Reported speech is a commonly used term in English grammar that refers to quoting or narrating what someone else has said without using their exact words. The spelling of the word "reported speech" can be explained using the IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable is pronounced as /rɪˈpɔːtɪd/, where "r" is pronounced as a tap sound of the tongue. The second syllable is pronounced as /spiːtʃ/, where the "ee" sound is pronounced as in "meet". When combined, the word is pronounced as /rɪˈpɔːtɪd spiːtʃ/.
Reported speech is a grammatical term that refers to a way of expressing what someone else has said. It is a method of reporting or conveying information about what was said by another person, while maintaining the integrity of their original words. In reported speech, the speaker, known as the reporter, relays the content of someone's statement, taking into account the tense, pronouns, and other grammatical changes necessary to accurately report the statement.
When using reported speech, the original words are usually transformed from direct speech into an indirect form. This means that the statement is adjusted to fit the reporting context, often involving changes in verb tenses, pronouns, adverbs of time, and adverbs of place, among others. For example, a direct speech statement like "I am going to the park tomorrow," may be reported as "She said that she was going to the park the next day."
Reported speech is commonly used in writing, storytelling, journalism, and other forms of communication to convey someone else's words in a concise and accurate manner. It enables the speaker to report what was said without directly quoting the speaker, and helps to maintain coherence and clarity in the narrative. By using reported speech, individuals are able to effectively communicate the information relayed to them by others, while adding their own personal touch and bringing a sense of authenticity to the conversation or story.
The word "reported" in "reported speech" comes from the verb "report", which originated from the Latin word "reportare" meaning "to carry back, bring back, or relate". The term "speech" refers to the act of speaking or expressing thoughts, ideas, or statements. Therefore, "reported speech" refers to the act of relaying or conveying someone else's spoken words or statements.