How to Change Reporting Verb in Indirect Speech?

The reporting verb in indirect speech changes based on the type of sentence being reported and the context of the conversation. It reflects the function of the original direct speech, whether it was a statement, a question, a command, a request, an exclamation, etc.

Understanding Reporting Verb Changes

When you convert direct speech into indirect speech, the verb used to introduce the reported speech (the reporting verb) often needs to change. Common reporting verbs include 'say', 'tell', 'ask', 'command', 'request', 'exclaim', 'advise', etc.

Here's a breakdown of how the reporting verb typically changes:

• Statements: Usually, 'said' can remain 'said', especially if there's no object (recipient of the statement). If 'said to' is used, it often changes to 'told' (e.g., He said to me, "I am busy." -> He told me that he was busy.). Other verbs like 'stated', 'declared', 'remarked' can also be used depending on the nuance.
• Questions: This is a key area where the reporting verb definitely changes. As per the reference, Reporting Verb like 'said/ said to' changes to asked, enquired or demanded. The choice between 'asked', 'enquired', or 'demanded' depends on the tone and formality of the question. 'Asked' is the most common and neutral.
  • Example from Reference:
    • a) Direct: He said to me, “What are you doing?”
    • b) Indirect: He asked me what I was doing.
  • Joining Clause for Questions: The reference also states: If sentence begins with auxiliary verb, the joining clause should be if or whether. For 'wh-' questions (like 'what', 'where', 'why'), the 'wh-' word itself acts as the joining clause.
• Commands/Requests: 'Said' or 'said to' often changes to verbs like 'ordered', 'commanded', 'requested', 'asked', 'advised', 'forbade'. An infinitive ('to' + verb) is typically used as the joining structure. (e.g., She said to him, "Go away." -> She ordered him to go away.)
• Exclamations: 'Said' might change to 'exclaimed', 'cried out', or similar verbs, often followed by clauses indicating the feeling (e.g., He said, "How lovely!" -> He exclaimed that it was lovely.)

Common Reporting Verb Changes Summary

Here's a table summarizing common changes based on sentence type:

Direct Speech Type	Common Reporting Verb Change	Example Change (Direct -> Indirect)
Statement	say -> say, say to -> tell	"I am tired," he said. -> He said that he was tired.
		"I am tired," he said to me. -> He told me that he was tired.
Question	said/said to -> ask/enquire	"Are you ready?" she asked. -> She asked if I was ready.
		"What is your name?" he said to her. -> He asked her what her name was.
Command/Request	said/said to -> order/ask/request	"Close the door," he said. -> He ordered to close the door.

Understanding the function of the original sentence is crucial for selecting the appropriate reporting verb in indirect speech.