indirect speech definition with examples

Indirect Speech Definition and Examples

An Introduction to Punctuation
Ph.D., Rhetoric and English, University of Georgia
M.A., Modern English and American Literature, University of Leicester
B.A., English, State University of New York

Indirect speech is a report on what someone else said or wrote without using that person's exact words (which is called direct speech). It's also called indirect discourse or reported speech .

Direct vs. Indirect Speech

In direct speech , a person's exact words are placed in quotation marks and set off with a comma and a reporting clause or signal phrase , such as "said" or "asked." In fiction writing, using direct speech can display the emotion of an important scene in vivid detail through the words themselves as well as the description of how something was said. In nonfiction writing or journalism, direct speech can emphasize a particular point, by using a source's exact words.

Indirect speech is paraphrasing what someone said or wrote. In writing, it functions to move a piece along by boiling down points that an interview source made. Unlike direct speech, indirect speech is not usually placed inside quote marks. However, both are attributed to the speaker because they come directly from a source.

How to Convert

In the first example below, the verb in the present tense in the line of direct speech ( is) may change to the past tense ( was ) in indirect speech, though it doesn't necessarily have to with a present-tense verb. If it makes sense in context to keep it present tense, that's fine.

Direct speech: "Where is your textbook? " the teacher asked me.
Indirect speech: The teacher asked me where my textbook was.
Indirect speech: The teacher asked me where my textbook is.

Keeping the present tense in reported speech can give the impression of immediacy, that it's being reported soon after the direct quote,such as:

Direct speech: Bill said, "I can't come in today, because I'm sick."
Indirect speech: Bill said (that) he can't come in today because he's sick.

Future Tense

An action in the future (present continuous tense or future) doesn't have to change verb tense, either, as these examples demonstrate.

Direct speech: Jerry said, "I'm going to buy a new car."
Indirect speech: Jerry said (that) he's going to buy a new car.
Direct speech: Jerry said, "I will buy a new car."
Indirect speech: Jerry said (that) he will buy a new car.

Indirectly reporting an action in the future can change verb tenses when needed. In this next example, changing the am going to was going implies that she has already left for the mall. However, keeping the tense progressive or continuous implies that the action continues, that she's still at the mall and not back yet.

Direct speech: She said, "I'm going to the mall."
Indirect speech: She said (that) she was going to the mall.
Indirect speech: She said (that) she is going to the mall.

Other Changes

With a past-tense verb in the direct quote, the verb changes to past perfect.

Direct speech: She said, "I went to the mall."
Indirect speech: She said (that) she had gone to the mall.

Note the change in first person (I) and second person (your) pronouns and word order in the indirect versions. The person has to change because the one reporting the action is not the one actually doing it. Third person (he or she) in direct speech remains in the third person.

Free Indirect Speech

In free indirect speech, which is commonly used in fiction, the reporting clause (or signal phrase) is omitted. Using the technique is a way to follow a character's point of view—in third-person limited omniscient—and show her thoughts intermingled with narration.

Typically in fiction italics show a character's exact thoughts, and quote marks show dialogue. Free indirect speech makes do without the italics and simply combines the internal thoughts of the character with the narration of the story. Writers who have used this technique include James Joyce, Jane Austen, Virginia Woolf, Henry James, Zora Neale Hurston, and D.H. Lawrence.

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Direct and Indirect Speech: Useful Rules and Examples

Are you having trouble understanding the difference between direct and indirect speech? Direct speech is when you quote someone’s exact words, while indirect speech is when you report what someone said without using their exact words. This can be a tricky concept to grasp, but with a little practice, you’ll be able to use both forms of speech with ease.

Direct and Indirect Speech

When someone speaks, we can report what they said in two ways: direct speech and indirect speech. Direct speech is when we quote the exact words that were spoken, while indirect speech is when we report what was said without using the speaker’s exact words. Here’s an example:

Direct speech: “I love pizza,” said John. Indirect speech: John said that he loved pizza.

Using direct speech can make your writing more engaging and can help to convey the speaker’s tone and emotion. However, indirect speech can be useful when you want to summarize what someone said or when you don’t have the exact words that were spoken.

To change direct speech to indirect speech, you need to follow some rules. Firstly, you need to change the tense of the verb in the reported speech to match the tense of the reporting verb. Secondly, you need to change the pronouns and adverbs in the reported speech to match the new speaker. Here’s an example:

Direct speech: “I will go to the park,” said Sarah. Indirect speech: Sarah said that she would go to the park.

It’s important to note that when you use indirect speech, you need to use reporting verbs such as “said,” “told,” or “asked” to indicate who is speaking. Here’s an example:

Direct speech: “What time is it?” asked Tom. Indirect speech: Tom asked what time it was.

In summary, understanding direct and indirect speech is crucial for effective communication and writing. Direct speech can be used to convey the speaker’s tone and emotion, while indirect speech can be useful when summarizing what someone said. By following the rules for changing direct speech to indirect speech, you can accurately report what was said while maintaining clarity and readability in your writing.

Differences between Direct and Indirect Speech

When it comes to reporting speech, there are two ways to go about it: direct and indirect speech. Direct speech is when you report someone’s exact words, while indirect speech is when you report what someone said without using their exact words. Here are some of the key differences between direct and indirect speech:

Change of Pronouns

In direct speech, the pronouns used are those of the original speaker. However, in indirect speech, the pronouns have to be changed to reflect the perspective of the reporter. For example:

Direct speech: “I am going to the store,” said John.
Indirect speech: John said he was going to the store.

In the above example, the pronoun “I” changes to “he” in indirect speech.

Change of Tenses

Another major difference between direct and indirect speech is the change of tenses. In direct speech, the verb tense used is the same as that used by the original speaker. However, in indirect speech, the verb tense may change depending on the context. For example:

Direct speech: “I am studying for my exams,” said Sarah.
Indirect speech: Sarah said she was studying for her exams.

In the above example, the present continuous tense “am studying” changes to the past continuous tense “was studying” in indirect speech.

Change of Time and Place References

When reporting indirect speech, the time and place references may also change. For example:

Direct speech: “I will meet you at the park tomorrow,” said Tom.
Indirect speech: Tom said he would meet you at the park the next day.

In the above example, “tomorrow” changes to “the next day” in indirect speech.

Overall, it is important to understand the differences between direct and indirect speech to report speech accurately and effectively. By following the rules of direct and indirect speech, you can convey the intended message of the original speaker.

Converting Direct Speech Into Indirect Speech

When you need to report what someone said in your own words, you can use indirect speech. To convert direct speech into indirect speech, you need to follow a few rules.

Step 1: Remove the Quotation Marks

The first step is to remove the quotation marks that enclose the relayed text. This is because indirect speech does not use the exact words of the speaker.

Step 2: Use a Reporting Verb and a Linker

To indicate that you are reporting what someone said, you need to use a reporting verb such as “said,” “asked,” “told,” or “exclaimed.” You also need to use a linker such as “that” or “whether” to connect the reporting verb to the reported speech.

For example:

Direct speech: “I love ice cream,” said Mary.
Indirect speech: Mary said that she loved ice cream.

Step 3: Change the Tense of the Verb

When you use indirect speech, you need to change the tense of the verb in the reported speech to match the tense of the reporting verb.

Indirect speech: John said that he was going to the store.

Step 4: Change the Pronouns

You also need to change the pronouns in the reported speech to match the subject of the reporting verb.

Direct speech: “Are you busy now?” Tina asked me.
Indirect speech: Tina asked whether I was busy then.

By following these rules, you can convert direct speech into indirect speech and report what someone said in your own words.

Converting Indirect Speech Into Direct Speech

Converting indirect speech into direct speech involves changing the reported speech to its original form as spoken by the speaker. Here are the steps to follow when converting indirect speech into direct speech:

Identify the reporting verb: The first step is to identify the reporting verb used in the indirect speech. This will help you determine the tense of the direct speech.
Change the pronouns: The next step is to change the pronouns in the indirect speech to match the person speaking in the direct speech. For example, if the indirect speech is “She said that she was going to the store,” the direct speech would be “I am going to the store,” if you are the person speaking.
Change the tense: Change the tense of the verbs in the indirect speech to match the tense of the direct speech. For example, if the indirect speech is “He said that he would visit tomorrow,” the direct speech would be “He says he will visit tomorrow.”
Remove the reporting verb and conjunction: In direct speech, there is no need for a reporting verb or conjunction. Simply remove them from the indirect speech to get the direct speech.

Here is an example to illustrate the process:

Indirect Speech: John said that he was tired and wanted to go home.

Direct Speech: “I am tired and want to go home,” John said.

By following these steps, you can easily convert indirect speech into direct speech.

