Reported Speech

Reported speech, also known as indirect speech, is a grammatical structure used to relay what someone has said, without quoting their exact words. It is an essential aspect of communication and writing, allowing us to convey messages, conversations, or thoughts in a more flexible manner.

In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the meaning, rules, and usage of reported speech, along with examples and tips for mastering this form of communication.

Table of Contents

1. What Is Reported Speech?

2. Reported Speech: Meaning and Definition

3. Key Rules for Using Reported Speech

4. Transforming Direct Speech into Reported Speech

• • Pronoun Changes
  • Adverb Changes
  • Tense Changes

5. Types of Sentences in Reported Speech

• • Declarative Sentences
  • Interrogative Sentences
  • Imperative Sentences
  • Exclamatory Sentences

6. Examples of Reported Speech

7. Common Mistakes to Avoid

8. Practice Exercises

9. Tips to Master Reported Speech

10. FAQs on Reported Speech

1. What Is Reported Speech?

Reported speech refers to a grammatical construction used to relay what someone else said, without quoting their exact words. It helps make communication smoother, especially when summarizing or recounting past conversations.

Examples:

• • Direct Speech: She said, “I am happy.”
  • Reported Speech: She said that she was happy.

2. Reported Speech: Meaning and Definition

According to major dictionaries:

• • Oxford Learner’s Dictionary: Reported speech is a report of what somebody has said that does not use their exact words.
  • Cambridge Dictionary: It is the act of reporting something that was said but not using exactly the same words.
  • Collins Dictionary: Speech which tells you what someone said, but does not use the person’s actual words.

3. Key Rules for Using Reported Speech

1. No Quotation Marks

In reported speech, do not use quotation marks since the speaker’s exact words are not being quoted.

• • Direct Speech: He said, “I will come tomorrow.”
  • Reported Speech: He said that he would come the next day.

2. Use Reporting Verbs

Common reporting verbs include “said,” “told,” “asked,” “requested,” “exclaimed,” and “ordered.”

3. Sentence Structure

The basic structure for reported speech is: [Subject] + [reporting verb] + that + [reported clause]

4. Transforming Direct Speech into Reported Speech

A. Pronoun Changes

Pronouns in the sentence must be changed to match the perspective of the speaker or listener.

B. Adverb Changes

Certain adverbs of time and place must be changed when converting to reported speech.

C. Tense Changes

If the reporting verb is in the past tense, the verb in the reported clause often changes as follows:

5. Types of Sentences in Reported Speech

1. Declarative Sentences

Used to report statements or facts.

• • Direct Speech: He said, “I like ice cream.”
  • Reported Speech: He said that he liked ice cream.

2. Interrogative Sentences

Used to report questions. The sentence structure changes, and the question mark is removed.

• • Direct Speech: She asked, “Where are you going?”
  • Reported Speech: She asked where I was going.

3. Imperative Sentences

Used to report commands, requests, or advice.

• • Direct Speech: He said, “Close the window.”
  • Reported Speech: He told me to close the window.

4. Exclamatory Sentences

Used to report exclamations. The reporting verb changes to exclaimed or similar words.

• • Direct Speech: She said, “What a beautiful day!”
  • Reported Speech: She exclaimed that it was a beautiful day.

6. Examples of Reported Speech

Declarative Sentences:

• • Direct: He said, “I am tired.”
  • Reported: He said that he was tired.

Interrogative Sentences:

• • Direct: She asked, “Have you seen my book?”
  • Reported: She asked if I had seen her book.

Imperative Sentences:

• • Direct: The teacher said, “Submit your assignments on time.”
  • Reported: The teacher instructed us to submit our assignments on time.

Exclamatory Sentences:

• • Direct: He said, “Wow! This is amazing!”
  • Reported: He exclaimed that it was amazing.

7. Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Incorrect Tense Changes:

• • Incorrect: He said that he is happy.
  • Correct: He said that he was happy.

2. Forgetting to Change Pronouns:

• • Incorrect: She said, “I am hungry.” → She said that I was hungry.
  • Correct: She said that she was hungry.

3. Leaving Quotation Marks:

• • Incorrect: He said, “He will help.”
  • Correct: He said that he would help.

8. Practice Exercises

Transform these sentences into reported speech:

1. She said, “I will visit my grandmother.”

2. He asked, “Do you like chocolate?”

3. The teacher said, “Work hard and you will succeed.”

4. She exclaimed, “What a lovely surprise!”

5. He said, “I bought a new car yesterday.”

Answers:

1. She said that she would visit her grandmother.

2. He asked if I liked chocolate.

3. The teacher said that if we worked hard, we would succeed.

4. She exclaimed that it was a lovely surprise.

5. He said that he had bought a new car the previous day.

9. Tips to Master Reported Speech

1. Practice Regularly: Convert dialogues from books or movies into reported speech.

2. Understand Tense Changes: Pay attention to the tense of the reporting verb.

3. Learn Reporting Verbs: Expand Your Vocabulary to Use a Variety of Reporting Verbs.

4. Use Checklists: Keep a list of pronoun, tense, and adverb changes handy.

FAQs on Reported Speech

Q1. What is the difference between direct and reported speech?

Direct speech quotes the exact words of the speaker, while reported speech paraphrases them without using quotation marks.

Q2. Can reported speech be used in the present tense?

Yes, if the reporting verb is in the present tense, the tense in the reported clause remains unchanged.

Q3. How do modal verbs change in reported speech?

• • Will → Would
  • Can → Could
  • May → Might