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Reported Speech

Reported speech

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69 views

Reported Speech

Reported speech

Uploaded by

n8875577
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Reported Speech

Reported speech refers to recording the speaker’s speech, whether it is done directly by
recording the speaker’s words or indirectly by recording the speaker’s words but changing
them.

For example
Shyam said, “Taj Mahal was built by Shahjahan.”
Shyam said is the reporting verb.
“Taj Mahal was built by Shahjahan.” is the reported speech.

Direct Speech
It refers to reporting the exact words spoken by the speaker. There is no change in the verb or
the sentence.

Rules of Direct Speech


 Speech should be opened with quotations or inverted commas.
 The word ‘said’ is used to connect two sentences.
 Reporting clause should be used at the end of the sentence.
 At the end of the sentence full stop should be placed.

Examples
1. Neha said, “Roger Federer has won the match against Rafael Nadal.”
2. Shivani says, “I am having my lunch.”

Indirect Speech
It is the speech that tells what someone has said but it does not explain the actual words spoken
by the person. It just conveys the basic narration of what is being said to the third person.
Rules of Indirect Speech
 Past tense is used when the situation is uncertain.
 The present tense of the sentence is changed to the past tense in indirect speech.
 Universal facts tense remains the same.
 The use of the word “that” connects the reported verb and reported speech.

Let us look at some examples


1. Gargi said that she enjoyed watching the movie Avatar.
2. Shiva says that he is eating an apple.

Changing direct speech into reported speech

Change of Pronouns
Change in Tenses

Change of Modal Verbs

Direct Speech Reported Speech

Will Would

May Might

Can Could

Shall Should

Has/Have Had

Mood of Sentence in Direct Speech Reporting verb in indirect verb

sorrow in reported speech exclaimed with sorrow/ grief/ exclaimed sorrowfully

happiness in reported speech exclaimed with joy/ delight/ exclaimed joyfully

surprise in reported speech exclaimed with surprise/ wonder/ astonishment"

appreciation and it is being expressed strongly applauded


Change of Adverbs of Place and Adverbs of Time

Direct Speech Indirect Speech

Order ordered

Request requested / entreated

Advice advised / urged

Warning warn

Direction directed

Suggestion suggested to
How to Change Tenses in Reported Speech

Direct Speech Indirect Speech


Simple Present Simple Past
Present Continuous Past Continuous
Present Perfect Past Perfect
Present Perfect Continuous Past Perfect Continuous
Simple Past Past Perfect
Past Continuous Past Perfect Continuous
Past Perfect No change
Past Perfect Continuous No change
Simple Future will/ shall becomes ‘would’
Future Continuous will/ shall becomes ‘would’
Future Perfect will/ shall becomes ‘would’
Future Perfect Continuous No change

1. Convert the following sentences into reported speech.


1. Mohini said to her mother, “The ladies have been making pickles for 10 years.”
2. The teacher said to us, “Water boils at 100°C.”
3. Mr Gupta said, “All the flights are delayed due to heavy rains.”
4. Radhika asked me, “When are you leaving?”
5. She said, “He likes Mughlai food.”
6. He said, “Her dress is ready.”
7. Dronacharya said to Arjun, “Shoot the fish’s eye.”
8. He said to her, “You are an understanding person.”
9. The teacher said to Shelly, “Why are you laughing?”
10. Rashi told him, “Your bag is new.”
11. Meera said, “I’m reading a comic.”
12. The old man said to the sailor, “The sea will be rough according to the weather forecast.”
13. My father said to me, “Please wait here till I return.”
14. Rita told her, “Your friend likes you.”
15. “Call the ambulance,” said the woman.
16. The chef said to the helper, “Chop the vegetables quickly.”
17. Robert said to me, “I shall do my homework.”
18. The student said to the librarian, “Please allow me to go to the library.”
19. Grandma said to Kishore, “Avoid drinking chilled water as it will further harm your sore
throat.”
20. He said to her, “Go there.”

2. Convert the following paragraphs into reported speech.


1. Mother said to Rahul, “Drive slow”. He replied, “I always drive slow.” Handing over a packed
lunch she said, “Keep me updated about your whereabouts.” Raghav hugged her goodbye and
took off for Manali.
2. “Do you want to know something cool?” Preeti asked Rama. Rama said, “Why not?” Preeti
said, “Did you know “strengths” is the longest word in the English language with one vowel?”
Rama seemed surprised. Preeti said, “According to the Guinness Book of World Records,
“strengths” is the longest word in the English language with one vowel. The word contains nine
letters, eight of them being consonants.”
3. She said, “You should eat your vegetables.” Raghav replied, “I don’t like brinjal, I want to
have fries.” His mother said, “If you’ll have your vegetables throughout the week, then I will
treat you with fries on the weekend.”
4. Robert asked Paul, “Are you a potterhead?” Paul excitedly replied, “Yes, a big one!” Robert
asked, “Did you know actor Daniel Radcliffe went through nearly 70 wands and 160 pairs of
glasses during the making of the Harry Potter films?” Paul was amazed to know this.
5. Vinay said, “Good afternoon, sir! May I come in?” His boss replied, “Yes Vinay, please come
in.” Vinay said, “Actually, I wanted to speak to you about something, so do let me know when
you are free!” his boss said, “Yes, Vinay please have a seat. What do you have to say, please do
tell me!”

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