Reported Speech

Reported Speech





Reported Speech Material



Understanding Reported Speech


I. Basic Concepts of Reported Speech

Definition of Reported Speech: Reported Speech is a technique in English that allows us to retell what someone else has said without quoting directly. By using Reported Speech, we can convey information clearly and accurately, providing an accurate portrayal of other people's words.

Changes in Verbs and Pronouns: An essential aspect of Reported Speech involves changing verbs and pronouns. Verbs in direct sentences must be adjusted according to tense and person, while first-person pronouns like 'I' and 'we' must be replaced with third-person pronouns such as 'he,' 'she,' or 'they.' This ensures that reported statements sound natural and context-appropriate.

Changes in Time: Furthermore, when using Reported Speech, changing time expressions is crucial. We must be able to alter words related to time and place according to the original conversation's context. This helps listeners or readers understand when and where the events occurred, creating a vivid and lifelike picture in the story being told.


II. Reporting Verbs in Action

Active Voice to Passive Voice: In transforming direct active sentences into reported passive ones, we create intriguing dynamics. For example, from the sentence "She said, 'I love this movie,'" we generate an elegant reported passive sentence, "She said that she loved that movie." In this sentence, the shift from active to passive introduces a different nuance, adding depth to how we convey information.

Reported Questions: Additionally, transforming direct questions into reported questions involves precision and creativity. For instance, from the direct question "He asked, 'Where are you going?'" we produce a reported question that captures the speaker's curiosity, "He asked where I was going." Crafting sentences like this preserves the essence of the original question, maintaining the inquisitive tone of the speaker.

Understanding and mastering Reported Speech open the door to a world of rich expression in English. It's not just about words; it's about how we breathe life into conversations, allowing others to feel the emotions we wish to convey. By comprehending the fundamental concepts and honing the skills of using Reported Speech, we can communicate ideas and emotions in a more profound and impactful manner. Study diligently, and witness how the world of the English language unfolds beautifully before you.