What is Introductory Verbs in Reported Speech | Examples and Rules
Introductory verbs are referred to reporting verbs which are used with speakers just to introduce the reported speech. Direct speech is used to express someone’s speech directly without changing anything by putting it within quotation. But indirect speech is used when we have to say something on the behalf of others. As speakers express their views or opinions they need to take any verb as reporting verbs. In the following section, we will read about functions of different reporting verbs and its using rules with correct examples.
In both direct speech and indirect speech we require two major parts which are introductory clause and indirect clause. We have to place reporting verbs in introductory clause as it introduces the indirect clause. Different verbs have different purposes of usage in direct speech or indirect speech which we will discuss now:
List of Examples
i) Say is one of the common verbs used as reporting verb which can be part of any kind of sentence like statement.
Ex.
He says, “I will go for a movie”.
He says that he will go for a movie.
She said, “I cannot join the class today”.
She said that she could not join the class that day.
ii) Tell is another common verb which is followed by that and can be omitted later on. It is used with an indirect object. Said to in direct speech is changed into told in indirect speech.
Ex.
He said to me, “she is my sister”.
He told me that she was his sister.
iii) Ask is a common verb used in questions which can take an indirect object or not. Said to of direct speech is changed into asked for questions in indirect speech. That will not be used in this case as wh words play the roles of linkers.
Ex.
She said to me, “Where are you now?”
She asked me where I was then.
iv) For some specific verbs like explain, deny, complain, exclaim, promise, boast, agree, suggest, confirm etc. the structure verb+ that+ indirect clause will be used.
Ex.
She explained that it was an easy sum to solve.
He suggested that I should take care of my health.
They agreed that they would attend the party tomorrow.
She promised that she would come early in evening.
v) Other significant verbs based upon the meanings and sense of indirect speech like agree, refuse, demand, claim, promise, threaten etc. will be followed by the structure verb + infinitive (verb+v1).
Ex.
She refused to accept the new proposal of improvement.
He threatened me to capture the parental property.
vi) In some specific cases verbs follow indirect objects with the structure verb+ indirect object+ infinitive in indirect speech. Those verbs are allow, advise, command, encourage, forbid, want, invite, command, instruct, permit, warn, remind, order etc.
Ex.
She ordered me to post the letter.
Mother permitted us to go in the nearby park.
They invited me to join their get together party.
Father forbade his child to go near the swimming pool.
vii) Some verbs are used in indirect speech which take appropriate prepositions and gerund (verb + ing) will be used after that. Verbs like admit, accuse, apologize, complain, deny, insist, suggest are followed in this structure.
Ex.
He apologized for behaving badly with me.
She insisted to go there with her.
viii) Verb wonder is followed by wh words like how, where, why, what to reported questions.
Ex.
She wondered how beautiful the place was.
He wondered where I had been or so long.
ix) In some cases wonder is followed by whether/how/why/where + infinitive + indirect clause when the subject of infinitive is the same like the subject of the verb.
Ex.
He wondered where his father would be then.
She wondered why her friend was angry with her.
FAQs:
1.) What are the most common reporting verbs used in indirect speech?
Answer. The most common reporting verbs are say, ask, tell, wonder, explain, admit etc.
2.) What are common linkers used with reporting verbs and reported speech?
Answer. The common linkers are that, infinitive, gerund, wh words which connect reporting verbs with reported speech.
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