NORDINVERSITY
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2nd Bac Grammar Reference

Grammar: Reported Speech

Reported speech (or indirect speech) is used to report what someone else said without using their exact words.

1. Basic Reported Speech: Key Changes

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1. Basic Reported Speech: Key Changes

Tense Backshift: The verb tense in the reported clause usually moves one step back into the past (e.g., Present Simple → Past Simple). Pronoun/Possessive Adjective Changes: Pronouns change to reflect the new speaker's perspective ('I' becomes 'he/she', 'my' becomes 'his/her'). Time/Place Word Changes: Words like 'now' → 'then', 'today' → 'that day', 'here' → 'there'. Direct: "I am happy." → Reported: He said that he was happy. Direct: "We will go tomorrow." → Reported: They said they would go the next day.

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2. Advanced Reported Speech

Reporting Questions (No Inversion): (Yes/No): Use 'if' or 'whether'. (Wh-): Use the wh-word. Reporting Commands/Requests: Use 'told/ordered/asked + someone + (not) to + base verb'. Varied Reporting Verbs: Use verbs like 'suggested', 'offered', 'promised', 'refused' followed by a gerund or infinitive.

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