Introduction

Reported speech, also known as indirect speech, is a way to convey what someone else has said without quoting their exact words. This is an essential skill for English language learners as it helps in summarizing conversations, reporting news, and sharing information accurately. In this article, we will explore how to form reported speech and its practical applications in everyday communication.

What is Reported Speech?

Reported speech involves relaying what someone else has said without using their exact words. For example, if John says, “I am going to the store,” you can report this by saying, “John said that he was going to the store.” Notice how the verb tense changes and the pronoun shifts to match the context of the reporting.

Key Changes in Reported Speech

When converting direct speech to reported speech, several changes typically occur:

1. Pronoun Changes: Pronouns often change to match the perspective of the reporter.
   • Direct: “I am happy,” she said.
   • Reported: She said that she was happy.
2. Tense Changes: The tense usually shifts back one step in time.
   • Present Simple to Past Simple: “I like ice cream,” he said. → He said that he liked ice cream.
   • Present Continuous to Past Continuous: “I am reading a book,” she said. → She said that she was reading a book.
   • Present Perfect to Past Perfect: “I have finished my homework,” he said. → He said that he had finished his homework.
3. Time and Place Changes: Words indicating time and place may need to be adjusted.
   • “Today” becomes “that day.”
   • “Tomorrow” becomes “the next day.”
   • “Here” becomes “there.”

Forming Reported Speech

To form reported speech, follow these steps:

1. Identify the Reporting Verb: Common reporting verbs include “say,” “tell,” “ask,” “explain,” and “mention.”
   • Example: “She said,” “He told me,” “They asked.”
2. Change the Pronouns: Adjust the pronouns to fit the context of the report.
   • Example: “I” becomes “he” or “she,” “we” becomes “they.”
3. Shift the Tense: Move the tense back one step in time.
   • Example: Present Simple to Past Simple, Present Continuous to Past Continuous.
4. Adjust Time and Place Words: Modify words that indicate time and place.
   • Example: “Now” becomes “then,” “here” becomes “there.”

Examples of Reported Speech

Let’s look at some examples to illustrate these changes:

1. Direct Speech: “I will call you tomorrow,” she said.
   • Reported Speech: She said that she would call me the next day.
2. Direct Speech: “We are meeting at the park,” they said.
   • Reported Speech: They said that they were meeting at the park.
3. Direct Speech: “I have never been to Paris,” he said.
   • Reported Speech: He said that he had never been to Paris.