Convert Direct Speech into Indirect Speech

Introduction

The conversion of direct into indirect speech can be done in a variety of ways. The process of conversion necessitates an understanding of both forms of speech. In direct speeches, the words are exactly quoted and spoken in their entirety. The phrases used in a sentence containing quotes by a speaker are used in the sentence, and it remains untouched and unaltered. This stands in contrast to the indirect speeches that paraphrase the direct speeches or the semblance of the same present in any direct speech. The direct speeches are presented in the present tense. The words that are commonly used in this regard are says, tells, thinks, and concludes, to name a few contrary to the forms of indirect speeches that are written in the past tense. Here, the tense of the words spoken is changed. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the different forms of speeches in detail that will also help in getting a grasp on the conversion of direct into indirect speeches.

Characteristics of Direct and Indirect Speech 

Direct Speech and Indirect Speech are two ways of communicating a statement to the viewers. Spoken and written words are part of the lives of every individual who consumes and presents them in differing ways. 

Words that are spoken directly and presented in written form, in the same manner, are direct speech, and paraphrasing or alteration of the same (while retaining the same meaning of the sentence) is called indirect speech. For a better understanding of the two forms of speeches, the following are some of the characteristics of the speeches, along with the process of converting direct speech into indirect speech:

The tone of the Speeches- Direct Speech is also referred to as quoted speech that consists of words or phrases taken directly from the source. These are quoted words that are written exactly in the same way as it is spoken. One of the best ways to describe direct speech is that there is no interpretation or annotation as the words are directly borrowed from the source and presented to the viewers in exactly the same manner. It is mainly presented in quotations signifying that the speech is borrowed directly from the source and presented in the same manner. 

Some of the examples of direct speeches are- Jonah said, “I don’t like your hat”. In this case, Jonah’s quote has been incorporated into the sentence without any modification. 

Contrary to direct Speech, indirect Speech, the writers possess the full freedom to report the speech in their own words. For example, Jonah said that he did not like my hat. Here, the active tone of the speech has been transferred into a passive tone, where the direct tone has been transformed into an indirect tone.

Changing the tense- Here, it needs to be noted that one of the major ways to convert a direct speech into indirect speech is by changing tense from present tense verbs to past tense and removing any form of punctuation such as quotation marks or commas. There are two ways of changing the tense, that is, changing from present tense to past tense. For example, converting direct speeches such as Jane says, “I love watching films” into indirect speeches like Jane said she loved watching films. 

Examples of the conversion of Direct Speech into Indirect Speech 

Following are some examples that underline the conversion of direct into indirect speeches-

• Sita says, “I am ill’ (Direct Speech)

Sita said that she was ill (Indirect Speech).

• Georgina says, “ I need help with my homework” (Direct)

Georgina said she needed help with her homework (Indirect).

• Radha says, “The exam is difficult” (Direct)

Radha said that the exam was difficult (Indirect).

• She says, “The exam is difficult” (Direct)

She said the exam was difficult (Indirect).

Conclusion 

The conversion of direct speeches into indirect speeches is marked by the changes in sentence formation as well as changing the tenses of both speeches. Changing a direct speech into an indirect speech helps in simplifying the speech by changing the sentence structure while at the same time ensuring that the content of the message communicated to the readers maintains similarity.