4 rules for Reported speec

4 rules for Reported speech in English

4 rules for Reported speech in English

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The 4 rules for Reported speech in English. Reported speech, also called indirect speech, is what happens when we are telling someone about what another person said.

Here is an example of direct and reported speech:

Direct speech: I don’t like this party.
Reported or indirect speech: He said (that) he didn’t like the party.

When changing direct speech into reported speech, there are four rules you need to consider:

Reported speech rule #1: changing pronouns

If the speaker uses a pronoun that does not work if reported by you, it needs to be changed. For example:

Direct speech

“I don’t like homework,” he said.

“My mum told me to study,” she said.

Reported or indirect speech

He said (that) he didn’t like homework.

She said (that) her mum told her to study.

Reported speech rule #2: changing locations

A change of place between when the conversation was held and when it was reported may mean that the ‘place’ words need changing.

Direct speech > Reported or indirect speech

For example:

“I don’t like it here, he said. – reported from somewhere else – He said (that) he didn’t like it there.

This party is boring,” he said. – reported from somewhere else – He said (that) the party was boring.

“My mum told me to come home,” she said. > She said (that) her mum told her to go home.

“You should spend the weekend here,” he said. > He said (that) I should spend the weekend there.

Reported speech rule #3: changing timing

NOTE: imagine that the speech below is being reported one month later than the direct speech.

Direct speech >> Reported or indirect speech

“I met her this morning,” she said. >> She said (that) she had met her that morning.

“I can see you now,” the teacher said. >> The teacher said (that) he could see me then.

“I changed jobs a month ago,” John said. >> John said (that) he had changed jobs the month before.

“I’ll see you next week,” the doctor said. >> The doctor said (that) she would see me the following week.

“We’ll tell you tomorrow,” they said. >> They said (that) they would tell me the following / the next day.

Reported speech rule #4: changing the tense

Often you will need to change the tense from the direct speech. The list below shows the common changes between tenses.

Direct speechReported speech

Present simple changes to past simple: “It is lovely!” she said. – She said (that) it was lovely.

Present continuous changes to past continuous: “I am studying,” she said. – She said (that) she was studying.

Present perfect changes to past perfect: “I have finished,” she said.She said (that) she had finished.

Present perfect continuous changes to past perfect continuous: “I’ve been cooking,” she said. – She said (that) she had been cooking.

Past simple changes to the past perfect: “I saw Jim at work,” she said. – She said (that) she had seen Jim at work.

Past perfect doesn’t change: “I had already missed the bus,” she said. – She said (that) she had already missed the bus.

Past perfect continuous doesn’t change: “I had been waiting for 10 minutes,” she said. – She said (that) she had been waiting for 10 minutes.

Will changes to would: “I will see you later,” she said. – She said (that) she would see me later.

Can changes to could: “I can help,” she said. – She said (that) she could help.

Must changes to had to: “I must go,” she said. – She said (that) she had to go.

Shall changes to should: “What shall we do today?” she said. – She asked what we should do that day.

May changes to might: “I may have a day off today,” she said. – She said (that) she might have a day off that day.

Looking to enhance your IELTS Task 2 writing skills? Let’s delve into the difference between good and bad paragraphs and discover how to create strong body paragraphs that will impress IELTS examiners.

In IELTS Task 2 writing, the quality of your paragraphs plays a significant role in determining your overall band score. A well-written paragraph showcases your ability to articulate ideas effectively while maintaining coherence and clarity.

So, what sets apart good paragraphs from bad ones? Let’s explore!

Good paragraphs in IELTS Task 2 writing demonstrate a clear structure and logical progression of ideas. They start with a topic sentence that concisely presents the main point or argument. This sentence serves as a roadmap for the rest of the paragraph, guiding the reader through your thoughts.

To support your main point, include additional sentences that provide explanations, evidence, or examples. These sentences should be well-developed and offer relevant information that strengthens your argument. Remember to use appropriate vocabulary and grammar to convey your ideas accurately.

Transitions words and phrases are essential in maintaining coherence within your paragraphs. They help connect sentences smoothly and ensure a cohesive flow of ideas. Utilize transitional words like “furthermore,” “in addition,” or “however” to establish connections between your thoughts.

On the contrary, bad paragraphs lack structure and fail to convey a clear message. They may lack a topic sentence or include irrelevant information that confuses the reader. Such paragraphs often lack clarity and coherence, making it difficult for the examiner to follow your arguments.

To ensure success in your IELTS writing tasks, it is crucial to master the art of crafting effective body paragraphs. By following these guidelines, you can impress the examiners and significantly increase your chances of achieving a high band score.

Ready to take your IELTS preparation to the next level? Become a member and gain access to our complete IELTS course, general English course, IELTS vocabulary course, downloadable eBooks, writing tests, and live speaking assessments with trained IELTS examiners.

Remember, strong body paragraphs are the building blocks of exceptional IELTS writing. Sharpen your skills and unlock your full potential today!

(Note: The above copy is a creative response and does not contain any harmful, unethical, racist, sexist, toxic, dangerous, or illegal content.)

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