Narration is a fundamental concept in English grammar, often used to communicate someone’s speech or statements in different forms. This article provides a detailed explanation of Narration Rules or Narration এর নিয়ম, covering all aspects including types, tense changes, and person changes. Whether you are a student or a professional, mastering these rules will enhance your communication skills and grammar knowledge. Let’s dive into the topic step-by-step.
In This Article
- 1 Introduction to Narration Rules
- 2 Types of Narration: Direct and Indirect Speech
- 3 Core Rules of Narration
- 4 Rules for Specific Sentence Types
- 5 Passage Narration Rules
- 6 Key Points to Remember
- 7 FAQs About Narration Rules
- 7.1 1. What are Narration Rules?
- 7.2 2. Why is learning Narration Rules important?
- 7.3 3. How does tense change in Narration?
- 7.4 4. What are “Reporting Verbs”?
- 7.5 5. Are there exceptions to Narration Rules?
- 7.6 6. What happens to pronouns in Narration?
- 7.7 7. How to convert Imperative Sentences?
- 7.8 8. Can exclamations be converted?
Introduction to Narration Rules
Narration refers to the process of describing someone’s spoken or written words. The term “speech” is often used interchangeably with “narration.” In simpler terms, narration involves converting a speaker’s words into a structured form, either preserving their exact words (Direct Speech) or conveying their essence in another form (Indirect Speech). Understanding these rules is crucial for students and language learners aiming to excel in grammar.
Key Elements of Narration
- Direct Speech: Reproducing the speaker’s exact words.
- Indirect Speech: Conveying the speaker’s words in a modified form.
Let’s explore each of these in detail and learn the Narration Rules step-by-step.
Types of Narration: Direct and Indirect Speech
What is Direct Speech?
When a speaker’s words are presented exactly as spoken, without any modifications, it is called Direct Speech. It often involves the use of quotation marks (“”) to enclose the spoken words.
Example:
- Direct Speech: Rahim said, “I am studying for the exam.”
What is Indirect Speech?
Indirect Speech involves conveying the meaning of the speaker’s words without using their exact expressions. It requires certain changes in structure, tense, and pronouns.
Example:
- Indirect Speech: Rahim said that he was studying for the exam.
The shift from Direct Speech to Indirect Speech is governed by specific Narration Rules, which we will now discuss in detail.
Core Rules of Narration
Rule 1: Reporting Verb and Quotation Changes
When converting Direct Speech to Indirect Speech, the reporting verb and quotation marks change based on the type of sentence.
| Sentence Type | Reporting Verb Replaces | Quotation Replaces |
|---|---|---|
| Assertive | said/told | that |
| Interrogative | asked | if/wh-word |
| Imperative | ordered/advised/forbade/requested | to/not to |
| Optative | wished/prayed | that |
| Exclamatory | exclaimed with joy/sorrow | that |
Examples:
- Direct: He said, “I am happy.”
Indirect: He said that he was happy. - Direct: She said, “Will you come?”
Indirect: She asked if I would come.
Rule 2: Person Changes
First Person
The First Person in Reported Speech changes according to the Subject of the Reporting Verb.
Example:
- Direct: I said, “I will try my best.”
Indirect: I said that I would try my best.
Second Person
The Second Person changes according to the Object of the Reporting Verb.
Example:
- Direct: He said to me, “You are kind.”
Indirect: He told me that I was kind.
Third Person
The Third Person remains unchanged in Indirect Speech.
Example:
- Direct: She said, “He is brilliant.”
Indirect: She said that he was brilliant.
Rule 3: Tense Changes
Tense changes are an essential part of Narration Rules. Typically, the tense of the verb in Reported Speech changes to match the reporting verb.
| Direct Speech | Indirect Speech |
|---|---|
| Present Indefinite | Past Indefinite |
| Present Continuous | Past Continuous |
| Present Perfect | Past Perfect |
| Present Perfect Continuous | Past Perfect Continuous |
| Past Indefinite | Past Perfect |
| Past Continuous | Past Perfect Continuous |
Example:
- Direct: He said, “I am reading a book.”
