Reported speech, also known as indirect speech, is a way of expressing what

someone else has said, written, or thought, without quoting them directly. In reported
speech, the speaker conveys the information using their own words, typically
changing tenses, pronouns, and other elements to fit the context. Here's a summary
of the key points:

1. Reporting Verbs:

● Verbs like "say," "tell," "ask," "inform," etc., are used to introduce reported
speech.
● The choice of reporting verb often depends on the context and the manner in
which the speech is reported.

2. Changes in Pronouns:

● Pronouns often change from the first or second person in direct speech to the
third person in reported speech.
● Possessive pronouns also change accordingly.

3. Changes in Tenses:

● The tense of the reporting verb and the reported speech may change
depending on the context.
● Present simple often changes to past simple, present continuous to past
continuous, etc.

4. Changes in Time and Place Expressions:

● Time and place expressions may change to reflect the new context.
● Words like "today," "tomorrow," "here," "there," etc., may be adjusted
accordingly.

5. Reporting Questions and Commands:

● Questions often change to statements with appropriate reporting verbs.

● Commands and requests may change to infinitive or gerund forms.

6. Reporting Statements with Reporting Verbs:

● Statements are often introduced with reporting verbs such as "say," "tell,"
"explain," etc.
● The structure of the reported speech may change based on the reporting verb
used.
7. Punctuation:

● In reported speech, quotation marks are not used, and punctuation changes to
fit the new structure.

Example: Direct speech: "I'm going to the store," said Sarah. Reported speech: Sarah
said (that) she was going to the store.

In this example, "said" is the reporting verb, "I" changes to "she," and "am going"
changes to "was going" to reflect the past context.

Reported speech is essential for conveying conversations, thoughts, or written text in

a narrative or explanatory style without quoting directly. Understanding how to
effectively use reported speech enhances communication skills and written
expression.