Overview
Reporting conversations in everyday English often uses natural markers: Apparently…, According to him…, She was like '…' (very informal), He goes '…' (informal), I heard that…, They were saying…. These patterns reflect real spoken English rather than textbook grammar rules.
Natural Reporting in English
- Native speakers often reduce or omit formal reported speech structures.
- Discourse markersApparently / Supposedly / According to
- Tense flexibility'She said she can help.' (not always 'could')
- Omitting 'that''He said he'd come.' (natural spoken English)
Spoken English Reporting Phrases
- apparentlyI don't know directly — apparently there's been an accident.
- supposedlySupposedly, the meeting's been cancelled.
- so I heardThey're engaged — or so I heard.
- rumour has itRumour has it he's leaving.
Informal Speech Acts
- be likeShe was like, 'No way!' (very informal)
- goHe goes, 'I had no idea.' (narrative use)
- be allShe was all, 'It's not fair.' (very informal)
When to use
Chatting
Apparently she got the job!
Anecdotes
And she was like, 'I can't believe it!'
Social media
Supposedly the launch is next week.
Café talk
So I heard they broke up.