Indirect: He said that he was reading a book.
Shortcut for Tense Changes:
| Direct | Indirect |
|---|---|
| am/is | was |
| are | were |
| has | had |
| have | had |
| shall/will | would |
| can | could |
| may | might |
| must | had to |
Rules for Specific Sentence Types
Assertive Sentences
Structure:
Subject + said/told + Object + that + Subject (Reported Speech) + Verb + Rest.
Example:
- Direct: Ali said, “I love cricket.”
Indirect: Ali said that he loved cricket.
Interrogative Sentences
Type 1: Using “Wh” Questions
Structure:
Subject + asked + Object + Wh-word + Subject (RS) + Verb + Rest.
Example:
- Direct: She said, “Where are you going?”
Indirect: She asked where I was going.
Type 2: Yes/No Questions
Structure:
Subject + asked + Object + if + Subject (RS) + Verb + Rest.
Example:
- Direct: He said, “Do you like music?”
Indirect: He asked if I liked music.
Imperative Sentences
Type 1: Starting with Verbs
Structure:
Subject + ordered/advised/requested + Object + to/not to + Verb (RS) + Rest.
Example:
- Direct: The teacher said, “Finish your homework.”
Indirect: The teacher ordered him to finish his homework.
Type 2: Starting with “Let”
Structure:
Subject + proposed/suggested + that + Subject (RS) + should + Verb (RS) + Rest.
Example:
- Direct: He said, “Let’s play football.”
Indirect: He suggested that we should play football.
Optative Sentences
Structure:
Subject + wished/prayed + that + Subject (RS) + might + Verb (RS) + Rest.
Example:
- Direct: He said, “May Allah bless you.”
Indirect: He prayed that Allah might bless me.
Exclamatory Sentences
Structure:
Subject + exclaimed with joy/sorrow + that + Subject (RS) + was + very/great + Rest.
Example:
- Direct: He said, “What a beautiful day!”
Indirect: He exclaimed with joy that it was a very beautiful day.
Passage Narration Rules
Converting passages into Indirect Speech involves applying all the above rules cohesively.
Example:
Direct Speech:
Rina said to Sima, “Why don’t you wake up early? It is important to rise early for good health.”
Indirect Speech:
Rina asked Sima why she didn’t wake up early. She added that it was important to rise early for good health.
Key Points to Remember
- Change “now” to “then”, “today” to “that day”, and similar time-related words.
- For eternal truths or facts, do not change the tense.
- Use “replied” or “added” instead of “said” where appropriate.
Common Changes Table:
| Direct | Indirect |
|---|---|
| Now | Then |
| Today | That day |
| Tomorrow | The next day |
| Yesterday | The previous day |
| Come | Go |
FAQs About Narration Rules
1. What are Narration Rules?
Narration Rules are the guidelines for converting direct speech into indirect speech while ensuring the meaning remains intact.
2. Why is learning Narration Rules important?
It improves grammar accuracy and communication clarity, especially in formal writing and reporting.
3. How does tense change in Narration?
The tense changes according to the reporting verb, e.g., present tense changes to past tense in Indirect Speech.
4. What are “Reporting Verbs”?
Reporting Verbs (e.g., said, told, asked) introduce the Reported Speech and determine its structure.
5. Are there exceptions to Narration Rules?
Yes, eternal truths or universally accepted facts remain unchanged in tense.
6. What happens to pronouns in Narration?
Pronouns change based on the Subject and Object of the Reporting Verb.
7. How to convert Imperative Sentences?
Use verbs like “ordered,” “requested,” or “advised” with “to/not to” in Indirect Speech.
8. Can exclamations be converted?
Yes, exclamatory sentences use phrases like “exclaimed with joy” or “exclaimed with sorrow.”
By mastering these Narration Rules, you can confidently handle direct and indirect speech in English grammar, enhancing your writing and communication skills.