Wednesday 13 November 2019

Speech Function Is Made Explicit In The Reporting Verb

Halliday & Matthiessen (2014: 521):
In quoting, the word say can project sayings of every mood, whereas in reporting we find say, ask and tell: see examples in Table 7-22.
Note also the reporting form Henry told Janet who was there ‘answered Janet’s question “who’s here?” ’, to which there is no quoting equivalent.