Learn · Sentences Reported Speech (Indirect Speech)
He said that he had been thinking about the proposal for a long time.
B2Sentence
Narrator
He said that he had been thinking about the proposal for a long time.
Study notes
How to use in different contexts
Reporting Speech
He reported that he'd been considering the proposal for a considerable period.
Summarizing a Conversation
The main point of his statement was that he had given the proposal much thought.
Adding Detail to a Narrative
Before giving his response, he explained that he had pondered the proposal for a long time.
Expressing Doubt
He claimed to have thought about the proposal for a long time, but I'm not sure I believe him.
Rephrased versions
Formal
He stated that he had given the proposal extensive consideration.
Casual
He said he'd been mulling over the proposal for ages.
Simpler English
He said he thought about the plan for a while.
Phrases to learn
thinking about
Considering or contemplating something.
for a long time
Over an extended period.