the assignment is submitted.”

“Si/Cuando presiona ‘entrar’, se entrega la tarea”. This condition is always true (every time you
press that button, the assignment will be submitted).
 “If I complete the assignment, I will submit it tonight.”

“Si completo la tarea, la entregaré esta noche”. This condition is possible (it depends on my
completing the task).

“If I completed the assignment, I would get a better grade.”

“Si completara la tarea, obtendría una mejor calificación”. This condition is hypothetical (it
depends on my completing the task, but I don’t think that will happen).

Recognizing these types of conditional sentences helps us understand the level of certainty of the

message.

Conditional sentences in English grammar

This lesson gives you an introduction and basic explanation about conditionals in English. It

teaches you the use (real and unreal situations), the form and the different types, including zero,
first, second and third conditionals.
 07:39

Crown Academy of English (2016). Conditional sentences in English grammar | Condicionales en Inglés. [Video]

Youtube

If you were a superhero - 2nd Conditional

A scene from the TV series “Big Bang Theory”, to watch and listen to the Second Conditional in
action –while having fun!
 00:35

Learnwithvideos by Carlos Gontow (2012). If you were a superhero - 2nd Conditional. [Video] Youtube

C O NT I NU A R
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7.2 Conditionals

Conditional Sentences have two clauses, which are usually

connected with the word “IF”; they indicate that one action or event
depends on another.

TERMS

clause

a group of words, consisting of a subject and a verb.

sentence
a group of words, usually containing a verb, that expresses a thought in the form of a
statement or question and starts with a capital letter.

Condition *
something essential to the appearance or occurrence of something else.

modal verb

A modal verb is an auxiliary that expresses functions or intentions

(modality).
 (*) Condition. (n.d.). Retrieved July 17, 2017, from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/condition

Read this Reflection about appreciating what we have:

The IF Generation
Nowadays, many people have issues with appreciating what they have; it is always the matter of
‘If I were richer…’, ‘If I were younger…’, ‘If I were him…’ etc. I don’t have a problem with the fact
that we want more from our lives; what annoys me is the fact that we keep saying what we would
do ‘IF’…
When I was younger, I thought that if my parents had been richer, I could have been more fortunate with my

life. Now, I keep finding myself the new ‘ifs’ that can successfully keep me away from being happy. I think
that if I had more time, I would start going to the gym; if I had more money, I would eat

healthy, etc.

‘I’ll visit you if I have time’ usually means ‘I won’t visit you, I’m busy’. Why do we choose to send
confusing messages when we can simply say what we think? We have to be not only politically
correct; we must be socially correct, too.

Adapted from: http://busyteacher.org/17048-conditionals-reading-comprehension-and-speaking.htm

Conditionals

Look at this example:

I’ll visit you if I have time

In this sentence, the promise “I will visit you”, depends on the condition “if I have time”. This is an
example of a Conditional Sentence.

There are some structures in English that are called conditionals - if a particular condition is true,
then a particular result happens:

If I have time, I will visit you.

(Condition) ------> (Result)

Structure of Conditional Sentences
The structure of most conditionals is very simple. There are two basic possibilities. We add many
words and can use various tenses, but the basic structure is usually like this:

Notice the comma in the first sentence (the one that starts with “IF”). In the second sentence, we
do not use a comma.

Types of Conditionals
There are three basic English conditionals that we use more often. There are some more
conditionals that we do not use so often.

The choice of usage depends on the Certainty (certeza) of the condition happening. In other
words, some conditions can be true, possible, imaginary, or impossible
Zero Conditional

This type of condition is always true; we generally use it for scientific facts.

If you touch fire, you get burned.

When it rains, waterdrops fall from the sky.

Notice that we can use “IF” or “WHEN”, with the same meaning.

The previous sentences are always true. We use the Present Simple for the Condition, and the
Present Simple, as well, for the results
First Conditional
This type of condition is possible; we use it when there is a real possibility for the result to
happen in the future, and for forecasts, threats, and promises (pronósticos, amenazas y
promesas).

If you make a mistake, someone will let you know.

If he asks me, I will consider his proposal carefully.

Note that we can also use negative conditions.

If Ann asks me, I will not / won’t tell her.

If I don’t have / do not have to work tomorrow, I will come

The previous sentences are possible. We use the Present Simple for the Condition, and the Future
(WILL), for the results.
We can also use Unless instead of IF: unless means “except if”.
 Here are some examples of unless:

Don't tell Ann what I said unless she asks you. (= except if she asks you)
No le cuentes a Ann lo que dije, excepto si pregunta / a menos que pregunte.

I'll come tomorrow unless I have to work. (= except if I have to work)

Vendré mañana, excepto si / a menos que tenga que trabajar.

