What are the rules for changing adverbs and adverbial phrases in reported speech?

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What are the rules for changing adverbs and adverbial phrases in reported speech?

When it comes to changing adverbs and adverbial phrases in reported speech, there are a few rules to keep in mind. These rules help maintain the accuracy and clarity of the reported speech while reflecting any necessary changes in tense, time, or perspective. Here are the key guidelines:

1. Adverbs of time and place: When reporting speech, adverbs of time and place usually undergo a shift to reflect the change in perspective. For example, if the original statement includes an adverb of time such as "yesterday," it would be changed to "the day before" in reported speech. Similarly, adverbs of place like "here" may change to "there" in reported speech.

2. Adverbs of manner: Adverbs of manner, which describe how an action is performed, generally remain unchanged in reported speech. For instance, if the original statement includes an adverb of manner like "carefully," it would be retained as it is in reported speech.

3. Adverbs of frequency: Adverbs of frequency, such as "always," "often," or "never," may undergo changes in reported speech depending on the context. If the reported speech refers to a general truth or habit, the adverb of frequency remains unchanged. However, if the reported speech refers to a specific event or situation, the adverb of frequency may need to be adjusted accordingly.

4. Adverbial phrases: Adverbial phrases, which consist of multiple words that function as an adverb, generally follow the same rules as adverbs. The individual words within the adverbial phrase may need to be adjusted to reflect the change in perspective, tense, or time.

It is important to note that these rules are not set in stone and may vary depending on the specific context and the intention of the speaker. Therefore, it is crucial to carefully analyze the original statement and consider the appropriate changes required to accurately convey the reported speech.