Grammar Syntax Questions Medium
To form and use reported facts and opinions in grammar syntax, you need to understand the concept of reported speech or indirect speech. Reported speech is used to convey someone else's words, thoughts, or opinions without quoting them directly. Here are the steps to form and use reported facts and opinions:
1. Reporting verb: Begin the reported speech with an appropriate reporting verb such as "say," "tell," "mention," "state," or "explain." The reporting verb is usually followed by a reporting clause that introduces the reported speech.
2. Reporting clause: The reporting clause typically consists of a reporting verb, a reporting phrase, and a conjunction (e.g., that, if, whether). For example, "He said (reporting verb) that (conjunction) he likes (reported speech) the new movie."
3. Changes in pronouns and verb tenses: When reporting facts and opinions, you may need to make changes in pronouns, verb tenses, and other related elements. Here are some general rules:
- Pronouns: Change the pronouns to reflect the perspective of the speaker. For example, "I like this book" becomes "He said that he likes that book."
- Verb tenses: Generally, the tense of the reported speech is shifted back in time. For example, "I am going to the party" becomes "She said that she was going to the party."
- Time and place expressions: Adjust time and place expressions to match the perspective of the speaker. For example, "I will meet you tomorrow" becomes "He said that he would meet me the next day."
4. Punctuation and word order: In reported speech, the punctuation and word order may change. For example, question marks become full stops, and word order may change from a question to a statement. For example, "Are you coming?" becomes "He asked if I was coming."
It is important to note that the changes mentioned above are not always necessary, especially when reporting general truths or universal facts. However, when reporting specific facts or opinions, these changes are typically applied.
Overall, forming and using reported facts and opinions in grammar syntax involves using appropriate reporting verbs, constructing reporting clauses, making necessary changes in pronouns and verb tenses, and adjusting punctuation and word order.