Examples of Direct and Indirect Speech

Direct and indirect speech are two ways to report what someone has said. Direct speech reports the exact words spoken by a person, while indirect speech reports the meaning of what was said. Here are some examples of both types of speech:

Direct Speech Examples

Direct speech is used when you want to report the exact words spoken by someone. It is usually enclosed in quotation marks and is often used in dialogue.

“I am going to the store,” said Sarah.
“It’s a beautiful day,” exclaimed John.
“Please turn off the lights,” Mom told me.
“I will meet you at the library,” said Tom.
“We are going to the beach tomorrow,” announced Mary.

Indirect Speech Examples

Indirect speech, also known as reported speech, is used to report what someone said without using their exact words. It is often used in news reports, academic writing, and in situations where you want to paraphrase what someone said.

Here are some examples of indirect speech:

Sarah said that she was going to the store.
John exclaimed that it was a beautiful day.
Mom told me to turn off the lights.
Tom said that he would meet me at the library.
Mary announced that they were going to the beach tomorrow.

In indirect speech, the verb tense may change to reflect the time of the reported speech. For example, “I am going to the store” becomes “Sarah said that she was going to the store.” Additionally, the pronouns and possessive adjectives may also change to reflect the speaker and the person being spoken about.

Overall, both direct and indirect speech are important tools for reporting what someone has said. By using these techniques, you can accurately convey the meaning of what was said while also adding your own interpretation and analysis.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is direct and indirect speech?

Direct and indirect speech refer to the ways in which we communicate what someone has said. Direct speech involves repeating the exact words spoken, using quotation marks to indicate that you are quoting someone. Indirect speech, on the other hand, involves reporting what someone has said without using their exact words.

How do you convert direct speech to indirect speech?

To convert direct speech to indirect speech, you need to change the tense of the verbs, pronouns, and time expressions. You also need to introduce a reporting verb, such as “said,” “told,” or “asked.” For example, “I love ice cream,” said Mary (direct speech) can be converted to “Mary said that she loved ice cream” (indirect speech).

What is the difference between direct speech and indirect speech?

The main difference between direct speech and indirect speech is that direct speech uses the exact words spoken, while indirect speech reports what someone has said without using their exact words. Direct speech is usually enclosed in quotation marks, while indirect speech is not.

What are some examples of direct and indirect speech?

Some examples of direct speech include “I am going to the store,” said John and “I love pizza,” exclaimed Sarah. Some examples of indirect speech include John said that he was going to the store and Sarah exclaimed that she loved pizza .

What are the rules for converting direct speech to indirect speech?

The rules for converting direct speech to indirect speech include changing the tense of the verbs, pronouns, and time expressions. You also need to introduce a reporting verb and use appropriate reporting verbs such as “said,” “told,” or “asked.”

What is a summary of direct and indirect speech?

Direct and indirect speech are two ways of reporting what someone has said. Direct speech involves repeating the exact words spoken, while indirect speech reports what someone has said without using their exact words. To convert direct speech to indirect speech, you need to change the tense of the verbs, pronouns, and time expressions and introduce a reporting verb.

Meaning of indirect speech in English

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Direct and Indirect Speech: The Ultimate Guide

Direct and Indirect Speech are the two ways of reporting what someone said. The use of both direct and indirect speech is crucial in effective communication and writing. Understanding the basics of direct and indirect speech is important, but mastering the advanced techniques of these two forms of speech can take your writing to the next level. In this article, we will explore direct and indirect speech in detail and provide you with a comprehensive guide that covers everything you need to know.

Table of Contents

What is Direct Speech?

Direct speech is a way of reporting what someone said using their exact words. Direct speech is typically enclosed in quotation marks to distinguish it from the writer’s own words. Here are some examples of direct speech:

“I am going to the store,” said John.
“I love ice cream,” exclaimed Mary.
“The weather is beautiful today,” said Sarah.

In direct speech, the exact words spoken by the speaker are used, and the tense and pronouns used in the quote are maintained. Punctuation is also important in direct speech. Commas are used to separate the quote from the reporting verb, and full stops, question marks, or exclamation marks are used at the end of the quote, depending on the tone of the statement.

What is Indirect Speech?

Indirect speech is a way of reporting what someone said using a paraphrased version of their words. In indirect speech, the writer rephrases the speaker’s words and incorporates them into the sentence. Here are some examples of indirect speech:

John said that he was going to the store.
Mary exclaimed that she loved ice cream.
Sarah said that the weather was beautiful that day.

In indirect speech, the tense and pronouns may change, depending on the context of the sentence. Indirect speech is not enclosed in quotation marks, and the use of reporting verbs is important.

Differences Between Direct and Indirect Speech

The structure of direct and indirect speech is different. Direct speech is presented in quotation marks, whereas indirect speech is incorporated into the sentence without quotation marks. The tenses and pronouns used in direct and indirect speech also differ. In direct speech, the tense and pronouns used in the quote are maintained, whereas, in indirect speech, they may change depending on the context of the sentence. Reporting verbs are also used differently in direct and indirect speech. In direct speech, they are used to introduce the quote, while in indirect speech, they are used to report what was said.

How to Convert Direct Speech to Indirect Speech

Converting direct speech to indirect speech involves changing the tense, pronouns, and reporting verb. Here are the steps involved in converting direct speech to indirect speech:

Remove the quotation marks.
Use a reporting verb to introduce the indirect speech.
Change the tense of the verb in the quote if necessary.
Change the pronouns if necessary.
Use the appropriate conjunction if necessary.

Here is an example of converting direct speech to indirect speech:

Direct speech: “I am going to the store,” said John. Indirect speech: John said that he was going to the store.

How to Convert Indirect Speech to Direct Speech

Converting indirect speech to direct speech involves using the same tense, pronouns, and reporting verb as the original quote. Here are the steps involved in converting indirect speech to direct speech:

Remove the reporting verb.
Use quotation marks to enclose the direct speech.
Maintain the tense of the verb in the quote.
Use the same pronouns as the original quote.

Here is an example of converting indirect speech to direct speech:

Indirect speech: John said that he was going to the store. Direct speech: “I am going to the store,” said John.

Advanced Techniques for Using Direct and Indirect Speech

Using direct and indirect speech effectively can add depth and complexity to your writing. Here are some advanced techniques for using direct and indirect speech:

Blending Direct and Indirect Speech

Blending direct and indirect speech involves using both forms of speech in a single sentence or paragraph. This technique can create a more engaging and realistic narrative. Here is an example:

“Sarah said, ‘I can’t believe it’s already winter.’ Her friend replied that she loved the cold weather and was excited about the snowboarding season.”

In this example, direct speech is used to convey Sarah’s words, and indirect speech is used to convey her friend’s response.

Using Reported Questions

Reported questions are a form of indirect speech that convey a question someone asked without using quotation marks. Reported questions often use reporting verbs like “asked” or “wondered.” Here is an example:

“John asked if I had seen the movie last night.”

In this example, the question “Have you seen the movie last night?” is reported indirectly without using quotation marks.

Using Direct Speech to Convey Emotion

Direct speech can be used to convey emotion more effectively than indirect speech. When using direct speech to convey emotion, it’s important to choose the right tone and emphasis. Here is an example:

“She screamed, ‘I hate you!’ as she slammed the door.”

In this example, the use of direct speech and the exclamation mark convey the intense emotion of the moment.

When should I use direct speech?
Direct speech should be used when you want to report what someone said using their exact words. Direct speech is appropriate when you want to convey the speaker’s tone, emphasis, and emotion.
When should I use indirect speech?
Indirect speech should be used when you want to report what someone said using a paraphrased version of their words. Indirect speech is appropriate when you want to provide information without conveying the speaker’s tone, emphasis, or emotion.
What are some common reporting verbs?
Some common reporting verbs include “said,” “asked,” “exclaimed,” “whispered,” “wondered,” and “suggested.”

Direct and indirect speech are important tools for effective communication and writing. Understanding the differences between these two forms of speech and knowing how to use them effectively can take your writing to the next level. By using advanced techniques like blending direct and indirect speech and using direct speech to convey emotion, you can create engaging and realistic narratives that resonate with your readers.

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What is Direct and Indirect Speech with Examples?

Direct and indirect speech are two different ways of reporting spoken or written language. Let's delve into the details and provide some examples.

Direct Speech

Direct speech refers to the exact words someone said, often (but not always) enclosed in quotation marks. It is also known as quoted speech or direct discourse. This method is useful when you want to convey someone's words verbatim. For example: Sarah said, "I'm feeling very happy today." "It's a beautiful day," commented John. In these examples, the words within the quotation marks are exactly what the speaker said.

