Direct/Indirect Speech
In 🗣️ Direct/Indirect Speech we learn how to report what someone said either by repeating their exact words (direct speech) or by paraphrasing them (indirect speech). This guide goes over the key changes in format , pronouns , and time expressions .
Direct Speech
🗣️ Direct speech repeats a speaker's exact words and is usually marked by quotation marks and a reporting verb that introduces the quote.
Indirect Speech
🗣️ Indirect speech (or reported speech) conveys what someone said without quoting them word for word; the sentence adapts the original message to fit the reporting context.
Reporting Verbs
🗣️ Reporting verbs signal how you present someone else's speech; common ones include say , tell , ask , and reply , and they guide whether you use direct or indirect speech.
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Changes in Pronouns
🗣️ When shifting to indirect speech, pronouns usually change to match the new narrator's perspective , so I might become he or they depending on who is reporting.
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Changes in Time Expressions
🗣️ Time expressions often shift in indirect speech to align with the moment of reporting; for example, now can become then , today can become that day , and yesterday can become the day before .
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Questions
🗣️ Questions in direct speech keep the speaker's exact wording and question marks , while indirect questions fit the reporting sentence and do not use quotation marks or question marks.
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Examples
| English Example | English Translation | Reporting Verb |
|---|---|---|
| ☀️ "The beach is perfect today," she said. | She said that the beach was perfect that day. | said |
| 🍹 "I can get us drinks," he offered. | He offered to get them drinks. | offered |
| 🏐 "You’re it!" she shouted. | She shouted that he was it. | shouted |
| 🌅 "Let’s stay a bit longer," he suggested. | He suggested staying a bit longer. | suggested |
| 🌊 "Did you see that wave?" she asked. | She asked if he had seen that wave. | asked |
Summary
🗣️ Direct speech keeps the speaker's exact words, indirect speech rephrases them to fit the reporting context, pronouns and time expressions may change, and reporting verbs guide how you present the message.
Last updated: Sun Sep 14, 2025