Hello teachers,
I was wondering about the necessity and difference in using the word 'that' in reported speech.
For example:
John said, "The test was easy".
John said the test was easy.
vs.
John said that the test was easy.
After searching around on the web for some usage rules, I find an equal number of examples of that both include and leave out the 'that', but no explanation as to why (or when) one should include it.
Are there any rules for the use of 'that' in reported speech such as in the example above?
Thank you !
I was wondering about the necessity and difference in using the word 'that' in reported speech.
For example:
John said, "The test was easy".
John said the test was easy.
vs.
John said that the test was easy.
After searching around on the web for some usage rules, I find an equal number of examples of that both include and leave out the 'that', but no explanation as to why (or when) one should include it.
Are there any rules for the use of 'that' in reported speech such as in the example above?
Thank you !