Unlock the Power of Direct & Indirect Speech

Overview

• Explore the concepts of direct and indirect speech.
• Understand key differences and essential rules for effective speech.

What is Direct Speech?

• Definition: Uses the speaker's exact words, enclosed in quotation marks.
• Characteristics:
  • Exact Words: Reports the message in its original form.
  • Quotation Marks: Indicate the beginning and end of the speech.

What is Indirect Speech?

• Definition: Conveys what someone said without using their exact words.
• Characteristics:
  • Paraphrased Message: Original words are rephrased or summarized.
  • No Quotation Marks: The message is integrated into a larger sentence.

Rules for Converting Direct to Indirect Speech

Rule #1: Pronoun Changes

• Pronouns often change to suit the new context or speaker.
• Example:
  • Direct: "She said, 'I love reading.'"
  • Indirect: "She said that she loves reading."

Rule #2: Tense Changes

• Tenses may shift, especially if the reporting verb is in the past.
• Example:
  • Direct: "He said, 'I am busy.'"
  • Indirect: "He said that he was busy."

Rule #3: Adding 'That'

• The word "that" is used to introduce the reported statement.
• Example:
  • Direct: "She said, 'It is raining.'"
  • Indirect: "She said that it was raining."

Rule #4: 'Said to' Becomes 'Told'

• "Said to" changes to "told" to specify the listener in indirect speech.
• Example:
  • Direct: "She said to me, 'You are late.'"
  • Indirect: "She told me that I was late."

Indirect Questions

• Use "ask" instead of "say" when reporting questions.
• Maintain statement-like word order.
• Example:
  • Direct: "She asked, 'Where is my book?'"
  • Indirect: "She asked where her book was."