Direct speech: I am upset → reported speech: she says (that) she is upset
Direct speech: I am upset → she said (that) she was upset
She said (that) she couldn't make it to the meeting
say + (that) + clause
She told me (that) she couldn't make it to the meeting
tell + someone + (that) + clause
He asked her to go out on a date
ask + someone + if / question word + clause
We advised her to see a doctor
advise + someone + to + infinitive
The teacher agreed that the children could do their homework later
agree + (that) + clause
Where do you live?
→ she asked me where I lived
What time is it?
→ He asked what time it was
Who is the man standing?
→ He asked me who the man standing was
Are you coming to the party?
→ She asked if / whether you were coming to the party
USE: to say what another person has said
Backshift: change tense (not with general facts)