Indirect Speech

Indirect speech, also known as reported speech or indirect discourse, is when you report what someone said, but not in their exact words. You're paraphrasing their words. When you use indirect speech, you don't use quotation marks. For example: Sarah said that she was feeling very happy that day. John commented that it was a beautiful day. In these examples, you're reporting the essence of what the speaker said, but not using their exact words. It's also worth noting that in indirect speech, verb tenses, pronouns, and words expressing time and place may need to change to reflect the shift in perspective. Here is an example: Direct speech: He said, "I am going to the store now." Indirect speech: He said that he was going to the store then. Notice how "am" changed to "was" and "now" changed to "then". This is because the time and context have shifted from when the speaker originally spoke to when the speaker's words were reported. Click here if you want to read more about direct and indirect speech.

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10.3: Indirect speech acts

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Paul Kroeger
Dallas International University via Language Library Press

The Nigerian professor Ozidi Bariki describes a conversation in which he said to a friend:

“I love your left hand.” (The friend had a cup of tea in his hand). The friend, in reaction to my utterance, transferred the cup to his right hand. That prompted me to say: “I love your right hand”. My friend smiled, recognized my desire for tea and told his sister, “My friend wants tea”… My friend’s utterance addressed to his sister in reaction to mine was a representative, i.e. a simple statement: “my friend wants a tea”. The girl rightly interpreted the context of the representative to mean a directive. In other words, her brother (my friend) was ordering her to prepare some tea. (Bariki 2008)

This brief dialogue contains two examples of indirect speech acts. In both cases, the utterance has the form of a simple statement, but is actually intended to perform a different kind of act: request in the first case and command in the second. The second statement, “My friend wants tea,” was immediately and automatically interpreted correctly by the addressee. (In African culture, when an older brother makes such a statement to his younger sister, there is only one possible interpretation.) The first statement, however, failed to communicate. Only after the second attempt was the addressee able to work out the intended meaning, not automatically at all, but as if he was trying to solve a riddle.

Bariki uses this example to illustrate the role that context plays in enabling the hearer to identify the intended speech act. But it also shows us that context alone is not enough. In the context of the first utterance, there was a natural association between what was said ( your left hand ) and what was intended (a cup of tea); the addressee was holding a cup of tea in his left hand. In spite of this, the addressee was unable to figure out what the speaker meant. The contrast between this failed attempt at communication and the immediately understood statement My friend wants tea , suggests that there are certain principles and conventions which need to be followed in order to make the illocutionary force of an utterance clear to the hearer.

We might define an indirect speech act (following Searle 1975) as an utterance in which one illocutionary act (the primary act) is intentionally performed by means of the performance of another act (the literal act). In other words, it is an utterance whose form does not reflect the intended illocutionary force. My friend wants tea is a simple declarative sentence, the form which is normally used for making statements. In the context above, however, it was correctly interpreted as a command. So the literal act was a statement, but the primary act was a command.

Most if not all languages have grammatical and/or phonological means of distinguishing at least three basic types of sentences: statements, questions, and commands. The default expectation is that declarative sentences will express statements, interrogative sentences will express questions, and imperative sentences will express commands. When these expectations are met, we have a direct speech act because the grammatical form matches the intended illocutionary force. Explicit performatives are also direct speech acts.

An indirect speech act will normally be expressed as a declarative, interrogative, or imperative sentence; so the literal act will normally be a statement, question, or command. One of the best-known types of indirect speech act is the Rhetorical Question, which involves an interrogative sentence but is not intended to be a genuine request for information.

Why is the statement I love your left hand not likely to work as an indirect request for tea? Searle (1969; 1975) proposes that in order for an indirect speech act to be successful, the literal act should normally be related to the Felicity Conditions of the intended or primary act in certain specific ways. Searle restated Austin’s Felicity Conditions under four headings: preparatory conditions(background circumstances and knowledge about the speaker, hearer, and/ or situation which must be true in order for the speech act to be felicitous); sincerity conditions (necessary psychological states of speaker and/or hearer); propositional content (the kind of situation or event described by the underlying proposition); essential condition (the essence of the speech act; what the act “counts as”). These four categories are illustrated in Table 10.1 using the speech acts of promising and requesting.

Generally speaking, speakers perform an indirect speech act by stating or asking about one of the Felicity Conditions (apart from the essential condition). The examples in (7) show some sentences that could be used as indirect requests for tea. Sentences (7a–b) ask about the preparatory condition for a request, namely the hearer’s ability to perform the action. Sentences (7c–d) state the sincerity condition for a request, namely that the speaker wants the hearer to perform the action. Sentences (7e–f) ask about the propositional content of the request, namely the future act by the hearer.

(7) a. Do you have any tea?

b. Could you possibly give me some tea?

c. I would like you to give me some tea.

d. I would really appreciate a cup of tea.

e. Will you give me some tea?

f. Are you going to give me some tea?

All of these sentences could be understood as requests for tea, if spoken in the right context, but they are clearly not all equivalent: (7b) is a more polite way of asking than (7a); (7d) is a polite request, whereas (7c) sounds more demanding; (7e) is a polite request, whereas (7f) sounds impatient and even rude.

Not every possible strategy is actually available for a given speech act. For example, asking about the sincerity condition for a request is generally quite unnatural: # Do I want you to give me some tea ? This is because speakers do not normally ask other people about their own mental or emotional states. So that specific strategy cannot be used to form an indirect request.

We almost automatically interpret examples like (7b) and (7e) as requests. This tendency is so strong that it may be hard to recognize them as indirect speech acts. The crucial point is that their grammatical form is that of a question, not a request. However, some very close paraphrases of these sentences, such as those in (8), would probably not be understood as requests in most contexts.

(8) a. Do you currently have the ability to provide me with tea?

b. Do you anticipate giving me a cup of tea in the near future?

We can see the difference quite clearly if we try to add the word please to each sentence. As we noted in Chapter 1, please is a marker of politeness which is restricted to occurring only in requests; it does not occur naturally in other kinds of speech acts. It is possible, and in most cases fairly natural, to add please to any of the sentences in (7), even to those which do not sound very polite on their own. However, this is not possible for the sentences in (8). This difference provides good evidence for saying that the sentences in (8) are not naturally interpretable as indirect requests.

(9) a. Could you possibly give me some tea, please?

b. Will you give me some tea, please?

c. I would like you to give me some tea, please.

d. Are you going to give me some tea (?please)?

e. Do you currently have the ability to provide me with tea (#please)?

f. Do you anticipate giving me a cup of tea in the near future (#please)?

The contrast between the acceptability of (7b) and (7e) as requests vs. the unacceptability of their close paraphrases in (8) suggests that the form of the sentence, as well as its semantic content, helps to determine whether an indirect speech act will be successful or not. We will return to this issue below, but first we need to think about a more fundamental question: How does the hearer recognize an indirect speech act? In other words, how does he know that the primary (intended) illocutionary force of the utterance is not the same as the literal force suggested by the form of the sentence?

Searle suggests that the key to solving this problem comes from Grice’s Cooperative Principle. If someone asks the person sitting next to him at a dinner Can you pass me the salt?, we might expect the addressee to be puzzled. Only under the most unusual circumstances would this question be relevant to the current topic of conversation. Only under the most unusual circumstances would the answer to this question be informative, since few people who can sit up at a dinner table are physically unable to lift a salt shaker. In most contexts, the addressee could only believe the speaker to be obeying the Co-operative Principle if the question is not meant as a simple request for information, i.e., if the intended illocutionary force is something other than a question.

Having recognized this question as an indirect speech act, how does the addressee figure out what the intended illocutionary force is? Searle’s solution is essentially the Gricean method of calculating implicatures, enriched by an understanding of the Felicity Conditions for the intended speech act. Searle (1975) suggests that the addressee might reason as follows: “This question is not relevant to the current topic of conversation, and the speaker cannot be in doubt about my ability to pass the salt. I believe him to be cooperating in the conversation, so there must be another point to the question. I know that a preparatory condition for making a request is the belief that the addressee is able to perform the requested action. I know that people often use salt at dinner, sharing a common salt shaker which they pass back and forth as requested. Since he has mentioned a preparatory condition for requesting me to perform this action, I conclude that this request is what he means to communicate.”

So it is important that we understand indirect speech acts as a kind of conversational implicature. However, they are different in certain respects from the implicatures that Grice discussed. For example, Grice stated that implicatures are “non-detachable”, meaning that semantically equivalent sentences should trigger the same implicatures in the same context. However, as we noted above, this is not always true with indirect speech acts. In the current example, Searle points out that the question Are you able to pass me the salt? , although a close paraphrase of Can you pass me the salt? , is much less likely to be interpreted as a request (# Are you able to please pass me the salt? ). How can we account for this?

Searle argues that, while the meaning of the indirect speech act is calculable or explainable in Gricean terms, the forms of indirect speech acts are partly conventionalized. Searle refers to these as “conventions of usage”, in contrast to normal idioms like kick the bucket (for ‘die’) which we might call conventions of meaning or sense.

