What are the rules for changing reported speech into reported promises?

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What are the rules for changing reported speech into reported promises?

When changing reported speech into reported promises, there are a few rules to follow. These rules help maintain the accuracy and clarity of the reported promises. Here are the key guidelines:

1. Change the reporting verb: The reporting verb used in reported speech is usually "said" or "told." However, when converting reported speech into reported promises, the reporting verb should be changed to verbs such as "promised," "assured," "guaranteed," or "pledged." This change reflects the intention of the speaker to make a promise.

2. Change the pronouns: In reported speech, pronouns are often changed to reflect the perspective of the reporting speaker. Similarly, when converting reported speech into reported promises, the pronouns should be adjusted accordingly. For example, "I will help you" would become "He/she promised to help me."

3. Change the tense: The tense of the reported speech should be shifted to reflect the time of the promise. For example, if the original statement was made in the present tense, it should be changed to the past tense in reported promises. Similarly, if the original statement was made in the past tense, it should be changed to the past perfect tense in reported promises.

4. Change time and place references: Any time or place references mentioned in the reported speech should be adjusted to match the context of the reported promises. For instance, if the original statement included specific time or place details, they should be modified accordingly.

5. Use reporting words or phrases: To indicate that the reported speech has been converted into reported promises, it is essential to include appropriate reporting words or phrases. These words or phrases can be added at the beginning or within the reported sentence. Examples of reporting words or phrases include "He/she promised that," "He/she assured me," or "He/she guaranteed."

By following these rules, the reported speech can be accurately transformed into reported promises, ensuring that the intended meaning and context are preserved.