What is Reported Speech?

Reported speech is the way we express what someone else has said, usually by reporting their words indirectly. In simple terms, reported speech (also known as indirect speech) allows us to report what someone has spoken without quoting their exact words. 

Instead of repeating the exact words, we convey the meaning or message in our own words. For example, if someone says, "I am going to the market," we can report it as, "He said he was going to the market." Reported speech is essential for communicating or sharing conversations effectively in both writing and speaking.

Structure of Reported Speech

When using reported speech, the sentence structure typically changes to reflect the shift from direct to indirect speech. Below are some key points:

• We do not use quotation marks when reporting speech.
• Pronouns are usually changed to match the context of the reporting sentence.
• We often change the verb tense in reported speech (backshifting) depending on the time frame of the original sentence.
• The word "that" is often used to introduce the reported speech, though it’s optional.

For a practical understanding, you can refer to a CBSE Reported Speech Class 10 Worksheet with Answers to practice and master these concepts.