Introduction to Reported Speech and Indirect Quotations

Reported speech, also known as indirect speech, is a way of conveying what someone else has said without using their exact words. Indirect quotations are a form of reported speech that allows you to paraphrase or summarize someone's words. Mastering these concepts is essential for effective communication in English, as they help you relay information accurately and concisely.

Common Terms and Definitions

Direct Speech: An exact quotation of someone's words, usually enclosed in quotation marks.

Reported Speech (Indirect Speech): A way of conveying what someone else has said without using their exact words.

Reporting Verb: A verb used to introduce reported speech, such as "say," "tell," "ask," or "suggest."

Backshift: The process of changing the tense of the original verb in direct speech when converting it to reported speech.

Indirect Question: A question that is reported as a statement using reported speech.

Rules for Reported Speech

1. Change the pronouns to match the perspective of the person reporting the speech.
2. Backshift the tense of the original verb:
   • Present Simple → Past Simple
   • Present Continuous → Past Continuous
   • Present Perfect → Past Perfect
   • Past Simple → Past Perfect
   • Will → Would
   • Can → Could
   • May → Might
3. Change time and place expressions:
   • Now → Then
   • Today → That day
   • Yesterday → The day before
   • Tomorrow → The next/following day
   • Here → There
4. Use the appropriate reporting verb and conjunction (e.g., "that," "if," "whether").

Examples of Reported Speech and Indirect Quotations

Direct Speech: John said, "I am going to the store today."

Reported Speech: John said that he was going to the store that day.

Direct Speech: Mary asked, "Have you finished your homework?"

Reported Speech: Mary asked if I had finished my homework.

Direct Speech: The teacher announced, "The exam will be next week."

Indirect Quotation: The teacher announced that the exam would take place the following week.

Common Questions and Answers

When do I need to backshift the tense in reported speech?

Backshift the tense when the reporting verb is in the past tense. If the reporting verb is in the present tense, you do not need to change the tense of the original verb.

How do I report a question in indirect speech?

To report a question in indirect speech, use the appropriate reporting verb (e.g., "ask," "inquire," "wonder") followed by "if" or "whether" for yes/no questions, or the appropriate question word (e.g., "what," "where," "when") for open-ended questions. The word order changes to a statement, and the verb tense may need to be backshifted.

What is the difference between reported speech and an indirect quotation?

Reported speech conveys the content of what someone said without using their exact words, while an indirect quotation is a form of reported speech that paraphrases or summarizes someone's words. Both involve changing pronouns, verb tenses, and time/place expressions as needed.

Conclusion

Reported speech and indirect quotations are essential tools for conveying information and ideas in English. By understanding the rules for converting direct speech to reported speech, using appropriate reporting verbs and conjunctions, and correctly paraphrasing or summarizing someone's words, you will be able to communicate effectively in a wide range of situations.