English grammar
Says (that) / is asking if — passing on a message now
Pass on what someone is saying or asking right now.
From the scene He says he's running late
In short
When you pass on words as they're said, use says or is asking if, and keep the other verb's tense.
Your turn
Which one goes with says there's / there are?
Options: he says he's running late · he's asking if we've got a lift · he says there's a lot of traffic
Show answer
says there's / there are → he says there's a lot of traffic
How it works
When you pass on words as they're being said (like during a phone call), the reporting verb is present and the other verb keeps its tense.
Your turn
Pick the word that fits the line.
He also wants to know (blank) he can park here.
Clue: a yes/no question
Options: what · if · that
Show answer
He also wants to know if he can park here.
También pregunta si puede aparcar aquí.
Good to know
'I'm running late' → he says he's running late.
Good to know
For a yes/no question use ask(s) if or wants to know if: 'Can I park here?' → he wants to know if he can park here.
says (that) + same tense he says he's running late
Javi
He says he's running late.
Dice que llega tarde.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
(blank).
Options: He's asking if we've got a lift · He says he's running late · He says there's a lot of traffic
Show answer
Javi
He says he's running late.
Dice que llega tarde.
says there's / there are he says there's a lot of traffic
Javi
He says there's a lot of traffic.
Dice que hay mucho tráfico.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
(blank).
Options: He says he's running late · He's asking if we've got a lift · He says there's a lot of traffic
Show answer
Javi
He says there's a lot of traffic.
Dice que hay mucho tráfico.
is asking if he's asking if we've got a lift
Javi
He's asking if we've got a lift.
Pregunta si tenemos ascensor.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
(blank).
Options: He's asking if we've got a lift · He says he's running late · He says there's a lot of traffic
Show answer
Javi
He's asking if we've got a lift.
Pregunta si tenemos ascensor.
wants to know if he wants to know if he can park here
Your turn
What goes with he wants to know if he can park here?
Options: says there's / there are · wants to know if · says (that) + same tense
Show answer
he wants to know if he can park here → wants to know if
Common mistake
Not tells or speaks here. No person after the verb.
He says there's a lot of traffic.
Dice que hay mucho tráfico.
Practise it in the story
Meet this rule inside a short animated scene. Answer as it plays, then say the lines yourself.
Practise free in the appSee all forms
| says (that) + same tense | he says he's running late |
|---|---|
| says there's / there are | he says there's a lot of traffic |
| is asking if | he's asking if we've got a lift |
| wants to know if | he wants to know if he can park here |
More lines from the story
- JaviHe also wants to know if he can park here.También pregunta si puede aparcar aquí.
- JaviOK, I'm hanging up. He says he'll be here in twenty minutes.Listo, cuelgo. Dice que llega en veinte minutos.
- NuriaLate? Why?¿Tarde? ¿Por qué?