0
Tenacious Learner Posted 14 years ago
Grammar

Is the one in reported speech appropriate?

Hi teachers,
According to the sentence in direct speech, is the one in reported speech appropriate? if it is so why we use 'by' in that one? I wrote it automatically and I don't really know the reason.

This is what Baxter asked Halls.
“What do you mean he almost catch him?” Baxter asked.
He asked (Halls/him) what he meant by he almost caught him.

Thanks in advance.
  

Top answer

” Baxter asked. "

— Mister Micawber

  • ” Baxter asked.
  • "
Free · every Monday

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

New words, one handy idiom, and a 2-minute quiz — delivered to your inbox to keep your streak alive.

4 Answers
0
“What do you mean, he almost caught him?” Baxter asked.
Baxter asked him what he meant by "He almost caught him."
0
0
Mister MicawberBaxter asked him what he meant by "He almost caught him." Is 'him' mandatory or optional?
Hi Mister Micawber,
Thank you for your reply. So, when we use 'by' inside a reported speech sentence, we have to reproduce the speaker's exact words if we have the verb 'meant' before it, like in this case.
0
0
I don't think 'meant' is required: also intended, implied, etc. But yes.
0
0
Mister MicawberI don't think 'meant' is required: also intended, implied, etc. But yes.
Hi Mister Micawber,
Thank you for your reply.

TS
0

Related Questions