Reporting Statements: Reporting Speech Part

Definition: Reporting statements, also known as reported speech or indirect speech, are expressions used to convey what someone else has said without directly quoting their exact words. They summarize or paraphrase the original speaker’s statement while adjusting the tense, pronouns, and other elements to fit the context of the reporting situation.

Characteristics:

  • Indirect Reporting: Reporting statements involve relaying information spoken by someone else in one’s own words, without using quotation marks.
  • Changes in Tense and Pronouns: The tense and pronouns of the reported statement may change based on the context and perspective of the reporting situation.
  • Introduction of Reporting Verbs: Reporting statements often begin with reporting verbs such as “said,” “told,” “asked,” or other verbs indicating communication.

Examples:

Direct Speech:

  1. Tom exclaimed, “I won the lottery!”
  2. Lisa asked, “What time does the movie start?”
  3. David shouted, “Help! Somebody call 911!”
  4. Rachel whispered, “I have a secret to tell you.”
  5. Alex remarked, “This pizza is delicious!”
  6. Emily inquired, “Where is the nearest gas station?”
  7. Michael yelled, “Watch out for the incoming car!”
  8. Laura exclaimed, “I can’t believe it’s snowing in May!”
  9. Peter questioned, “Who left the front door unlocked?”
  10. Sophia giggled, “That joke was so funny!”

Reporting Statement:

  1. Tom exclaimed that he had won the lottery.
  2. Lisa asked what time the movie started.
  3. David shouted for someone to call 911.
  4. Rachel whispered that she had a secret to tell.
  5. Alex remarked that the pizza was delicious.
  6. Emily inquired about the location of the nearest gas station.
  7. Michael yelled to watch out for the incoming car.
  8. Laura exclaimed that she couldn’t believe it was snowing in May.
  9. Peter questioned who had left the front door unlocked.
  10. Sophia giggled and said that the joke was so funny.

Changes in Reporting Statements:

  • Changes in Pronouns: Pronouns in the reported statement may change to reflect the perspective of the reporting speaker or listener.
  • Changes in Tense: The tense of the verb in the reported statement 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 statement may be adjusted to fit the context of the reporting situation.
Direct SpeechIndirect Speech
“I am going to the store,” said Mary.Mary said that she was going to the store.
“Are you coming to the party?” John askedJohn asked if I was coming to the party
“You should study for the exam,” Sarah told himSarah told him that he should study for the exam.
“We will meet you at the restaurant,” they said.They said that they would meet us at the restaurant.

Usage Tips:

  • Use reporting statements to summarize or convey what someone else has said in a conversation, interview, or narrative.
  • Pay attention to changes in tense, pronouns, and other elements to ensure that the reported statement aligns with the context of the reporting situation.
  • Use reporting verbs such as “said,” “told,” “asked,” “explained,” etc., to introduce reporting statements and provide clarity about who is speaking.

Additional Notes:

  • Reporting statements are commonly used in storytelling, journalism, academic writing, and everyday conversations to convey information from one person to another.
  • Mastery of reporting statements is essential for effective communication and for accurately conveying the words and ideas of others in written or spoken discourse.

Related Articles: Essential English Grammar: In Simple Way

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