Similarities

Direct speech and reported speech are similar in that they both convey a message or conversation.
However, the main difference between them is that direct speech directly quotes the speaker's exact
words, while reported speech paraphrases or reports the speaker's words. And Indirect questions
(sometimes called embedded questions) are useful things to know. We often use them when we’re
talking to strangers and we want to be polite. But they can be tricky because of the word order.

Differences

Direct speech represents the exact words used by another person. Because another person's words are
being shared, quotation marks are required when using direct speech. By contrast, reported speech
communicates the idea behind what a person said without using his or her exact words. An embedded
question does not have a question mark when embedded within a statement. Embedded questions are
not direct questions.

In conclusion, reported speech and embedded questions are important grammatical structures in
English that enable us to accurately convey information and ask questions in indirect or embedded
forms. Reported speech involves paraphrasing or reporting someone's words, statements, or thoughts,
requiring changes in verb tense, pronouns, time expressions, and adverbs. Embedded questions, on the
other hand, are questions embedded within larger sentences or statements, used to express curiosity,
seek information, or request clarification. Both structures play a crucial role in effective communication,
enhancing our ability to relay information accurately and ask questions in a polite and indirect manner.

Reported speech and embedded questions are important concepts in English grammar that help convey
information or indirect statements. Understanding these concepts is essential for effective
communication and writing. This background paper aims to provide a comprehensive overview of
reported speech and embedded questions, their usage, and the necessary grammatical structures.