Reported speech definitions
| Word backwards | detroper hceeps |
|---|---|
| Part of speech | Noun |
| Syllabic division | re-port-ed speech |
| Plural | The plural of the word reported speech is reported speeches. |
| Total letters | 14 |
| Vogais (2) | e,o |
| Consonants (7) | r,p,t,d,s,c,h |
Reported speech, also known as indirect speech, is a way of expressing what someone else has said without quoting their exact words. When reporting speech, the tense, pronouns, and other words may change to reflect that the speaker's words are being reported by someone else.
How does reported speech work?
When reporting speech, the speaker usually moves the tense of the original sentence back one step. For example, if the original sentence is in present simple tense, it will be changed to past simple in reported speech. Pronouns may also change to reflect that the speaker is reporting someone else's words, such as changing "I" to "he" or "she".
Examples of reported speech
For example, if the direct speech is "I am going to the store," in reported speech, it may be reported as "She said she was going to the store." Here, the pronoun "I" changes to "she" and the verb "am" changes to "was" to reflect the reporting of the original speaker's words.
Use of reporting verbs
Reported speech often involves the use of reporting verbs such as "say," "tell," "ask," and "inform." These verbs are used to introduce the reported speech and provide context for the reader or listener about where the information is coming from.
Overall, reported speech is a valuable tool in writing and speaking as it allows for the retelling of information shared by others without the need for direct quotations. It helps maintain a natural flow of conversation and provides clarity about who said what in a given context.
Reported speech Examples
- She said, "I will be there soon."
- He told me that he had already finished his homework.
- The witness claimed that he saw the suspect running away.
- They informed us that the meeting had been rescheduled.
- She mentioned that she was going on vacation next week.
- He explained that he needed more time to complete the project.
- The teacher reminded the students to study for the upcoming exam.
- The news anchor reported that a storm was approaching the coast.
- He admitted that he was responsible for the mistake.
- She denied that she had been involved in the incident.