Instead of unless it is possible to say if . . . not:

Don't tell Ann what I said if she doesn't ask you.

No le cuentes a Ann lo que dije si no te lo pregunta.

We'll be late if we don't hurry.

Llegaremos tarde si no nos apuramos.

Second Conditional

This type of condition is imaginary, or hypothetical; we use it when

there is not a possibility for the result to happen in the future; or
when we are speaking about imaginary situations and
wishes (deseos).

If I liked parties, I would attend more of them.

 If it rained tomorrow, people would dance in the street.

The previous sentences are imaginary or hypothetical. We use the Past Simple for the Condition,
and the modal verb WOULD, for the results.
 Note that we use the Past Simple for the condition, even when it is a
Future idea: we are not referring to the past time, we are using the past
simple to give an idea that the possibility is unreal.

Sometimes, we use should, could or might instead of would, for example:

If I won a million dollars, I could stop working.

They might be angry if I didn't visit them.

We always use the plural of the verb To Be in imaginary/hypothetical situations:

If I were you, I wouldn't buy that coat.

 I'd go out if it weren't raining.

I wish my room were larger.

If I were rich, I would buy a castle.

I wish I were taller.

Wish
We also use the past for a present situation after wish; the past tense gives the idea of something
that is not real. We use wish to say that something is not as we would like it to be:

I wish I knew Sue's telephone number. (I don't know it.)

Desearía saber el número de teléfono de Sue.

Do you ever wish you could fly? (You can't fly.)

¿Alguna vez sueñas que puedes volar?

I wish it didn't rain so much in this city. (It rains a lot.)

Desearía que no lloviera tanto en esta ciudad.

Summary and Practice on Conditionals

Zero Conditional

ACCEDER

First Conditional
 ACCEDER

Second Conditional

ACCEDER

Third Conditional

ACCEDER

Bibliografía de referencia
Murphy, Raymond. (2019). English grammar in use – A self study reference and practice book for
intermediate learners of English. Cambridge, Reino Unido: Cambridge University Press.

C O NT I NU A R
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8.1 Introduction
In the present unit, you will find:

• Reading material (theory) about reported speech: Read it carefully and if you have any

questions, write us in "Foro de Consulta".

• Video explanation of Reported Speech: Watch and listen to it.

• A video with a story to see statements, questions and reporting verbs in action. When you finish,
you will find.

• Module 4 Activity: You will find texts posted on the section "Actividad Evaluable [A4]" for this unit;
select the one that corresponds to your degree; read it, and prepare an audio reflection to present
in video format. You can discuss vocabulary and main ideas in the "Foro de Consulta".

• Grammar Exercise 8: Read the dialog between an employer and a potential candidate. Then,

select the correct options to report the conversation to another employee. You will find this activity
in the section "Evaluaciones" in the menu.
 Figura 2. Really Learn English. Recuperado de:
passwithflyingcolours.blogspot.com

Reported speech is how we represent the speech of other people, or what they say. There are two main

types of reported speech: direct speech and indirect speech.

Me: “Listen carefully and take notes.” (Direct Speech)

(Yo: “Escuchen atentamente y tomen notas”.)

Imagine you didn’t hear my comment, so you ask a classmate what the instructor said; your
classmate will probably say:

"She told us to listen carefully and take notes." (Indirect Speech)

(Compañera de clase: "Nos dijo que escuchemos atentamente y tomemos notas".)

 Your classmate has reported what I had said. Let’s take a look at other examples:

Classmate: “Do we have to submit an assignment tomorrow?” (Direct Speech)

(Compañera de clase: “¿Tenemos que entregar una tarea mañana?”)

Imagine that the next week, another peer wants to know what she asked before; you would
respond:

"She asked me if we had to submit an assignment the following day." (Indirect Speech)

("Ella preguntó si teníamos que entregar una tarea el día siguiente".)

Everyday Grammar: Reported Speech

Video explanation of Reported Speech by VOA (Voice of America).

 02:00

VOA Learning English (2016) Everyday Grammar: Reported Speech. [Video] YouTube.

Reported statements & Reported questions | Johnny Grammar

A story to watch and read about Reported Speech in action.

 01:21

Sulema Betancourt (2015). Reported statements | Johnny Grammar | Learn English | British Council. [Video]

Dailymotion.

TIP: You can continue the story with Reported questions.

 01:07

English Club (2014). Reported questions | Johnny Grammar | Learn English | British Council. [Video] YouTube.

01:32
Sulema Betancourt (2015) Reporting verbs | Johnny Grammar | Learn English | British Council. [Video]

dailymotion.com

C O NT I NU A R
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8.2 Reported speech

Reported speech is how we represent the speech of other people, or

what they say. There are two main types of reported speech: direct
speech and indirect speech.

