Main questions when learning English - Sykalo Eugen 2023

How do I use reported thoughts and beliefs in English?

Title: Exploring the Usage of Reported Thoughts and Beliefs in English: A Comprehensive Guide

Abstract:
The expression of thoughts and beliefs is an essential component of effective communication. In English, the reporting of thoughts and beliefs plays a significant role in conveying someone's perspective or mental state indirectly. This scientific article aims to provide a comprehensive guide to using reported thoughts and beliefs in English. By examining the structure and rules associated with reporting verbs, tense changes, and the integration of reported speech into various contexts, individuals can enhance their language proficiency and engage in more nuanced and accurate communication. Understanding the mechanics and nuances of reported thoughts and beliefs will empower individuals to express themselves with clarity and precision.

1. Introduction:
The reporting of thoughts and beliefs is an integral part of human communication, allowing individuals to convey their inner world and share perspectives indirectly. In English, reported thoughts and beliefs provide a means to relay someone's mental state or point of view without directly quoting their words. This scientific article explores the various aspects involved in using reported thoughts and beliefs, including reporting verbs, tense changes, and the integration of reported speech into different contexts. By understanding these elements, individuals can effectively communicate the thoughts and beliefs of others while maintaining accuracy and clarity.

2. Understanding Reported Thoughts and Beliefs:
2.1 Definition and Purpose:
Reported thoughts and beliefs refer to the act of relaying someone's mental processes or opinions indirectly. This reporting technique enables individuals to communicate what others think or believe without resorting to direct quotations. By reporting thoughts and beliefs, individuals can provide a nuanced portrayal of someone's perspective, enhancing the depth and subtlety of communication.

2.2 Reporting Verbs:
In reported thoughts and beliefs, the choice of reporting verb is crucial in conveying the speaker's intention accurately. Verbs such as “think,” “believe,” “consider,” “suppose,” and “assume” are commonly used to report thoughts and beliefs. For instance, “She thought that...” or “He believed that...” introduce the reported statement or belief, emphasizing the indirect nature of the reported speech.

3. Tense Changes in Reported Thoughts and Beliefs:
3.1 Backshifted Tenses:
When reporting thoughts and beliefs, a general rule involves the backshifting of tenses. This means that the verb tense in the reported speech is typically shifted to a past tense. For example, “I think I can do it” becomes “She thought she could do it” when reported. This backshifting reflects the change in temporal perspective between the original utterance and its reporting.

3.2 Exceptions to Tense Changes:
While the general rule is to backshift the tense, certain tense changes may not apply in reported thoughts and beliefs. For timeless truths or general statements, the tense remains unchanged. For instance, “I believe the Earth is round” is reported as “He believed the Earth is round” rather than “He believed the Earth was round.” This exception recognizes the timeless nature of the statement.

4. Reporting Thoughts and Beliefs in Different Contexts:
4.1 Direct Speech to Reported Speech:
When transforming direct speech (quoted speech) into reported speech, it is essential to introduce the reported thoughts or beliefs using reporting verbs and appropriate tense changes. For example, “He said, 'I love this place'” becomes “He said that he loved that place” when reported.

4.2 Indirect Speech to Reported Thoughts and Beliefs:
In situations where the reported speech is already indirect, the transformation to reported thoughts and beliefs involves maintaining the structure of the original reported speech while introducing the appropriate reporting verbs and tense changes. For instance, “She told me that she thinks it will rain” becomes “She informed me that she believed it would rain” when reporting her thoughts and beliefs.

4.3 Blending Direct and Indirect Speech:
In some cases, a blend of direct and indirect speech is used to report thoughts and beliefs. This technique involves incorporating direct quotations within the reported speech structure. For example, “She said, 'I believe we should go'” can be reported as “She stated that she believed, 'We should go'.”

5. Conclusion:
The effective use of reported thoughts and beliefs in English is crucial for conveying indirect speech and capturing the nuances of someone's perspective. This scientific article has provided a comprehensive guide to using reported thoughts and beliefs, focusing on reporting verbs, tense changes, and integration into different contexts. By mastering the mechanics and intricacies of reported speech, individuals can enhance their language proficiency and communicate thoughts and beliefs accurately and effectively. Continued practice and exposure to diverse linguistic resources will further solidify the understanding and application of reported thoughts and beliefs, enabling individuals to engage in nuanced and authentic communication in English.