In this lesson, we’ll learn how does the narration change again in the third section with examples step by step. All important changes are discussed thoroughly.
In Direct and Indirect Speech, sometimes narration changes not just once but multiple times, especially in complex sentences or reported dialogues. The third section of narration change typically refers to cases where:
- A previously reported speech is further reported by another person.
- A chain of reporting happens in different tenses and perspectives.
- The speech inside reported speech is transformed again in indirect speech.
This lesson explains how narration changes again in the third section, step by step, with rules and examples.
1. Understanding the Concept
When a sentence moves from direct speech to indirect speech, it follows specific rules. However, if it is reported again by another person, the narration changes again.
For example:
- First Narration Change (Direct → Indirect):
- Direct: Rahul said, “I am happy.”
- Indirect: Rahul said that he was happy.
- Second Narration Change (Indirect → Further Indirect by another person):
- Rahul told me that he was happy.
- Third Narration Change (Another person reports it further):
- I told my friend that Rahul had said that he was happy.
2. Rules for the Third Narration Change
The following table summarizes the major changes:
| Aspect | First Narration Change (Direct → Indirect) | Second Narration Change (Further Indirect) | Third Narration Change (Final Indirect) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pronoun Change | Changes as per subject | Adjusts to new speaker’s perspective | Adjusts again based on new reporting |
| Tense Change | Moves one step back (Present → Past) | Stays the same (if reporting is still in past) | May shift to past perfect (if necessary) |
| Time Reference | “Today” → “that day” | Remains same or adjusts | May shift further (e.g., “yesterday” → “the previous day”) |
| Reporting Verb | “Say” → “told, said” | Becomes “informed, mentioned, stated” | Further adjusted |
3. Step-by-Step Process with Examples
Case 1: Simple Sentence
Direct Speech:
- Teacher said, “I teach grammar.”
First Narration Change (Direct → Indirect):
- The teacher said that she taught grammar.
Second Narration Change:
- The principal informed the students that the teacher had said that she taught grammar.
Third Narration Change:
- The students later told their parents that the principal had informed them that the teacher had said that she taught grammar.
Case 2: Interrogative Sentence
Direct Speech:
- Mother asked, “Where is your book?”
First Narration Change (Direct → Indirect):
- Mother asked where my book was.
Second Narration Change:
- I told my friend that my mother had asked where my book was.
Third Narration Change:
- My friend informed the teacher that I had told him that my mother had asked where my book was.
Case 3: Imperative Sentence
Direct Speech:
- Manager said, “Close the door.”
First Narration Change (Direct → Indirect):
- The manager ordered to close the door.
Second Narration Change:
- The assistant reported that the manager had ordered to close the door.
Third Narration Change:
- The employee later informed the staff that the assistant had reported that the manager had ordered to close the door.
Case 4: Mixed Sentences (Statement + Question)
Direct Speech:
- She said, “I will come tomorrow. Can you wait?”
First Narration Change (Direct → Indirect):
- She said that she would come the next day and asked if I could wait.
Second Narration Change:
- I told my brother that she had said that she would come the next day and had asked if I could wait.
Third Narration Change:
- My brother informed our parents that I had told him that she had said that she would come the next day and had asked if I could wait.
4. Key Observations
- Each time the narration changes, the past form remains consistent, and sometimes it moves further into past perfect tense.
- Pronouns shift according to the new speaker’s perspective.
- Time expressions may change again depending on how much time has passed.
5. Final Summary of Rules
- Present tense changes to past (e.g., “am” → “was”).
- Past simple becomes past perfect (e.g., “went” → “had gone”).
- Past perfect remains the same (e.g., “had seen” → “had seen”).
- Pronouns change according to the new speaker.
- Reporting verbs adjust (e.g., “said” → “told,” “asked” → “inquired”).
- Time references shift further in the past (e.g., “tomorrow” → “the next day”).
Conclusion
Narration changing in the third section is useful in complex reporting scenarios, legal statements, journalism, and storytelling. By following the systematic approach above, you can master indirect speech transformations even in multiple levels of reporting.
Would you like additional exercises or practice questions?