Direct speech is when we report exactly what someone said, using their original words. In writing, we mark direct speech with quotation marks. We often introduce direct speech with a reporting clause such as "she said" or "he asked." The quoted words function as a unit within the sentence.

In English, direct speech uses quotation marks to enclose the exact words spoken. In most styles, the opening quotation mark comes before the first word of the speech, and the closing mark comes after the final word or punctuation of the speech. Quotation marks can be single or double, but double quotation marks are standard in American English. The quoted words remain unchanged inside the marks.

Rule
Enclose the exact spoken words with quotation marks.
Place the opening quotation mark before the first word of the speech.
Place the closing quotation mark after the last word or speech punctuation.

In direct speech, the main punctuation usually stays inside the quotation marks. A full stop, question mark, or exclamation mark comes inside the quotation marks if it ends the spoken words. When the reporting clause comes after the speech, we often use a comma inside the quotation marks instead of a full stop. When the reporting clause interrupts speech, we use commas to separate the two parts.

Rule
Put a full stop, question mark, or exclamation mark inside the quotation marks if it ends the quoted words.
Use a comma inside the quotation marks when the reporting clause follows, instead of a full stop.
Use commas to separate an interrupting reporting clause from the two parts of speech.

Reporting verbs introduce direct speech and show how the words are delivered. Common reporting verbs include "say" for general reporting and "ask" for questions. Other verbs such as "reply," "shout," and "whisper" add information about manner or volume. The choice of reporting verb does not change the quoted words in direct speech.

Word/Phrase	Definition
say	Use to report speech without focusing on manner.
ask	Use to introduce a question in direct speech.
reply	Use to report an answer or response.
shout	Use to report speech delivered loudly.
whisper	Use to report speech delivered quietly.

Direct speech can place the reporting clause before, after, or inside the quoted words. When the reporting clause comes first, it is usually followed by a comma before the opening quotation mark. When the reporting clause comes after the quoted words, it usually follows the closing quotation mark and starts with a lowercase letter if it is a continuation. When the reporting clause interrupts the speech, it appears between two parts of the quoted words, separated by commas and quotation marks as needed.

Rule
After a reporting clause, use a comma before the opening quotation mark.
After the quoted words, place the reporting clause after the closing quotation mark.
When interrupting speech, set off the reporting clause with commas and close and reopen quotation marks as needed.

Direct speech is common in conversation, stories, and quotations because it preserves the speaker's exact words. It contrasts with indirect speech, which reports the content without quoting exactly. In direct speech, pronouns, tense, and deictic words like "today" usually match the original context. The writer or speaker chooses direct speech to highlight the original wording and voice.