Conventionalized speech acts are different from normal idioms in several important ways. First, the meanings of normal idioms are not calculable or predictable from their literal meanings. The phrase kick the bucket contains no words which have any component of meaning relating to death.

Second, when an indirect speech act is performed, both the literal and primary acts are understood to be part of what is meant. In Searle’s terms, the primary act is performed “by way of” performing the literal act. We can see this because, as illustrated in (10), the hearer could appropriately reply to the primary act alone (A1), the literal act alone (A2), or to both acts together (A3). Moreover, in reporting indirect speech acts, it is possible (and in fact quite common) to use matrix verbs which refer to the literal act rather than the primary act, as illustrated in (11–12).

(10) Q: Can you (please) tell me the time? A1: It’s almost 5:30. A2: No, I’m sorry, I can’t; my watch has stopped. A3: Yes, it’s 5:30.

(11) a. Will you (please) pass me the salt? b. He asked me whether I would pass him the salt.

(12) a. I want you to leave now (please). b. He told me that he wanted me to leave.

In this way indirect speech acts are quite similar to other conversational implicatures, in that both the sentence meaning and the pragmatic inference are part of what is communicated. They are very different from normal idioms, which allow either the idiomatic meaning (the normal interpretation), or the literal meaning (under unusual circumstances), but never both together. The two senses of a normal idiom are antagonistic, as we can see by the fact that some people use them to form (admittedly bad) puns:

(13) Old milkmaids never die — they just kick the bucket. 7

Birner (2012/2013: 196) points out that under Searle’s view, indirect speech acts are similar to generalized conversational implicatures. In both cases the implicature is part of the default interpretation of the utterance; it will arise unless it is blocked by specific features in the context, or is explicitly negated, etc. We have to work pretty hard to create a context in which the question Can you pass the salt? would not be interpreted as a request, but it can be done. 8

Searle states that politeness is one of the primary reasons for using an indirect speech act. Notice that all of the sentences in (7), except perhaps (7f), sound more polite than the simple imperative: Give me some tea! He suggests that this motivation may help to explain why certain forms tend to be conventionalized for particular purposes.

7 Richard Lederer (1988) Get Thee to a Punnery. Wyrick & Company.

8 Searle (1975: 69) suggests that a doctor might ask such a question to check on the progress of a patient with an injured arm.

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40 Examples of Direct and Indirect Speech Sentences

Table of Contents

Direct And Indirect Speech Examples

While using English, we use direct and indirect speeches quite often. If a sentence is expressed exactly as it came out of the mouth of the person who said it, it becomes a direct speech. However Indirect Speech (also called reported speech) refers to transmitting a sentence that someone has said. It is often used in daily language.

For example,

Susan told me she ate pizza yesterday. (Indirect Speech)

Susan said, “I ate pizza yesterday.”. (Direct Speech)

Mathilda told me she had to go out. (Indirect Speech)

Mathilda said: “I have to go out.”. (Direct Speech)

Julie asked if the train had left when she arrived at the ticket office. (Indirect Speech)

Julie asked: “Did the train leave?” (Direct Speech)

Synonyms of Close, Synonym words for Close

The Passive Voice, Definition and Examples

4 Capitalization Rules and Expression

About the author.

Key Differences

Know the Differences & Comparisons

Difference Between Direct and Indirect Speech

Direct : Mary said, “I am going to the US next month.” Indirect : Mary said that she was going to the US the following month.
Direct : The sports teacher said, “Run fast, boys.” Indirect : The sports teacher asked the boys to run fast.

In these two examples, you might have observed that when we use direct speech, we use quotations to outline the real words of the speaker. As against, in an indirect speech, there is no such thing, as the listener narrates the same in his/her own words.

Content: Direct Speech Vs Indirect Speech

Comparison chart.

Rules with Examples

How to remember the difference

Definition of direct speech.

When a person gives a written or spoken account of the speech, by repeating the exact words of the speaker, then this is known as Direct Speech. It uses inverted commas to highlight the original statement of the speaker, which is supported by a signal phrase or say dialogue guide.

Alex said, “I will be there in five minutes.”
The teacher said to Peter, “If you don’t complete your homework, I will make a call to your parents.”
Paul said to me, “What are you looking at?”
Joseph said, “You should give him a second chance.”

Sometimes, reporting verb appears in the mid of the sentence:

Is that so, she asked, You don’t want to come with us?

Adverbs can be used with the reporting verb, to delineate the manner in which something is spoken.

“I won’t come to your party,” Kate said angrily.
“I will always be there to help you”, he said sympathetically.

Definition of Indirect Speech

Indirect Speech or otherwise called as reported speech is one in which a person reports on what someone else said or wrote to him, not using the actual words. The indirect speech stresses on the content, i.e. what someone stated, instead of the words that are used for stating it.

The formation of the reported clause in an indirect speech is mainly based on whether the speaker is just reporting something, or ordering, commanding, requesting, etc.

Alex said that he would be here in five minutes.
The teacher scolded Peter that if he does not complete his homework, she would call his parents.
Paul asked me what am I looking at.
Joseph advised that I should give him a second chance.

Key Differences Between Direct and Indirect Speech

The difference between direct and indirect speech are discussed as under:

Direct Speech refers to the literal repetition of the words spoken by someone, using a quotative frame. On the other hand, indirect speech is one that reports something said or written by another person, without making the use of exact words.
Direct Speech is also called a quoted speech, as it uses the exact words of the speaker. As against, the indirect speech is termed as reported speech, as it narrates what is said by the speaker.
Direct Speech is from the speaker’s standpoint, whereas indirect speech is from the listener’s standpoint.
Direct speech is when we use the exact rendition of the words of the speaker. Conversely, in an indirect speech own words are used to report the speaker’s statement.
The inverted comma is used in direct speech, but not in indirect speech.

Rules for changing Direct Speech to Indirect Speech

There are certain rules which need to be followed while changing from direct to indirect speech or vice versa:

Rule 1 : Backshift changes

Exception : When the direct speech consists of a universal fact or truth, then the tense of the sentence remains the same.

Direct : The teacher said, “Human Rights day is celebrated on 10th December.” Indirect : The teacher said that Human Rights Day is celebrated on 10th December.

Rule 2 : For change in adverbs, pronouns, demonstratives and auxiliary verbs

Rule 3 : For Interrogative Sentences

Questions may be of two types: Objective questions whose answer can be given in yes or no which starts with an auxiliary verb.

On the other hand, Subjective questions whose answers can be given in detail. Here subjective question refers to the questions that begin with wh-word, i.e. when, how, who, what, which, where, why and so forth. Here, the reporting verb is changed from said to ask in the reporting speech.

Direct : She said, “Are you going to the party?” Indirect : She asked if I was going to the party.
Direct : Joe said to me, What is the time by your watch? Indirect : Joe asked me what was the time by my watch.

Rule 4 : When the direct speech contains orders, request, advise, suggestions command etc. then the reporting verb is changed to tell, request, command, instruct, order, advise, suggestion etc.

Direct : “Don’t make noise”, said the librarian. Indirect : The librarian told me to stop making noise.

Rule 5 : When something is said repeatedly by a person, or it is said by many people we use says/say instead of said in the direct speech. Says when it is said by only one person and say when it is said by many people. Further, in indirect speech, it is replaced by tell/tells accordingly.

Direct : My father says to me, “You are very naughty.” Indirect : My father tells me that I am very naughty.

The reporting verb remains in simple present tense also when the actual words are still true when it is reported.

Rule 6 : When there is an exclamatory sentence in the direct speech, first of all, the exclamatory sentence is changed into an assertive sentence. The inverted commas, interjections like oh, hurray, bravo etc. and the exclamatory mark is removed. The reporting verb, i.e. said is changed into exclaimed, and we use the conjunction that to add the clause.

Direct : “Oh wow! it’s beautiful” she said. Indirect : She exclaimed that it was very beautiful.

The basic tip to recognize the difference between direct and indirect speech is that in case of direct speech we use inverted commas which are not used in case of indirect speech. Further, we use the word ‘that’ in general, in indirect speech.

You Might Also Like:

josophina emvula says

July 15, 2019 at 2:37 pm

what are the rules that I must know to make the different of this direct and indirect speech?

January 26, 2024 at 2:36 am

Direct speech uses the exact words while indirect speech report what someone said without using the exact word

Ritupallab Bora says

January 4, 2021 at 6:56 pm

So good. Earlier I didn’t understand the difference between direct and indirect speech but now I got the whole concept

Arma Farooqui says

May 18, 2022 at 8:35 pm

It’s really really helpful. I understood everything very well. Thanks a lot…

Garang Chiman says

July 5, 2022 at 10:37 pm

Well illustrated. Thank you so much.

