What are the rules for changing reported beliefs in indirect speech?

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What are the rules for changing reported beliefs in indirect speech?

The rules for changing reported beliefs in indirect speech are as follows:

1. Change the pronouns: In indirect speech, the pronouns used to refer to the speaker's beliefs are changed according to the subject of the reporting verb. For example, if the speaker says, "I believe that..." in direct speech, it would be changed to "He/she believes that..." in indirect speech.

2. Change the verb tense: The verb tense used in reported beliefs is usually shifted back one tense in indirect speech. For example, if the speaker says, "I believe it will rain tomorrow" in direct speech, it would be changed to "He/she believed it would rain tomorrow" in indirect speech.

3. Change the adverbs of time and place: Adverbs of time and place used in reported beliefs are usually changed to reflect the time and place of the reporting verb. For example, if the speaker says, "I believe she is here now" in direct speech, it would be changed to "He/she believed she was there then" in indirect speech.

4. Change the reporting verb: The reporting verb used to introduce the reported beliefs can be changed to verbs like "believe," "think," "consider," etc., depending on the context and the speaker's intention.

5. Use reporting clauses: In indirect speech, it is common to use reporting clauses such as "he/she said," "he/she told me," "he/she thought," etc., to introduce the reported beliefs.

It is important to note that these rules may vary depending on the specific context and the tense of the reported beliefs.