Reported Speech in English

Reported speech is an important aspect of the English language. We use it to let others know what someone has said or written. In this reference, we will discuss what reported speech is, see a few examples of reported speech as well as learn its rules and grammar.

What is reported speech?

Reported speech, also known as indirect speech, helps us convey what someone has said or written. As the term suggests, we use it to report what someone else said in the past, without using their exact words. Reported speech is used in many different contexts, such as in news articles, conversations, and even academic writing.

Why is reported speech important in English?

Reported speech is important in English because it allows us to accurately convey what someone else has said or written. It is also important in academic writing, where we need to report the words of other authors. Reported speech allows us to summarize what someone else has said, without using their exact words.

Examples of reported speech

Here are some examples of reported speech:

• "I'm going to the store," she said. (direct speech)
• She told me that she was going to the store. (reported speech)
• "I love pizza," he said. (direct speech)
• He said that he loved pizza. (reported speech)
• "Can you help me with this?" she asked. (direct speech)
• She asked if you could help her with that. (reported speech)
• "Don't forget to call me," he said. (direct speech)
• He reminded you not to forget to call him. (reported speech)

Reported speech rules and grammar

Reported speech has fairly straightforward rules, once you understand what it looks like, you'll easily use them yourself.

• Reported speech always uses a reporting verb, such as "said," "asked," "told," or "reminded."
• The tense in reported speech usually changes from the original tense. For example, "I am going" becomes "she said that she was going."
• Pronouns may change in reported speech, depending on who is speaking and who is being spoken to.
• Reported speech may use modal verbs, such as "could," "should," or "would."
• Punctuation is important in reported speech, especially when using quotation marks. Commas and periods should be placed inside the quotation marks.

Types of reported speech - statements, questions, and commands

There are three types of reported speech: statements, questions, and commands. Each type has its own set of rules and grammar.

Statements

Statements are the most common type of reported speech. They are used to report what someone has said in the past. Here are some examples:

• Direct speech: "I'm tired," she said.
• Reported speech: She said that she was tired.

Questions

Questions are also commonly reported. They are used to report a question that someone has asked in the past. Here are some examples:

• Direct speech: "What time is it?" he asked.
• Reported speech: He asked what time it was.

Commands

Commands are reported less frequently, but they are still important. They are used to report a command that someone has given in the past. Here are some examples:

• Direct speech: "Don't forget to lock the door," she said.
• Reported speech: She reminded us not to forget to lock the door.

Differences between direct and indirect speech

Direct speech and indirect speech are different in several ways. Direct speech helps us relay the exact words that someone has said. Indirect speech is when we report what someone has said, without using their exact words. Differences between direct and indirect speech:

• Direct speech uses quotation marks to indicate the exact words that were spoken. Indirect speech does not use quotation marks.
• Direct speech uses the present tense, past tense, or future tense, depending on when the words were spoken. Indirect speech usually uses the past tense.
• Direct speech uses the speaker's exact words, including any mistakes or errors. Indirect speech does not include mistakes or errors.

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Reported speech vs. direct speech

Reported speech and direct speech are both used to report what someone has said or written. However, there are some differences between them. Direct speech uses the exact words of the speaker, while reported speech summarizes what the speaker said. 

Here are some examples:

• Direct speech: "I'm going to the store," she said.
• Reported speech: She said that she was going to the store.
• Direct speech: "Can you help me with this?" she asked.
• Reported speech: She asked if you could help her with that.

Common mistakes in reported speech

Reported speech can be tricky, and there are some common mistakes that people make. Common mistakes in reported speech:

• Forgetting to change the tense of the verb.
• Forgetting to use a reporting verb.
• Using the wrong reporting verb.
• Not changing pronouns when necessary.
• Not using quotation marks correctly.

Summary

Reported speech allows us to accurately convey what someone else has said or written. By following the rules and grammar of reported speech, you can effectively report on what others said with the help of quotation marks and rules explained earlier in this reference.

If you want to learn more about reported speech and improve your English skills, check out some handy references below!