Reported Speech - Definition, Rules and Usage with Examples

Reported speech or indirect speech is the form of speech used to convey what was said by someone at some point of time. This article will help you with all that you need to know about reported speech, its meaning, definition, how and when to use them along with examples. Furthermore, try out the practice questions given to check how far you have understood the topic.

Definition of reported speech, rules to be followed when using reported speech, table 1 – change of pronouns, table 2 – change of adverbs of place and adverbs of time, table 3 – change of tense, table 4 – change of modal verbs, tips to practise reported speech, examples of reported speech, check your understanding of reported speech, frequently asked questions on reported speech in english, what is reported speech.

Reported speech is the form in which one can convey a message said by oneself or someone else, mostly in the past. It can also be said to be the third person view of what someone has said. In this form of speech, you need not use quotation marks as you are not quoting the exact words spoken by the speaker, but just conveying the message.

Now, take a look at the following dictionary definitions for a clearer idea of what it is.

Reported speech, according to the Oxford Learner’s Dictionary, is defined as “a report of what somebody has said that does not use their exact words.” The Collins Dictionary defines reported speech as “speech which tells you what someone said, but does not use the person’s actual words.” According to the Cambridge Dictionary, reported speech is defined as “the act of reporting something that was said, but not using exactly the same words.” The Macmillan Dictionary defines reported speech as “the words that you use to report what someone else has said.”

Reported speech is a little different from direct speech . As it has been discussed already, reported speech is used to tell what someone said and does not use the exact words of the speaker. Take a look at the following rules so that you can make use of reported speech effectively.

The first thing you have to keep in mind is that you need not use any quotation marks as you are not using the exact words of the speaker.
You can use the following formula to construct a sentence in the reported speech.
You can use verbs like said, asked, requested, ordered, complained, exclaimed, screamed, told, etc. If you are just reporting a declarative sentence , you can use verbs like told, said, etc. followed by ‘that’ and end the sentence with a full stop . When you are reporting interrogative sentences, you can use the verbs – enquired, inquired, asked, etc. and remove the question mark . In case you are reporting imperative sentences , you can use verbs like requested, commanded, pleaded, ordered, etc. If you are reporting exclamatory sentences , you can use the verb exclaimed and remove the exclamation mark . Remember that the structure of the sentences also changes accordingly.
Furthermore, keep in mind that the sentence structure , tense , pronouns , modal verbs , some specific adverbs of place and adverbs of time change when a sentence is transformed into indirect/reported speech.

Transforming Direct Speech into Reported Speech

As discussed earlier, when transforming a sentence from direct speech into reported speech, you will have to change the pronouns, tense and adverbs of time and place used by the speaker. Let us look at the following tables to see how they work.

Here are some tips you can follow to become a pro in using reported speech.

Select a play, a drama or a short story with dialogues and try transforming the sentences in direct speech into reported speech.
Write about an incident or speak about a day in your life using reported speech.
Develop a story by following prompts or on your own using reported speech.

Given below are a few examples to show you how reported speech can be written. Check them out.

Santana said that she would be auditioning for the lead role in Funny Girl.
Blaine requested us to help him with the algebraic equations.
Karishma asked me if I knew where her car keys were.
The judges announced that the Warblers were the winners of the annual acapella competition.
Binsha assured that she would reach Bangalore by 8 p.m.
Kumar said that he had gone to the doctor the previous day.
Lakshmi asked Teena if she would accompany her to the railway station.
Jibin told me that he would help me out after lunch.
The police ordered everyone to leave from the bus stop immediately.
Rahul said that he was drawing a caricature.

Transform the following sentences into reported speech by making the necessary changes.

1. Rachel said, “I have an interview tomorrow.”

2. Mahesh said, “What is he doing?”

3. Sherly said, “My daughter is playing the lead role in the skit.”

4. Dinesh said, “It is a wonderful movie!”

5. Suresh said, “My son is getting married next month.”

6. Preetha said, “Can you please help me with the invitations?”

7. Anna said, “I look forward to meeting you.”

8. The teacher said, “Make sure you complete the homework before tomorrow.”

9. Sylvester said, “I am not going to cry anymore.”

10. Jade said, “My sister is moving to Los Angeles.”

Now, find out if you have answered all of them correctly.

1. Rachel said that she had an interview the next day.

2. Mahesh asked what he was doing.

3. Sherly said that her daughter was playing the lead role in the skit.

4. Dinesh exclaimed that it was a wonderful movie.

5. Suresh said that his son was getting married the following month.

6. Preetha asked if I could help her with the invitations.

7. Anna said that she looked forward to meeting me.

8. The teacher told us to make sure we completed the homework before the next day.

9. Sylvester said that he was not going to cry anymore.

10. Jade said that his sister was moving to Los Angeles.

What is reported speech?

What is the definition of reported speech.

What is the formula of reported speech?

You can use the following formula to construct a sentence in the reported speech. Subject said that (report whatever the speaker said)

Give some examples of reported speech.

Given below are a few examples to show you how reported speech can be written.

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Direct and Indirect Speech

Introduction to Direct and Indirect Speech

The distinction between Direct and Indirect Speech may be confusing for some students. Often when we need to explain an incident or action, it involves quoting what someone said. A social situation, as well as a work email or presentation, are examples of such instances. There are two forms of Speech used to explain what other people say: direct Speech and indirect Speech (or reported Speech).

Direct Speech

The same words spoken are quoted indirect Speech. If we use Direct Speech in writing, we bring the words spoken between quotation marks (" ") and leave them alone. We may be reporting something that is being said (for example, a phone conversation) or asking someone about a previous conversation later.

Nirmal said, "There's a dog outside the window."

Mahima says, "What time will you be home?"

Supriya said, "I don't know!"

Indirect Speech

When we use reported or Indirect Speech to speak about the past, we generally change the tense of the words we say. We use reporting verbs like 'say,' 'tell,' and 'ask,' and we can introduce the reported words with the word 'that.' There are no inverted commas in this sentence.

For Example,

Mahima said that she had seen him.

Nirmal said he was looking forward to playing in the match on Saturday.

Children often mix up Direct and Indirect Speech. We need a way to say the difference between what someone is claimed to have said and what they said when we're writing. What did she say if you asked her? You may respond in one of two ways:

“I don’t like pizza,” Siddi said. (Direct Speech)

Siddi says she doesn’t like pizza. (Indirect Speech)

Note how Speech marks (“...”) are used in Direct Speech to indicate precisely what was said. Speech labels are located at the beginning and end of the actual words spoken. The words 'Siddi said' are not in Speech marks because they were not spoken aloud; rather, they are a way for the writer to express who was speaking to the reader.

The past tense is often used in reported Speech. This is because the words have already been spoken, and the writer is simply reporting on what has already been saying. It's critical to think about what was said and convert it to the past tense.

Direct and Indirect Narration Rules

Following are the steps to convert the Direct/Indirect Speech and also let’s discuss Direct and Indirect Speech tenses rules in detail.

Step 1: Write down the reporting verb that is used to determine the Indirect Speech's tense.

Step 2: Change the position and time to reflect the speaker's actual location and time.

Step 3: For both the object and the subject, use the correct pronoun.

Step 4: Make sure the sentence has the correct structure and word order.

Now we'll go through each of these measures in greater depth.

Step 1: Choosing the Verb's Tense and Conversion

Case 1: Nirmal said, ‘I go to the gym every day.

Case 2: Nirmal says, ‘I go to the gym every day.’

The verb ‘say' is used in both of the instances above to express the action of speaking. In addition, the reporting verb say is used in the past tense in the first case – said. In case 2, however, the reporting verb is in the present tense.

As a consequence, all verbs must be in the relevant past tense here. If the reporting verb is in the past tense, this is often followed. Thus, Nirmal said, ‘I go to the class every day will change to Nirmal said that he went to the gym every day.

The second rule is that the tense is not changed whether the reporting verb is in the future or present tense. So, Nirmal says, ‘I go to the class every day will be changed to Nirmal says that he goes to the class every day.

Step 2: Changes are Made to the Word That Communicates Place, Time, and Connection.

The time or place specified in the sentence should be changed to match the current time or position.

On 21st, May 2015: ‘I will come tomorrow,’ Sriram said.

On 21st, May 2015, Sriram said that he would come the next day.

Step 3: The Subject and Object Pronouns are Chosen Separately.

Case 1: Saurav will say to his friends, “I have started learning psychology” will change to Saurav will tell his friends that he has started learning psychology.

In this case, the speaker and the reporter are the same people. As a consequence, the pronoun should be the first person pronoun.

Case 2: Ma’am said to me, “I hope you will bring the geometry to my next class” will changed to Ma’am hoped that I would bring the geometry to her next class.

