Often, we do not quote or report speech directly. Instead, we do something called paraphrasing. Paraphrasing is when you tell basically what a person said, without using their exact words. In fact, by paraphrasing, you change their words.
Look at the example below.
"I like all kinds of fruits, but my favourite fruits are tropical fruits. I like bananas and pineapples. I find that tropical fruits are always sweeter."
If we were to use reported speech, it would look like this:
He said that he likes all kinds of fruits, but his favourite fruits are tropical fruits. He said that he likes bananas and pineapples. He said he finds that tropical fruits are always sweeter.
This is very long and awkward. It sounds like a police report! In most everyday speech or writing, you do not need to include all the little details. That's where paraphrasing is useful. Here is how you can change the quote by paraphrasing.
He said that although he likes many fruits, he enjoys tropical fruits like bananas and pineapples the most because they are sweeter.
That sounds a lot tidier and less awkward.
We use paraphrasing a lot because often when people talk, they use extra words out of courtesy or politeness. When we are telling others what a person said, these words aren't usually necessary.
"I'm so sorry that I won't be able to come to your party. I'd really love to but unfortunately it's on the same day as my brother's graduation. I'm sorry I won't be able to make it!"
If we were to tell someone about this conversation, we wouldn't need all the words like 'unfortunately' and 'so sorry' because we can describe the general tone and meaning of the statement.
She said that she's sorry she can't make it. She wants to come but she can't because her brother's graduation is on the same day.
This is a much more natural way of reporting speech than using all the exact words the person used. Especially when the speech is longer, it is more effective to use paraphrasing.
You should use your judgement to decide if it is better to use quoted speech, use reported speech, or paraphrase.
|
In formal writing: |
use quoted speech |
Minah said, "I don't care where I go, as long as there's food there." |
|
Short, important phrases: |
use reported speech |
Minah told me she loves me! |
|
Long, detailed phrases: |
use paraphrasing |
Minah said that she was upset because of the way her brother was treating their dog. She thinks he's too strict with him. |
Exercise
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