Direct and indirect speech

 Topic:6

Direct Speech

Direct speech involves quoting the exact words spoken by someone. It is typically enclosed in quotation marks.

Example:

Direct Speech: She said, "I am going to the store."

Indirect Speech

Indirect speech involves reporting what someone said without quoting their exact words. It generally requires changes to pronouns, verb tenses, and sometimes word order.

Example:

Indirect Speech: She said that she was going to the store.

Key Differences:

Quotation Marks:

Direct Speech: Uses quotation marks to enclose the spoken words.

Indirect Speech: No quotation marks are used.

Pronouns and Tenses:

Direct Speech: Pronouns and tenses remain as originally spoken.

Indirect Speech: Pronouns and tenses may change to fit the reporting sentence.

Punctuation:

Direct Speech: Punctuation marks are placed inside the quotation marks.

Indirect Speech: Standard punctuation rules apply, no quotation marks.

Changes in Tenses:

Present Simple → Past Simple: "I like pizza" becomes "She said she liked pizza."

Present Continuous → Past Continuous: "I am eating" becomes "He said he was eating."

Present Perfect → Past Perfect: "I have finished" becomes "She said she had finished."

Changes in Pronouns:

"I" → "He/She"

"You" → "I/He/She" depending on context.

Reporting Verbs:

Common reporting verbs include "said," "told," "asked," and "explained."

Example of Reporting Verbs in Indirect Speech:

Direct: John said, "I will help you."

Indirect: John said that he would help me.