The speaker is ma'am, and the reporter is the student. As a consequence, the ma'am pronoun should be in the third person. The reporter's pronoun should also be in the first person.

Remember that we do not change the tense of the reporting verb within the quotation marks when it is in the present or future tense.

When using English, you'll want to use both direct and indirect Speech regularly, so make sure you're familiar with both and can use them correctly. Direct Speech isn't always an accurate representation of what someone has said. Using inverted commas before and after the quotation, you may quote from other texts similarly. Instead of using the verb "to tell," consider using a verb like "to compose," "to state," or "to define." You may convey what is being reported using a variety of verbs; for example, while "to say" is widely used, you may also want to use "to tell" to explain something that has been told to you. Keeping a small diary of what has been said around you is an important way to practise – explain what people have said and try to write a few examples of each form.

FAQs on Direct and Indirect Speech

1. What is Direct and Indirect Speech with Examples?

The same words spoken are quoted in the direct speech. If we use direct speech in writing, we bring the words spoken between quotation marks (" ") and leave them alone. We are talking about the present moment and we are talking about the original content. Direct Speech: “I'm seeing my brother tomorrow.” or “I’ll call them tomorrow”

While reporting if we are changing the words without changing the meaning of the sentence then it is called indirect speech. Here the present tense is converted into past tense. Here the sentence of the speaker is summarized without changing the meaning and reported.

Indirect Speech: She said she was seeing her brother the following day. Or She said that it was hot.

2. What are Simple Rules for Conversion of Indirect Speech to Direct Speech?

Both inverted commas and quotation marks should be eliminated. Put a full stop at the end of the sentence. Shift the present tense of the verb within the inverted commas/quotation marks to the corresponding past tense. Shift it to the past perfect tense if it's in the simple past tense.

Step 1: change the tenses from present to past

Present Tense: I like chocolates

Past Tense: she said that she liked chocolates

Step 2: Change the sentences from simple past to past perfect

Present: He arrived on Tuesday

Past: He said that he had arrived on Tuesday

Step 3: while converting future tense, ‘will’ changes to would

Present: I will be attending the wedding.

Past: She said that she would be attending the wedding.

Step 4: change the present continuous tense to the past continuous tense.

Present: We are eating dinner

Past: They said that they were eating dinner.

Step 5: Change the Present Perfect Tense into Past Perfect Tense

Present: She has finished her task.

Past: She said that she had finished her task.

Step 6: Change the Past Progressive Tense into the Perfect Continuous Tense

Present: My husband was cooking

Past: She said that her husband had been cooking.

Step 7: And also remember past perfect and past perfect progressive doesn't change.

Step 8: And also the future Progressive Tense changes into “would be”. The Future Perfect Tense changes into “would have”.The Future Perfect Progressive Tense changes into “would have been”.

And also follow these simple rules.

The conjunction ‘that’ is used in indirect speech.

The pronoun ‘I’ has to be changed according to the person.

The verb “am" is changed to “was".

For converting to Indirect speech, the words representing nearness will be changed to the words representing distance like the adverb “now” will be converted to the word “Then”, here now represent the nearness in time while ‘then’ represent distance.

3. What are the Examples of Direct Speech?

Few examples of Direct speech are:

Nirmal said, "There's a dog outside the window."

Mahima says, "What time will you be home?"

Supriya said, "I don't know!"

I like chocolates.

Where do you live in?

Where are you?

I play basketball

I do yoga every morning

Can you pass me the bottle, please?

I brought a new pen

I will shift to Mumbai

She had worked hard.

My mom is preparing sweets

Don’t talk to me

I play chess every day

Ananth is dancing on the floor

I like Sachin Tendulkar

She plays the guitar very well

4. Differentiate between Direct and Indirect Speech.

5. Give some examples for indirect speech.

She said that she liked chocolates

He said that he played basketball

She asked me to be on time

Neha said that her parents were very well.

He said that he played chess every day

She told me that she liked Sachin Tendulkar

She told me that she had been to the USA.

She said that she had finished her task.

he said that he would come to the party by 8 PM

She said that she hadn’t seen Nupur recently.

She asked me to bring her dress the next day

He asked us not to be late.

They told that they were ready for competition

Home » Blog » General » Direct vs. Indirect Speech Examples: Unveiling the Variances and Usage

Direct vs. Indirect Speech Examples: Unveiling the Variances and Usage

I. introduction.

Welcome to my blog on Social Emotional Learning (SEL)! In today’s post, we will explore the difference between direct and indirect speech examples. But first, let’s briefly understand what SEL is and why it is important in our personal and professional lives.

A. Brief explanation of Social Emotional Learning (SEL)

Social Emotional Learning (SEL) is the process of acquiring and applying the knowledge, attitudes, and skills necessary to understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions.

B. Importance of SEL in personal and professional life

SEL plays a crucial role in our personal and professional lives. It helps us develop self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making abilities. These skills are essential for building healthy relationships, managing conflicts, and succeeding in various aspects of life.

C. Purpose of the blog post – exploring the difference between direct and indirect speech examples

In this blog post, we will focus on the difference between direct and indirect speech examples. Understanding and effectively using both forms of speech is vital for effective communication and enhancing our social and emotional skills.

II. Understanding Direct Speech

Direct speech is a form of speech where the exact words spoken by a person are quoted and presented within quotation marks. Let’s delve deeper into its definition, characteristics, and examples.

A. Definition of direct speech

Direct speech refers to the exact words spoken by someone, presented within quotation marks. It allows us to directly quote what someone said, capturing their tone, emotions, and intentions.

B. Characteristics and features of direct speech

Direct speech has the following characteristics:

Quotation marks are used to indicate the exact words spoken.
The verb tense and pronouns are used as per the original speaker.
The sentence structure is preserved.

C. Examples of direct speech in everyday conversations

Direct speech can be observed in various types of conversations. Let’s explore some examples:

1. Simple statements

“I love ice cream,” said Sarah.

“I can’t wait for the weekend,” exclaimed John.

2. Questions

“Are you coming to the party?” asked Lisa.

“What time does the movie start?” inquired Tom.

3. Commands

“Please clean your room,” instructed the mother.

“Don’t forget to bring your umbrella,” reminded the teacher.

D. Importance of using direct speech in effective communication

Direct speech allows us to accurately convey the speaker’s words, emotions, and intentions. It adds authenticity and clarity to our communication, fostering better understanding and connection with others.

III. Unveiling Indirect Speech

Indirect speech, also known as reported speech, is a form of speech where the speaker’s words are paraphrased or reported without using quotation marks. Let’s explore its definition, differences from direct speech, and examples.

A. Definition of indirect speech

Indirect speech refers to reporting or paraphrasing someone’s words without using quotation marks. It involves transforming the original speaker’s words into our own words while maintaining the meaning and essence of the message.

B. Key differences between direct and indirect speech

The key differences between direct and indirect speech are:

Direct speech uses quotation marks, while indirect speech does not.
Direct speech preserves the original speaker’s words, while indirect speech paraphrases or reports them.
Direct speech maintains the original sentence structure, while indirect speech may require changes in tense, pronouns, and word order.

C. Examples of indirect speech in various contexts

Indirect speech can be observed in different contexts. Let’s explore some examples:

1. Reporting statements

Sarah said that she loved ice cream.

John exclaimed that he couldn’t wait for the weekend.

2. Reporting questions

Lisa asked if you were coming to the party.

Tom inquired about the movie’s starting time.

3. Reporting commands

The mother instructed to clean your room.

The teacher reminded not to forget to bring your umbrella.

D. Advantages and challenges of using indirect speech

Indirect speech offers certain advantages, such as allowing us to summarize or report longer conversations concisely. However, it can also pose challenges in accurately conveying the speaker’s tone, emotions, and intentions.

IV. Variances in Usage

Several factors influence the choice between direct and indirect speech. Let’s explore these factors and understand when to use each form of speech in different scenarios.

A. Factors influencing the choice between direct and indirect speech

The choice between direct and indirect speech is influenced by:

Formality of the situation: Direct speech is often used in informal conversations, while indirect speech is more common in formal settings.
Cultural norms and expectations: Different cultures have varying preferences for direct or indirect communication styles.
Emotional impact and empathy: Direct speech may be more appropriate when conveying strong emotions, while indirect speech can be used to soften the impact or show empathy.

B. Appropriate usage of direct and indirect speech in different scenarios

Let’s explore the appropriate usage of direct and indirect speech in various scenarios:

1. Personal conversations

In personal conversations with friends and family, direct speech is often preferred as it allows for a more authentic and immediate exchange of thoughts and emotions.

2. Professional settings

In professional settings, indirect speech is commonly used to report conversations, summarize meetings, or convey information in a more formal and concise manner.

