How do you change a sentence from direct to indirect speech?

To change a sentence from direct to indirect speech, you need to follow a few steps:

1. Identify the reporting verb: Determine the verb that introduces the reported speech. Common reporting verbs include say, tell, ask, explain, etc.

2. Change the pronouns: Adjust the pronouns in the reported speech to match the subject of the reporting verb. For example, if the reporting verb is "he said," and the direct speech is "I am happy," the indirect speech would be "He said he was happy."

3. Change the tense: Shift the tense of the verb in the reported speech according to the rules of sequence of tenses. Generally, present simple changes to past simple, present continuous changes to past continuous, etc.

4. Change time and place references: Modify any time and place references in the reported speech to reflect the time and place of the reporting verb. For instance, if the direct speech is "I will go tomorrow," and the reporting verb is in the past, the indirect speech would be "He said he would go the next day."

5. Change reporting verbs and expressions: Replace any direct speech verbs or expressions with appropriate reporting verbs or expressions. For example, "I promise" can be changed to "He promised."

6. Punctuate correctly: Use appropriate punctuation, such as quotation marks, commas, and reporting clauses, to indicate the shift from direct to indirect speech.

It is important to note that these steps may vary depending on the specific context and tense of the sentence.