Direct Speech vs. Indirect Speech
Direct speech is when you report someone's exact words, using quotation marks. Think of it like someone saying "Hello, how are you?".
Indirect speech, also called reported speech, is when you report what someone said but don't use their exact words. Think of it like someone saying "She asked me how I was".
Here's a breakdown:
Direct Speech:
* Uses quotation marks (" ")
* Reports the speaker's exact words
* The tense of the verb usually stays the same as the original speaker's
Example:
* Direct: "I am going to the store," she said.
* Indirect: She said that she was going to the store.
Indirect Speech:
* Doesn't use quotation marks
* Reports the speaker's meaning but not their exact words
* The tense of the verb often changes to reflect the change in time
Example:
* Direct: "I went to the store yesterday," he said.
* Indirect: He said that he had gone to the store the day before.
Key differences:
* Quotation marks: Direct speech uses them, indirect speech does not.
* Tense: Direct speech often keeps the same tense, indirect speech changes it based on the context.
* Pronouns: Indirect speech changes pronouns to reflect the change in perspective.
* Conjunctions: Indirect speech uses conjunctions like "that", "if", "whether" to connect the reporting clause and the reported clause.
Why is this important?
Knowing the difference between direct and indirect speech is important for:
* Accurate communication: It helps you understand the difference between someone's exact words and a summary of what they said.
* Writing and speaking: Being able to switch between direct and indirect speech adds variety and interest to your writing and speaking.
Examples:
* Direct: "I love pizza!" she exclaimed.
* Indirect: She exclaimed that she loved pizza.
* Direct: "Will you come to the party?" he asked.
* Indirect: He asked if I would come to the party.
* Direct: "Don't forget your umbrella," she warned.
* Indirect: She warned me not to forget my umbrella.