3. Educational contexts

In educational contexts, both direct and indirect speech can be used depending on the purpose and formality of the communication. Direct speech can be useful for role-playing or reenacting historical events, while indirect speech is often used in academic writing and research.

V. Enhancing Social Emotional Learning through Direct and Indirect Speech

Both direct and indirect speech play a significant role in developing social and emotional skills. Let’s explore the impact of these forms of speech on SEL and strategies for improving our communication skills.

A. Impact of direct and indirect speech on SEL skills

1. Active listening: Both direct and indirect speech require active listening skills to accurately understand and interpret the speaker’s words, emotions, and intentions.

2. Empathy and understanding: Indirect speech, in particular, allows us to show empathy and understanding by paraphrasing and summarizing the speaker’s words in a compassionate manner.

3. Conflict resolution: Both direct and indirect speech can be effective in resolving conflicts by promoting open and honest communication, understanding different perspectives, and finding common ground.

B. Strategies for developing effective direct and indirect speech skills

1. Active practice and role-playing: Engage in role-playing activities to practice both direct and indirect speech. This will help improve your listening, speaking, and paraphrasing skills.

2. Reflective listening exercises: Practice reflective listening by summarizing and paraphrasing what others say in your own words. This will enhance your understanding and empathy.

3. Mindful communication techniques: Develop mindfulness in your communication by being aware of your own words and their impact on others. Practice using direct and indirect speech consciously and purposefully.

VI. Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding the difference between direct and indirect speech examples is essential for effective communication and enhancing our social and emotional skills. Both forms of speech have their advantages and appropriate usage in different scenarios. By mastering both direct and indirect speech, we can improve our active listening, empathy, and conflict resolution skills. So, let’s continue exploring Social Emotional Learning and communication skills to foster better connections and understanding in our personal and professional lives.

C. Encouragement to continue exploring SEL and communication skills

Start your EverydaySpeech Free trial today and embark on a journey of enhancing your Social Emotional Learning and communication skills. Sign up now at https://everydayspeech.com/start-free-trial/ .

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Direct and Indirect Speech Examples: Direct Speech Rules

What is direct and indirect speech? In English there are two ways of explaining what someone has said: Direct speech (quoted speech) or indirect speech (reported speech). Direct speech: He said, “I will play football today”. Indirect speech: He told us that he would be playing football today. In these examples, direct and indirect speech are in bold . Check out our direct and indirect speech infographic below.

Direct and Indirect Speech Sentence Examples

Practice direct and indirect speech in sentences. Direct speech is when the words are reported in the same way that the speaker said them. Indirect speech is the reporting of what someone else uttered but without changing the meaning of what was said. Have a go and make your own sentences with the direct and indirect speech poster above and sentences below.

Direct speech sentences :
He said, “I’m happy.”
She said, “I’ve been to England three times.”
He said, “We will travel to Cuba in June.”
She said, “The new film was a spectacle.”
Indirect speech sentences:
He said that he was happy.
She said that she had been to England three times.
He said that he would travel to Cuba in June.
She said that the new film was a spectacle.

Direct and Indirect Speech Games and Worksheets

Looking for more resources related to direct and indirect speech? Check out our comprehensive list of worksheets and video games . Download worksheets and play interactive games for free.

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direct to indirect speech rules

Direct To Indirect Speech Rules: Definitions, Examples, Exercises

Mar 05 2024

Direct And Indirect Speech Rules: In the general conversion, we usually use direct and indirect speech for expressing our thoughts or sharing the thoughts said by someone. When we need to repeat a remark or action of someone via written or verbal communication, we employ both direct and indirect speech. It is employed to provide a direct-indirect description of what someone stated. Depending on the nature of the talk, one of the two methods is employed (formal or informal). If you are studying for any government or bank exam, it is imperative that you learn both direct and indirect speech. Aspirants in search of direct to indirect speech rules PDF, direct to indirect speech rules and examples, direct to indirect speech tense rules, direct to indirect speech exercises, direct to indirect speech rules with examples PDF, direct and indirect speech examples, direct indirect speech rules PDF, etc., can refer to the in depth details provided here related to the direct to indirect speech rules examples, definition and exercises. Students can achieve good grades in both direct and indirect communication with practice, as direct and indirect speaking is relatively simpler.

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This article also deals with the topics like direct and indirect voice, direct or indirect speech, direct and indirect narration, direct and reported speech, indirect speech and direct speech, speech direct and indirect, direct to reported speech, indirect direct speech, speech direct indirect, direct and indirect speech examples, direct and indirect speech rules, direct and indirect speech examples with answers, direct and indirect speech rules chart, direct and indirect speech definition, direct and indirect speech questions, direct and indirect speech quiz, direct and indirect speech formula, direct to indirect speech examples, direct to indirect speech rules, direct to indirect speech converter, direct to indirect speech exercises, direct to indirect speech statement examples, and so on in detial.

What is Direct Speech?

Direct speech is used to quote exactly the same phrases. When writing in direct speech, we simply leave the words "said" alone and enclose them in quotation marks (" "). We could be recording what is being said (during a phone call, for example) or asking later about a previous discussion inverted commas.

Direct Speech Examples

“Where do they live?”
You asked me where they lived.
“When are you leaving?”
He asked us when we were leaving.
“How will they get here?”
She asked me how they would get here.

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What is Indirect Speech?

When discussing the past, indirect speech, also known as reported speech, typically involves changing the tense of the words stated. Reporting verbs like "tell," "say," and "ask" are employed, and the word "that" might be used to begin the reported instead of (" ") The concepts of "Reported speech" and "Reported verb" are also introduced through direct and indirect speech.

Indirect Speech Examples

You said you’d had a headache the day before yesterday.
He said it’d been raining since that afternoon.
She said she hadn’t seen them since the previous week.
You asked me where they lived.
He asked us when we were leaving.
She asked me how they would get here.

Direct To Indirect Speech Rules With Examples PDF

Direct Indirect Speech Rules PDF: Knowing the direct indirect speech rules in depth is indispensable for anyone who is willing to convert from one form to another impeccably. Now, to help you understand the direct to indirect speech rules and to remember the concepts easily, we have curated the direct indirect speech rules in PDF format for easy understanding. Aspirants preparing for competitive exams might come across this topic in the English language section. Have a look at the direct indirect speech rules through the PDF given and ace the exams with good scores.

Direct To Indirect Speech Rules With Examples PDF Download

Direct To Indirect Speech Rules: Complete Details

Direct And Indirect Speech Conversion: The complete set of rules to convert from direct to Indirect speech is given below. Aspirants who need to learn about the direct and indirect speech rules and to know the direct to indirect speech conversion rules, in general, must proceed further.

Direct To Indirect Speech Rule 1: Instead Of Inverted Commas, Use 'That'

Remove the inverted commas when converting direct speech to indirect speech, and use it instead of commas.

Direct To Indirect Speech Examples

Direct: Rani said, 'I am thirsty'.
Indirect: Rani said that she was thirsty.

In Indirect Speech, Tense Does Not Change For,

Whether the reported speech (the portion of the phrase enclosed in inverted commas) represents universal truth or habitual behavior.
The tense will not change if the reporting verb is in the present tense.

Direct To Indirect Speech Rule 2: Change In Tense

Indirect speech will shift reported speech into the past tense when the reporting verb is in the past tense.

Hari said, “He will do the homework.” (Direct Speech)
Hari said that he would do the homework. (Indirect Speech)

Learn how to change tenses by reading the table below.

Direct To Indirect Speech Rule 3: Change In Pronoun

Depending on the subject or the pronoun of the reporting verb (initial part of the phrase), the pronoun or the subject of the reported speech changes. The possessive pronouns (his, hers, and mine) can also alter depending on whether the pronoun is personal or object.

Direct to Indirect speech Example

He said, “I am happy.” (Direct Speech)
He said that he was happy. (Indirect Speech)

In the above example ‘I’ is changed into ‘he’ according to the reporting verb (first part) and the tense is also changed because the reporting verb (first part) is in the past tense.

Direct To Indirect Speech Rule 4: Change In Place And Time

Direct to indirect speech rule 5: interrogative sentences.

If a direct speech sentence begins with a question word (what, where, when), there is no need for a conjunction because the "question word" itself functions as a conjunction. Remove the question mark "?" while converting the interrogative sentence into indirect speech.

“Where is the temple?” asked the boy. (Direct Speech)
The boy asked where was the temple. (Indirect Speech)

Direct To Indirect Speech Rule 6: Yes/No Interrogative Sentences

If an auxiliary verb or helping verb comes first in a direct speech sentence, the joining clause will become either if or whether. Reporting verbs (verbs used in the first part) like "said/said to" change to "enquired," "asked," or "demanded" while changing the interrogative sentence.

