Reported Speech

 

Understanding Reported Speech: A Comprehensive Guide

Reported speech, also known as indirect speech, is a way of relaying what someone else has said without quoting them directly. This is an essential part of English grammar that adds depth and nuance to communication. In this blog, we will explore the different aspects of reported speech, including its structure, rules, and common mistakes to avoid.

About the Author

Hi there! I'm Mukesh Manjil Bhattarai, a class 10 student from Nepal Police School, Samakhusi, in section Valmiki. Today, I want to share some insights on reported speech, a fundamental aspect of English grammar that will help you communicate more effectively. Reported speech, also known as indirect speech, is a way to relay what someone else has said without quoting them directly. Let's dive into the basics, rules, and examples of reported speech to enhance your writing and speaking skills.

What is Reported Speech?

Reported speech involves conveying the message of the speaker in your own words. Unlike direct speech, which uses the exact words spoken by the person, reported speech focuses on the content of the message rather than the form.

Example:

• Direct Speech: He said, "I am going to the market."
• Reported Speech: He said that he was going to the market.

Structure of Reported Speech

The structure of reported speech often involves changes to the verb tense, pronouns, and time expressions to reflect the shift from direct to indirect reporting. The basic structure includes:

1. Reporting Verb: Common reporting verbs include "said," "told," "asked," "explained," etc.
2. Conjunction: The word "that" is often used to connect the reporting clause and the reported clause, though it can sometimes be omitted.
3. Reported Clause: This is the clause that contains the content of what was said.

Example:

• Direct: "I will go to the party," she said.
• Reported: She said (that) she would go to the party.

Changes in Verb Tenses

One of the most significant changes in reported speech is the shift in verb tenses. Here are some common changes:

• Present Simple to Past Simple:

  • Direct: "I like coffee."
  • Reported: She said (that) she liked coffee.

• Present Continuous to Past Continuous:

  • Direct: "I am reading a book."
  • Reported: He said (that) he was reading a book.

• Present Perfect to Past Perfect:

  • Direct: "I have finished my homework."
  • Reported: She said (that) she had finished her homework.

• Past Simple to Past Perfect:

  • Direct: "I went to the market."
  • Reported: He said (that) he had gone to the market.

Changes in Pronouns and Time Expressions

Pronouns and time expressions often need to be adjusted in reported speech to maintain clarity and coherence.

• Pronouns:

  • Direct: "I am happy with my results."
  • Reported: She said (that) she was happy with her results.

• Time Expressions:

  • "today" becomes "that day"
  • "tomorrow" becomes "the next day" or "the following day"
  • "yesterday" becomes "the previous day" or "the day before"
  • "now" becomes "then"
  • "here" becomes "there"

Examples:

• Direct: "I will see you tomorrow."
• Reported: He said (that) he would see me the next day.

Reporting Questions

When reporting questions, the structure changes slightly. The question form is converted into a statement form, and the question mark is removed.

Yes/No Questions

For yes/no questions, use "if" or "whether" to introduce the reported clause.

• Direct: "Are you coming to the party?"
• Reported: She asked if I was coming to the party.

WH-Questions

For WH-questions, use the question word (who, what, where, when, why, how) to introduce the reported clause.

• Direct: "What are you doing?"
• Reported: He asked what I was doing.

Reporting Commands and Requests

Commands and requests are reported using verbs like "tell," "ask," "order," "advise," etc., followed by an infinitive.

Examples:

• Direct: "Close the door."

• Reported: She told me to close the door.

• Direct: "Please help me."

• Reported: He asked me to help him.

Common Mistakes in Reported Speech

1. Incorrect Tense Shifts:

   • Direct: "I am tired."
   • Incorrect Reported: He said he is tired.
   • Correct Reported: He said he was tired.

2. Omitting Necessary Pronoun Changes:

   • Direct: "We are going to the cinema."
   • Incorrect Reported: They said we are going to the cinema.
   • Correct Reported: They said they were going to the cinema.

3. Ignoring Changes in Time Expressions:

   • Direct: "I will finish it tomorrow."
   • Incorrect Reported: She said she would finish it tomorrow.
   • Correct Reported: She said she would finish it the next day.

Practice Exercises

To master reported speech, practice with the following exercises:

1. Convert the following direct speech into reported speech:

   • "I am learning Spanish," he said.
   • "We have completed the project," they said.
   • "Do you like chocolate?" she asked.

2. Report the following questions:

   • "Where are you going?" she asked.
   • "Did you finish your homework?" he asked.
   • "What time is it?" she asked.

3. Convert the following commands and requests into reported speech:

   • "Please open the window," she said.
   • "Don't touch that," he said.
   • "Could you pass the salt?" he asked.

Conclusion

Reported speech is a fundamental aspect of English grammar that allows us to convey messages with precision and clarity. By understanding its structure, rules, and common pitfalls, you can effectively use reported speech in both written and spoken communication. Practice regularly, and soon you will be able to report speech effortlessly and accurately.