Rules to convert direct speech into reported speech:

When converting direct speech into reported speech, there are several rules to follow. These rules help us accurately convey what was said without changing the meaning or context of the original statement. Here are the key rules to keep in mind:

1. Change the Pronouns:
- In reported speech, pronouns may need to be changed to reflect the perspective of the reporting speaker. For example, "I" becomes "he/she" and "we" becomes "they."

2. Change the Tense:
- The tense of the reported speech may need to be changed based on the context. If the reporting of the speech is happening in the present, the tense remains the same. However, if the reporting is happening in the past, the tense is usually shifted back. For example, present simple becomes past simple, present continuous becomes past continuous, etc.

3. Change the Adverbs of Time and Place:
- Adverbs of time and place may need to be adjusted to reflect the reporting speaker's perspective. For example, "today" becomes "that day" and "here" becomes "there."

4. Remove Quotation Marks:
- In reported speech, quotation marks are not used. Instead, the reported statement is typically introduced with a reporting verb or phrase, such as "he said," "she told me," etc.

5. Use Introductory Reporting Verbs:
- When introducing reported speech, it is common to use reporting verbs or phrases, such as "say," "tell," "ask," etc. These verbs are used to indicate who said the original statement.

6. Change Imperative Sentences:
- Imperative sentences (commands) in direct speech are usually transformed into reported speech using the reporting verb "ask" or "tell" followed by an object and the infinitive form of the verb. For example, "He said, 'Close the door'" becomes "He told me to close the door."

7. Maintain the Meaning and Context:
- It is important to preserve the meaning and context of the original statement while converting it into reported speech. The reported speech should accurately reflect the content and intention of the direct speech.

Example:
Direct speech: "I am going to the park today," she said.
Reported speech: She said that she was going to the park that day.

In this example, the pronoun "I" is changed to "she," the present tense "am" is changed to the past tense "was," the adverb of time "today" is changed to "that day," and the quotation marks are removed. The reported speech is introduced with the reporting verb "said."

By following these rules, we can effectively convert direct speech into reported speech while maintaining the accuracy and integrity of the original statement.