He asked me “Are you angry with me?” (Direct Speech)
He enquired whether/if I was angry with him. (Indirect Speech)

Direct To Indirect Speech Rule 7: Request, Command, Wished, Enquired

Some verbs are used in indirect speech, including requested, ordered, urged, and advised. The word forbidden is used to describe the negative statements. As a result, in indirect communication, the infinitive word takes the place of the imperative mood that is present in direct speech.

She said to her, “Please complete the homework.” (Direct Speech)
She requested her to complete the homework. (Indirect Speech)

Direct To Indirect Speech Rule 8: Exclamatory Sentence

Exclamatory sentences that express (grief, sorrow, delight, or applaud) are changed into assertive sentences by eliminating the interjections.

Students said, “Hurrah! India has won the match.” (Direct Speech)
Students exclaimed with joy that India had won the match (Indirect Speech)

Difference Between Direct And Indirect Speech

Here we have added the important differences between direct and indirect speech for the reference of the candidates preparing for competitive exams.

FAQs - Direct To Indirect Speech Rules

Q. What are the rules for changing direct to indirect speech?

The complete set of rules for changing from direct to indirect speech is mentioned here in this article.

Q. What is direct speech?

Q. What is indirect speech?

Q. What are the examples of direct speech?

Some of the examples of direct speech are “Where do they live?”, You asked me where they lived, “When are you leaving?”, He asked us when we were leaving, and “How will they get here?”.

Q. What are the examples of indirect speech?

Some of the examples of indirect speech are You said you’d had a headache the day before yesterday, He said it’d been raining since that afternoon, She said she hadn’t seen them since the previous week, You asked me where they lived.

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Direct and Indirect Speech: Useful Rules and Examples
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Indirect Speech

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COMMENTS

Indirect Speech Definition and Examples
In nonfiction writing or journalism, direct speech can emphasize a particular point, by using a source's exact words. Indirect speech is paraphrasing what someone said or wrote. In writing, it functions to move a piece along by boiling down points that an interview source made. Unlike direct speech, indirect speech is not usually placed inside ...
Reported speech: indirect speech
Reported speech: indirect speech - English Grammar Today - a reference to written and spoken English grammar and usage - Cambridge Dictionary
INDIRECT SPEECH
INDIRECT SPEECH definition: 1. the act of reporting something that was said, but not using exactly the same words 2. the act of…. Learn more.
Direct and Indirect Speech: Useful Rules and Examples
Differences between Direct and Indirect Speech. Change of Pronouns. Change of Tenses. Change of Time and Place References. Converting Direct Speech Into Indirect Speech. Step 1: Remove the Quotation Marks. Step 2: Use a Reporting Verb and a Linker. Step 3: Change the Tense of the Verb. Step 4: Change the Pronouns.
Indirect speech
Indirect speech. In linguistics, speech or indirect discourse is a grammatical mechanism for reporting the content of another utterance without directly quoting it. For example, the English sentence Jill said she was coming is indirect discourse while Jill said "I'm coming" would be direct discourse. In fiction, the "utterance" might amount to ...
Direct vs. Indirect Speech
Indirect speech is also called indirect statement; therefore, indirect speech cannot be in the form of a question. Writers need to have the following points in mind when rendering direct questions ...
INDIRECT SPEECH definition
INDIRECT SPEECH meaning: 1. the act of reporting something that was said, but not using exactly the same words 2. the act of…. Learn more.
Direct and Indirect Speech: The Ultimate Guide
Here are the steps involved in converting direct speech to indirect speech: Remove the quotation marks. Use a reporting verb to introduce the indirect speech. Change the tense of the verb in the quote if necessary. Change the pronouns if necessary. Use the appropriate conjunction if necessary.
indirect speech
For example, in the sentence 'Julia said that she didn't want to go', the clause 'that she didn't want to go' is indirect speech. Her actual words were 'I don't want to go'. → direct speech Examples from the Corpus indirect speech • Paraphrase and summary of the arguments of other texts correspond to indirect speech.
INDIRECT SPEECH Definition & Usage Examples
Indirect speech definition: . See examples of INDIRECT SPEECH used in a sentence.
What is Direct and Indirect Speech with Examples?
Indirect Speech. Indirect speech, also known as reported speech or indirect discourse, is when you report what someone said, but not in their exact words. You're paraphrasing their words. When you use indirect speech, you don't use quotation marks. For example: Sarah said that she was feeling very happy that day.
Direct and Indirect Speech (Grammar Rules and Great Examples)
Converting Direct to Indirect Speech. 1. Eliminate the quotation marks that enclose the relayed text. 2. Retain the tense of the reporting verb and add the word "that" after it. 3. Change the tense of the verb in the reported speech, if needed. 4. Change the pronouns accordingly.
Reported Speech
Here are some examples. Direct speech: "I am baking cookies now." Indirect speech: He said he was baking cookies then. Direct speech: "Myra went here yesterday." Indirect speech: She said Myra went there the day before. Direct speech: "I will go to the market tomorrow." Indirect speech: She said she would go to the market the next day.
Direct and Indirect Speech Made Easy: Learn With Real-life Examples and
Now consider the different grammatical aspects of both. Reporting Speech: The first part of the direct speech is called reporting speech (she says). Reported Speech: The second part of the sentence, which is enclosed in inverted commas or quotation marks, is called reported speech (I am a little bit nervous). Reporting Verb: The verb of the reporting speech is called the reporting verb (says).
10.3: Indirect speech acts
An indirect speech act will normally be expressed as a declarative, interrogative, or imperative sentence; so the literal act will normally be a statement, question, or command. One of the best-known types of indirect speech act is the Rhetorical Question, which involves an interrogative sentence but is not intended to be a genuine request for ...
40 Examples of Direct and Indirect Speech Sentences
Mathilda told me she had to go out. (Indirect Speech) Mathilda said: "I have to go out.". (Direct Speech) Julie asked if the train had left when she arrived at the ticket office. (Indirect Speech) Julie asked: "Did the train leave?" (Direct Speech) It is too late. I said it was too late.
Difference Between Direct and Indirect Speech (with Rules, Examples and
Example: Alex said, "I will be there in five minutes." ... Definition of Indirect Speech. Indirect Speech or otherwise called as reported speech is one in which a person reports on what someone else said or wrote to him, not using the actual words. The indirect speech stresses on the content, i.e. what someone stated, instead of the words ...
Reported Speech
Reported speech is the form in which one can convey a message said by oneself or someone else, mostly in the past. It can also be said to be the third person view of what someone has said. In this form of speech, you need not use quotation marks as you are not quoting the exact words spoken by the speaker, but just conveying the message. Q2.
Direct and Indirect Speech
Step 1: Write down the reporting verb that is used to determine the Indirect Speech's tense. Step 2: Change the position and time to reflect the speaker's actual location and time. Step 3: For both the object and the subject, use the correct pronoun. Step 4: Make sure the sentence has the correct structure and word order.
Direct vs. Indirect Speech Examples: Unveiling the Variances and Usage
Let's explore its definition, differences from direct speech, and examples. A. Definition of indirect speech. Indirect speech refers to reporting or paraphrasing someone's words without using quotation marks. It involves transforming the original speaker's words into our own words while maintaining the meaning and essence of the message.
Direct and Indirect Speech Examples
Indirect speech: He told us that he would be playing football today. In these examples, direct and indirect speech are in bold. Check out our direct and indirect speech infographic below. Direct and Indirect Speech Sentence Examples. Practice direct and indirect speech in sentences. Direct speech is when the words are reported in the same way ...
Direct And Indirect Speech Rules PDF Definition To Examples
Direct Speech. Indirect Speech. Direct speech implies a direct discourse that reports information using the speaker's own words. When someone speaks indirectly, they are defining what they said in their own words. When quoting someone in the third person, use an inverted comma. No need to use an inverted comma.
What Is an Indirect Object?
An indirect object is the person or (sometimes) thing that receives the direct object, while a direct object is the thing or person that the verb acts on. Because indirect objects receive the direct object, they are always used with direct objects in sentences. They answer the question "to whom" or "for whom" about the direct object.

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Converting Direct Speech Into Indirect Speech

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Step 2: Use a Reporting Verb and a Linker

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Reported Speech - Definition, Rules and Usage with Examples

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Direct and Indirect Speech

Introduction to Direct and Indirect Speech

Direct Speech

Indirect Speech

Direct and Indirect Narration Rules

Step 1: Choosing the Verb's Tense and Conversion

Step 2: Changes are Made to the Word That Communicates Place, Time, and Connection.

Step 3: The Subject and Object Pronouns are Chosen Separately.

FAQs on Direct and Indirect Speech

Direct vs. Indirect Speech Examples: Unveiling the Variances and Usage

A. Brief explanation of Social Emotional Learning (SEL)