Definition and Examples of Reported Speech
https://www.thoughtco.com/reported-speech-p2-169204522.05.2010 · Traditionally, two broad categories of reported speech have been recognized: direct speech (in which the original speaker's words are quoted word for word) and indirect speech (in which the original speaker's thoughts are conveyed without using the speaker's exact words). However, a number of linguists have challenged this distinction, noting (among other things) …