Title:
URL Source: blob://pdf/d76a25fb-595e-45e4-b422-737f47364a1c
Markdown Content:
We'll dive deep into the art of direct and indirect speech. Uncover the key differences and master the essential rules to take your speaking to new heights. What is Direct Speech?
Direct speech uses the speaker's exact words. It is enclosed in quotation marks.
1 Exact Words
It reports the message in the original form.
2 Quotation Marks
Marks the beginning and end of the speech. What is Indirect Speech?
Indirect speech reports what someone said. It does not use the speaker's exact words.
1 Paraphrased Message
The speaker's words are rephrased or summarized.
2 No Quotation Marks
The message is integrated into a larger sentence. Rule #1: Pronoun Changes
Pronouns often change to match the new speaker.
Direct
She said, "I love reading."
Indirect
She said that she loves reading. Rule #2: Tense Changes
The tense may shift if the reporting verb is in the past.
Direct
He said, "I am busy."
Indirect
He said that he was busy. Rule #3: Adding 'That'
The word "that" introduces the reported statement.
Direct
She said, "It is raining."
Indirect
She said that it was raining. Rule #4: 'Said to' Becomes 'Told'
"Said to" changes to "told" when specifying the listener.
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. Word order follows a statement pattern.
Direct
She asked, "Where is my book?"
Indirect
She asked where her book was.