Reported speech rules and grammar

Reported speech has fairly straightforward rules, once you understand what it
looks like, you'll easily use them yourself.
 Reported speech always uses a reporting verb, such as "said," "asked,"
"told," or "reminded."
 The tense in reported speech usually changes from the original tense.
For example, "I am going" becomes "she said that she was going."
 Pronouns may change in reported speech, depending on who is
speaking and who is being spoken to.
 Reported speech may use modal verbs, such as "could," "should," or
"would."
 Punctuation is important in reported speech, especially when using
quotation marks. Commas and periods should be placed inside the
quotation marks.
Types of reported speech - statements, questions, and commands
There are three types of reported speech: statements, questions, and
commands. Each type has its own set of rules and grammar.
Statements
Statements are the most common type of reported speech. They are used to
report what someone has said in the past. Here are some examples:
 Direct speech: "I'm tired," she said.
 Reported speech: She said that she was tired.
Questions
Questions are also commonly reported. They are used to report a question
that someone has asked in the past. Here are some examples:
 Direct speech: "What time is it?" he asked.
 Reported speech: He asked what time it was.
Commands
Commands are reported less frequently, but they are still important. They are
used to report a command that someone has given in the past. Here are some
examples:
 Direct speech: "Don't forget to lock the door," she said.
 Reported speech: She reminded us not to forget to lock the door.