Indirect speech or reported speech reports something that was said, but does not use the actual words that the speaker uttered.
Lynn asked whether Pippa had been to the new shopping mall.
Pippa replied that she hadn’t, but she had heard that there were some really cool shops there.
Reported speech always has two clauses. The words that are spoken are put in a reported clause. There is also a main clause that contains a reporting verb. The main clause with the reporting verb usually comes before the reported clause.
Katie told me that Alison is going to resign.
Peter asked whether Mandy was feeling better.
The reporting verb in the main clause tells us how the sentence was spoken, e.g. comment, remark, say, tell. If the reported clause is a statement, the main clause is linked to the reported clause by that.
Mary said that her favourite actor was Ben Whishaw.
John replied that he preferred Scarlett Johansson.
If the reported clause asks a question, the main verb will be a question verb e.g. ask, inquire, wonder, query. The link between the main clause and the reported clause will be if or whether.
Amy asked Jo if she had seen the movie.
Will enquired whether the documents were ready.
The linking word that can be left out after most reporting verbs, but the links if or whether CANNOT be left out.
Jamie told Dad (that) he had passed his driving test.
Lucy said Alan had been accepted at drama school.
Miriam asked if she could borrow Leonie’s bike.
Evelyn wondered whether the concert would be sold out.
Speech in a reported clause is not separated from the reporting verb by a comma, is not enclosed in inverted commas, and does not begin with a capital letter unless it is a proper noun. Reported questions are not followed by question marks.
Reported clauses can also be used to express what is in someone’s mind as well as what is actually spoken.
Evelyn wondered whether the concert would be sold out.
Charlotte thought that she had better go and see her family.
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