TERMS

Direct speech *
Direct speech repeats the exact words the person used.

Indirect speech *
Indirect speech focuses more on the content of what someone said rather than their exact
words.

Reporting clause *
The reporting clause includes a verb such as say, tell, ask, reply, shout, usually in the past
simple.

Reported clause *
The reported clause includes what the original speaker said.
 (*) Definitions from:
http://dictionary.cambridge.org

Read this dialog from the movie ‘The pursuit of Happiness´ (1992)

Dream on

Christopher Gardner: Hey. Don't ever let somebody tell you... You can't do something. Not even me. All
right?

Christopher: All right.

Christopher Gardner: You got a dream... You got to protect it. People can't do something themselves, they
want to tell you, you can't do it. If you want something, go get it. Period.

Keep it simple, silly.

Martin Frohm: What would you say if a man walked in here with no shirt, and I hired him? What would you
say?

Christopher Gardner: He must have had on some really nice pants

Source: The Pursuit of Happiness. Muccino, G. (Director), Black, T., Blumenthal, J., Tisch, S., Lassiter, J., &

Smith, W. (Producers), & Conrad, S. (Writer). (n.d.). The pursuit of happiness [Video file].

Reported Speech

Reported speech (“speech”: habla, discurso) is the representation of what other people, or
ourselves, said. Speech reports consist of two parts: the reporting clause and the reported clause.

I said: “Can you listen to me?”

“I said”----> reporting clause “Can you listen to me?”----> reported clause

Direct Speech
Direct speech is a representation of the actual words someone said. A direct speech report
usually has a reporting verb in the past simple. The most common reporting verb is said. The
reporting clause comes usually first.

Mary said: “I speak English.”

(reporting clause) (reported clause)

If we report what another person has said, we usually do not use the speaker’s exact words
(direct speech), but reported (indirect) speech. So, we transform direct speech into reported
speech.

Reported Speech – Statements

When we report what was said, usually, it is in a different situation: the time is different, the
person is different, the place may be different.

Christopher Gardner said: “People who can't do something themselves, want to tell you you
can't do it.” (direct speech)

Christopher Gardner said that people who could not do something themselves, wanted to tell
him he couldn't do it. (indirect / reported speech)

(I am not Christopher, and I am writing this after he said it, so all references to person and
time, must change.)
In short, we have to pay attention to:
• Pronouns • verbs (tense) • place and time expressions

Tenses (verbs)
Let’s look at changes in Tenses:
Note that the word “that” can be omitted.

Sometimes, it is not necessary to back shift the verb to the Past:

Mary: “People speak English in the USA”.

She said that people speak English in the USA. (People continue to speak English, so it is
correct to use the Present)

Joshua: “It is very cold in Russia”.

He said it is very cold in Russia. (The cold weather is a characteristic of that country, and it still
is cold in the present)

Place and Time expressions

Let’s look at changes in Time Expressions:

Let’s look at changes in Place Expressions:

The structure is a little different depending on whether you want to transform a statement,
question or request.

Questions

When transforming questions, check whether you have to change:

•pronouns •place and time expressions •tenses (backshift)

Also, note that you have to:

Transform the question into an indirect question

 Use the interrogative pronoun (WH) or if / whether (for Yes/No questions)

Note that the reported sentence (column 2) is NOT a question, it is a statement. The order of the
words will change to have the order of an affirmative or negative sentence, but not a question.
(*) This also means that we don’t use the auxiliary verb for the affirmative sentences.

We usually use the reporting verb “ASK” for questions.

Requests

Requests (pedidos) can be in the form of orders or questions. When transforming requests,

check:

• pronouns •place and time expressions •infinitive / modal verbs

Note that we can use other reporting verbs: tell/told, explain/explained, order/ordered,
ask/asked, etc. Remember that “ASK” means preguntar y pedir.

Some additional comments

Must, might, could, would and should stay the same in reported speech.

“You must study.” ---> They told us we must study.

“I could read at the age of 3.“ ---> He could read at the age of 3.

Say and tell

 If you say who you are talking to, use tell:

Tom told me (that) he didn't like Brian. (not Tom said me…)

Tom said (that) he didn't like Brian. (not Tom told (that) he…)

f you don't say who he told, you have to say:

Tom talked (or spoke) about his trip to Mexico. (but not said about)

Bibliografía de referencia
Murphy, Raymond. (2019). English grammar in use – A self study reference and practice book for
intermediate learners of English. Cambridge, Reino Unido: Cambridge University Press.

C O NT I NU A R
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