Discuss the use of reported speech in formal and informal contexts.

Direct And Indirect Speech Questions Long



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Discuss the use of reported speech in formal and informal contexts.

Reported speech, also known as indirect speech, is a way of reporting or paraphrasing what someone else has said. It is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts to convey information or relay conversations. However, the use of reported speech may vary depending on the context and the relationship between the speaker and the listener.

In formal contexts, such as academic or professional settings, reported speech is often used to accurately convey information or cite sources. It is important to maintain the integrity of the original statement while presenting it in a more formal and objective manner. In these situations, reported speech is typically introduced with reporting verbs such as "state," "claim," "argue," or "assert." For example:

- The professor stated that climate change is a pressing global issue.
- The report claims that the company's profits have significantly increased.

In formal contexts, it is also common to use indirect speech to report statements made by experts, authorities, or official sources. This helps to establish credibility and provide evidence for arguments or claims. For instance:

- The government spokesperson announced that new policies will be implemented to address the issue.
- The study concluded that regular exercise has numerous health benefits.

On the other hand, in informal contexts, such as casual conversations or personal interactions, reported speech is often used to summarize or retell what someone has said. It is more flexible and allows for the inclusion of personal opinions, emotions, or changes in wording. In informal contexts, reported speech is usually introduced with reporting verbs like "say," "tell," "ask," or "mention." For example:

- She said that she was tired and wanted to go home.
- He told me that he had a great time at the party.

In informal contexts, reported speech can also be used to add emphasis, humor, or to convey the speaker's attitude or tone. It allows for more creativity and freedom in expressing oneself. For instance:

- She was like, "I can't believe you did that!"
- He was all, "I'm not going to let that happen."

In summary, reported speech is used in both formal and informal contexts to report or paraphrase what someone else has said. In formal contexts, it is used to accurately convey information or cite sources, while in informal contexts, it is used to summarize conversations or add personal opinions and emotions. The choice of reporting verbs and the level of formality may vary depending on the context and the relationship between the speaker and the listener.