Introduction
Reported speech, also known as indirect speech, is a way of expressing what
someone else has said without quoting their exact words. In the CBSE syllabus for
English Language and Literature, understanding reported speech is crucial for both
writing and comprehension sections. This study note will break down the concepts
of reported speech into smaller, digestible sections, and provide examples to clarify
each part.
Direct vs. Reported Speech
Direct Speech
Direct speech involves quoting the exact words spoken by someone. It is usually
enclosed in quotation marks.
Example
Example: She said, "I am going to the market."
Reported Speech
Reported speech, on the other hand, involves paraphrasing what someone has said.
The exact words are not used, and no quotation marks are necessary.
Example
Example: She said that she was going to the market.
Changes in Reported Speech
When converting from direct to reported speech, several changes occur. These
changes can be categorized into:
1. Pronoun Changes
2. Tense Changes
3. Time and Place Changes
Pronoun Changes
Pronouns in direct speech need to be adjusted to match the perspective of the
reporter.
Example
Example:
Direct: He said, "I will help you."
Reported: He said that he would help me.
Tense Changes
The tense of the verbs usually shifts back one step in reported speech. This process
is known as backshifting.
Note
If the reporting verb is in the present tense, no backshifting is needed.
Simple Present to Simple Past
Example
Example:
Direct: She says, "I like ice cream."
Reported: She says that she likes ice cream.
Simple Past to Past Perfect
Example
Example:
Direct: He said, "I visited the museum."
Reported: He said that he had visited the museum.
Present Continuous to Past Continuous
Example
Example:
Direct: She said, "I am reading a book."
Reported: She said that she was reading a book.
Present Perfect to Past Perfect
Example
Example:
Direct: They said, "We have finished the homework."
Reported: They said that they had finished the homework.
Time and Place Changes
Words indicating time and place often change in reported speech.
Tip
Memorize common time and place word changes for easier conversion.
Direct Speech Reported Speech today that day tomorrow the next day yesterday
the previous day here there now then
Example
Example:
Direct: She said, "I will meet you here tomorrow."
Reported: She said that she would meet me there the next day.
Reporting Questions
When reporting questions, the structure changes depending on whether the
question is a yes/no question or a wh-question.
Yes/No Questions
For yes/no questions, use "if" or "whether" in the reported speech.
Example
Example:
Direct: He asked, "Are you coming?"
Reported: He asked if I was coming.
Wh-Questions
For wh-questions, retain the question word (who, what, where, etc.) in the reported
speech.
Example
Example:
Direct: She asked, "Where are you going?"
Reported: She asked where I was going.
Reporting Commands and Requests
Commands and requests in reported speech usually involve the use of "to" +
infinitive.
Example
Example:
Direct: He said, "Close the door."
Reported: He told me to close the door.
Common Mistake
Common Mistake: Forgetting to change the pronoun or tense in reported speech.
Reporting Statements with Modal Verbs
Modal verbs also undergo changes in reported speech.
Direct Speech Reported Speech will would can could may might must had to
Example
Example:
Direct: She said, "I will come."
Reported: She said that she would come.
