Explain the different punctuation rules for reported speech.

Reported Speech Questions Medium



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Explain the different punctuation rules for reported speech.

In reported speech, also known as indirect speech, we convey someone else's words or thoughts without quoting them directly. When it comes to punctuation, there are several rules to follow:

1. Reporting verb: Begin the reported speech with a reporting verb such as "said," "told," "asked," etc. This verb is usually followed by a comma.

Example: She said, "I am going to the store."

2. Reporting clause: If the reporting verb is in the present tense, the reporting clause does not require any changes. However, if the reporting verb is in the past tense, the reporting clause needs to be shifted to the past tense.

Example: He said, "I will come tomorrow." (present tense reporting verb)
He said that he would come tomorrow. (past tense reporting verb)

3. Quotation marks: In reported speech, we do not use quotation marks to enclose the reported words. Instead, we use indirect speech markers like "that" or no marker at all.

Example: She said, "I love this song."
She said that she loved that song.
or
She said she loved that song.

4. Pronoun changes: Pronouns in the reported speech may need to be changed to reflect the perspective of the speaker in the reported clause.

Example: He said, "I am happy."
He said that he was happy.

5. Time and place changes: If the reported speech includes references to time or place, these may need to be adjusted to reflect the time and place of the reporting clause.

Example: She said, "I will meet you here tomorrow."
She said that she would meet me there the next day.

Overall, the punctuation rules for reported speech involve using a reporting verb followed by a comma, omitting quotation marks, adjusting pronouns, and making necessary changes to time and place references.