What are Reported Speech Rules?

Source: teachstarter

Reported Speech Rules help us inform someone what some other person said without quoting exact words. Rather than replicating the speaker’s actual sentence, we adjust the structure using reporting verbs and altering the verb tense and pronouns. For instance, “I am happy,” becomes- She said that she was happy. These shifts may seem confusing at first, but by understanding the basic Reported Speech Rules like when to modify tenses or how to adjust pronouns one can express indirect speech correctly in day-to-day discussions and writing.

What is the Rule of Speech?

The Rule of Speech refers to the structured guidelines to be followed when expressing spoken or written language clearly and effectively. It involves picking the right words, using correct grammar, and following sentence structure that suits the situation and listener. In grammar, especially when discussing reported or direct speech, the Reported Speech Rules help find out how to accurately express what someone has said. This includes an understanding of using quotation marks for direct speech and adjusting verb tenses, pronouns, and word order when modifying it into reported speech. Understanding these Reported Speech Rules helps improve communication, whether in everyday conversation or formal writing.

What are the Types of Reported Speech?

Reported speech is used to express what someone else said, either by articulating their exact words or by summarizing their message.

There are two main Types of Reported Speech: direct speech and indirect speech.

Direct Speech:

Definition

Direct speech expresses the speaker’s direct words, boxed-in quotation marks.

Example

“I’m going to the zoo,” he said.

Key Attributes

The speaker’s words are cited precisely as spoken.
Quotation marks are used to confine the spoken words.
Inside the quotation marks, the foremost word is capitalized.

Punctuation like periods, question marks, or exclamation points are set inside the quotation marks. A comma is usually placed before the quoted speech when the reporting verb comes first.

Indirect Speech:

Definition

Indirect speech reports the content said by someone without citing them word for word.

Example

He said that he was going to the zoo.

Key Characteristic

The speaker’s words are rephrased rather than quoted.
Quotation marks are not utilized.
Verb tenses often shift back (e.g., present becomes past).
Pronouns change to match the perspective of the reporting sentence.

Words like that, if, or whether are used to link the reported speech to the reporting clause. Comprehending Reported Speech Rules and their types enhances both written and uttered communication by letting us clearly express what others have informed us, whether formally or informally.

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What is Reported Speech Format?

Reported Speech Format refers to the structure used when informing someone what the other person said, without citing them directly. It usually includes a reporting verb, a connector (like that or if), and modifications in tense, pronouns, and sometimes word order.

Here’s a simple crack-up of the Reported Speech Rule Format:

Begin with a reporting verb

Common verbs include said, inquired, asked, informed, etc.
Example: She said, He inquired, They asked, etc.

Use a connector

Use “that” to introduce a statement.
Example: She said that she was hungry.
Use if or whether for yes/no questions.
Example: He asked if I was lying.

Shift the verb tense (backshifting) if the reporting verb is in the past

Present simple → Past simple
Present continuous → Past continuous
Present perfect → Past perfect
Past simple → Past perfect
Alter pronouns and time expressions to match the context
I → he/she, my → his/her
today becomes that day, now becomes then, tomorrow changes to the next day

This Reported Speech Rule format helps present what was articulated in a clear, grammatically precise way, especially when writing or summarizing talks.

How to Teach Reported Speech Step by Step?

Reported Speech Rule format refers to the way we compose a sentence when we are revealing to someone what some other person said—without citing their exact words. Rather than using quotation marks and repeating the original sentence word-for-word, we modify it using certain Reported Speech Rules. This frequently involves modifying verb tense, pronouns, time aspect, and word order. Comprehending the Reported Speech Rules is essential for precise and impressive communication, especially in both articulated and written English.

Teach Reported Speech Step by Step and cover the following key elements:

Reporting Verb

All reported speech sentence starts with a reporting verb. This verb shows that someone said, enquired, told, or uttered something. The most common reporting verbs include:
Said
Told
Asked
Explained
Informed

Examples:

She said that she was tired.
He told me he would call later.
They asked if I had finished the project.

Source: freepik

Connectors (That, If, Whether)

Connectors help link the reporting verb with the reported clause:
Use “that” for statements. It is optional in informal speech.
Example: He said (that) he was going to the beach.
Use if or whether for yes/no questions.
Example: He asked if I was hungry.
Example: She asked whether he had arrived.
Word Order and Punctuation

In reported speech:

There are no quotation marks.
Word order follows a normal sentence structure (subject + verb + object).
If the reporting verb comes first, use a comma before the reported clause only in direct speech—not in reported speech.
Example:
Direct: He said, “I am learning English.”
Reported: He said he was learning English.

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For those looking to master English grammar or teach it confidently, Vidhyanidhi Education Society (Govt. Regd.) offers Grammar Teacher Training Courses that are structured to build a deep understanding of Reported Speech Rules and teaching skills.

Through this course, learners gain:

In-depth knowledge of grammar topics like Reported Speech Rules, sentence structure, tenses, voice, and parts of speech
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Practical classroom strategies for correcting grammar mistakes and encouraging proper usage
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