is reported speech the same thing as indirect command

1 answer

Reported speech and indirect commands are related concepts, but they are not exactly the same thing.

1. **Reported Speech**: This is a way of conveying what someone else has said without quoting their exact words. It often involves changing the tense of the original statement and making other grammatical adjustments. For example:
- Direct speech: John said, "I am going to the store."
- Reported speech: John said that he was going to the store.

2. **Indirect Command**: This is a specific type of reported speech that conveys a command or request given by someone. It often involves using verbs like "tell," "ask," or "order." For example:
- Direct command: "Close the door," she said.
- Indirect command: She told him to close the door.

In summary:

- Reported speech is a broad category that includes any statement, question, or command made by someone else.
- Indirect command is a specific subcategory of reported speech that deals specifically with orders or requests.

Both require grammatical adjustments from their direct forms but serve slightly different purposes in conveying information.