Connections 8
The language chart introduces language for reported speech. While a quote is considered direct speech, saying what someone else has said is called reported (or indirect) speech. Reported speech uses verbs like say, ask, told, promise, and believe. Pronouns are used to introduce the speaker, and the past tense is used to match the reporting verb—since information is being relayed that has already been said. When the direct quote is a request, promise, or advice, the infinitive follows the reporting verb: She promised to be in touch after the interview. He asked me to call back next week. Note that for questions, the question word is inserted in the reported sentence, such as in the example of how in the language chart. In cases of yes/no questions (Do …? Is …?), if or whether is usually inserted in the reported sentence.
