LoginReported Speech
Reported speech is related to the grammar of reporting what someone else said. In this lesson, you will learn all about it.
What Is Reported Speech?
Reported speech involves three participants. One says something and the other one delivers their speech to a third person.
Reported Speech: Uses
When we want to repeat what somebody else said, we use reported speech. Take a look at these examples for more clarification:
She
Her friend
Reported Speech: Types
There are two types of reported speech in English:
Direct Speech
an example of direct speech
Direct speech is to repeat somebody else's exact words. In written style, the quote is placed between quotation marks (" "). Remember not to change any of the declared words. For example:
She
"They will always be in my life." Hanna
Direct Speech: Structure
Direct reported speech has two parts. The first part contains a reporting verb that is usually in the past simple tense, but it can be in other tenses too. The second part is the exact words of the person whose speech is being reported.
"I am not alone." Sam
Panni
Indirect Speech
If we narrate someone's speech indirectly with our own words and not using the exact words of the speaker, then we are using indirect speech. For example:
She
My dad
Indirect Speech: Structure
To make indirect speech, we use a reporting verb which can be followed by that, and then a reported indirect speech which has been derived from the direct speech using backshift. Pay attention to the examples:
They
In this example the direct speech is "We will be there for you."
My sister
What Is Backshift?
To form reported speech, the tense and formation of some words, adverbs, and verbs undergo changes. This is called backshift. Check out the table below to see common forms of backshift:
| direct | indirect |
|---|---|
| present simple | past simple |
| present continuous | past continuous |
| present perfect simple | past perfect simple |
| present perfect continuous | past perfect continuous |
| past continuous | past perfect continuous |
Here are the common forms of modal backshift:
What Are Reporting Verbs?
Reporting verbs are numerous in English grammar, but here are the most common ones:
- say
- tell
- add
- declare
- admit
- answer
- ask
- cry
Review
As its name requires reported speech is used to report a dialogue. There are two kinds of reporting in English.
- indirect speech
- direct speech
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