Indirect speech reports the content of what someone said without quoting their exact words. It usually changes the structure of the sentence and often uses a reporting verb like say or tell. Quotation marks are removed because the words are not exact. The main focus is on the message, not the original wording.

Common reporting verbs in indirect speech include say, tell, ask, and explain. Some verbs take a direct object, such as tell, which typically requires mentioning who is being told. The choice of verb can affect whether the reported clause uses that, a to-infinitive, or a question word. Consistent use of reporting verbs helps clarify who communicates the message.

Word/Phrase	Definition
say	Say introduces reported speech and does not require an object.
tell	Tell introduces reported speech and usually requires a listener as an object.
ask	Ask introduces reported questions and requests.
explain	Explain introduces information or reasoning being clarified.

Indirect speech often uses a reporting clause followed by a that-clause to report statements. The word that is optional in many cases, especially in informal speech and writing. Questions and commands use different structures, typically with question words or to-infinitives. The reported clause is adjusted for grammar and meaning, not for quotation.

Rule
To report a statement, use a reporting verb plus a that-clause.
To report a yes or no question, use a reporting verb plus if or whether.
To report a wh-question, use a reporting verb plus the question word and normal word order.
To report a request or command, use a reporting verb plus a to-infinitive.

When the reporting verb is in the past, the verb in the reported clause usually shifts one step back in time. This is called backshifting and maintains the time relationship between the original speech and the report. Present simple typically shifts to past simple, and will typically shifts to would. In some situations, no shift is needed if the information is still true or is a general fact.

Rule
If the reporting verb is past, present simple usually shifts to past simple.
If the reporting verb is past, present continuous usually shifts to past continuous.
If the reporting verb is past, will usually shifts to would.
If the reporting verb is past, present perfect usually shifts to past perfect.
No shift is needed for general truths or facts that remain true.

Pronouns in indirect speech change to match the perspective and reference in the reporting context. The speaker and listener in the original speech may become third person in the report. Possessive adjectives and pronouns also adjust to reflect the new viewpoint. Accurate pronoun choice preserves who is being referred to in the reported message.

Rule
Change pronouns to fit the speaker and listener in the reporting sentence.
Change possessives to match the new subject or object in the report.
Keep pronouns consistent with the intended meaning of the report.

Time expressions often change in indirect speech because the point of reference shifts. Words like today, tomorrow, and yesterday are replaced with terms that fit the time of reporting. This adjustment helps the listener understand when events happened relative to the report. The choice depends on the context and the timing of the report.

Word/Phrase	Definition
today	Today often changes to that day in indirect speech.
tomorrow	Tomorrow often changes to the next day or the following day.
yesterday	Yesterday often changes to the previous day or the day before.
now	Now often changes to then in indirect speech.
here	Here often changes to there in indirect speech.

Indirect questions use statement word order, not question word order. Yes or no questions are introduced with if or whether, not with inversion or auxiliary do. Wh-questions keep the question word but follow normal clause word order. Question marks are not used because the clause is part of a statement, not a direct question.

Rule
Indirect questions use subject-verb order, not inversion.
Yes or no questions are introduced with if or whether.
Wh-questions keep the question word and use clause order.
Do not use a question mark in the reported clause.

Indirect commands and requests are typically reported with a to-infinitive construction. Tell, ask, advise, and order are common reporting verbs for commands. The person who should act is usually mentioned as an object before the to-infinitive. The original wording is adjusted to express the intended action, not to preserve the exact words.

Rule
Use a reporting verb plus to-infinitive to report a command or request.
Include the person instructed as an object if needed.
Choose the reporting verb to match the tone of the original command or request.

Indirect speech reports meaning without quotation and relies on reporting verbs, structural choices, and context. Accurate use involves adjusting tense, pronouns, and time expressions to fit the reporting situation. Statements, questions, and commands each have typical patterns in indirect speech. The goal is to convey the original message clearly and appropriately in the new context.