Definition: Reporting questions, also known as indirect questions, are statements used to convey a question that someone else has asked without quoting their exact words. They involve summarizing or paraphrasing the original question while adjusting the tense, pronouns, and other elements to fit the context of the reporting situation.
Characteristics:
- Indirect Reporting: Reporting questions involve relaying information about a question asked by someone else in one’s own words, without using quotation marks.
- Changes in Tense and Pronouns: The tense and pronouns of the reported question may change based on the context and perspective of the reporting situation.
- Introduction of Reporting Verbs: Reporting questions often begin with reporting verbs such as “asked,” “inquired,” “wondered,” or other verbs indicating communication.
Examples:
Direct Question:
- “How old are you?” he asked.
- “What time is the meeting?” she inquired.
- “Did you finish your homework?” the teacher questioned.
- “Who won the game?” they wondered.
- “Why are you crying?” he asked with concern.
- “Have you seen my keys?” she asked frantically.
- “Where did you put my phone?” he demanded.
- “Can I help you with anything?” she offered.
- “Do you like chocolate?” they asked with a smile.
- “Are you feeling better?” he asked, placing a hand on her shoulder.
Reporting Question:
- He asked how old I was.
- She inquired what time the meeting was.
- The teacher questioned if I had finished my homework.
- They wondered who had won the game.
- He asked with concern why I was crying.
- She asked frantically if I had seen her keys.
- He demanded where I had put his phone.
- She offered if she could help me with anything.
- They asked with a smile if I liked chocolate.
- He asked, placing a hand on her shoulder, if she was feeling better.
Changes in Reporting Questions:
- Changes in Pronouns: Pronouns in the reported question may change to reflect the perspective of the reporting speaker or listener.
- Changes in Tense: The tense of the verb in the reported question may change depending on whether the reporting is done in the present, past, or future.
- Changes in Time and Place References: Time and place references in the reported question may be adjusted to fit the context of the reporting situation.
| Direct Question | Reporting Question |
|---|---|
| “Where are you going?” she asked. | She asked where I was going. |
| “What time is the meeting?” he inquired. | He inquired what time the meeting was. |
| “Who is coming to the party?” they wondered. | They wondered who was coming to the party. |
| “Why did you miss the appointment?” she asked. | She asked why I missed the appointment. |
| “How are you feeling?” he asked. | He asked how I was feeling. |
Usage Tips:
- Use reporting questions to summarize or convey questions asked by someone else in a conversation, interview, or narrative.
- Pay attention to changes in tense, pronouns, and other elements to ensure that the reported question aligns with the context of the reporting situation.
- Use reporting verbs such as “asked,” “inquired,” “wondered,” etc., to introduce reporting questions and provide clarity about who is asking the question.
Additional Notes:
- Reporting questions are commonly used in storytelling, journalism, academic writing, and everyday conversations to convey information about questions asked by others.
- Mastery of reporting questions is essential for effective communication and for accurately conveying the questions posed by others in written or spoken discourse.
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