Direct Speech

When you want to quote someone exactly, you use reported speech. This is also called direct speech. Direct speech is a great way to make your writing more interesting and engaging. It can also help to clarify what someone has said. In this lesson, we will discuss the basics of reported speech, including direct speech examples and the Direct Speech Rule. We will also define direct speech and talk about when it should be used. Stay tuned for more information on reported speech!

What is a Direct Speech Definition?

Direct speech Definition says that it is a way of representing spoken language in a written form. It involves reproducing the exact words that were spoken, usually within quotation marks, and often with some changes to account for the different medium (e.g. we would typically use reported speech when writing about something someone said, rather than quoting them directly).

Are Reported Speech and Direct Speech Same?

No, reported speech and direct speech are not the same. Reported speech is when we report or tell someone what someone else has said. Direct Speech is when we quote the exact words that were said. Let’s take a look at some reported speech examples to better understand the concept.

“I am hungry,” said Sarah.

Sarah said that she was hungry.

In the first reported speech example, the speaker is quoting Sarah’s exact words. This is an example of direct speech. In the second reported speech example, the speaker is reporting what Sarah said. This is an example of reported speech.

Direct Speech Rules:

When you are quoting or saying what someone has said indirect speech, you need to follow these rules:

– If the person is quoting someone else, use double quotation marks.

– If the person is quoting themselves, use single quotation marks.

– Always include the speaker’s name.

– Use the correct verb tense. For example, if someone said “I am going to the store,” and you are reporting what they said, you would say “She said she was going to the store.”

– If the person is quoting someone else, and you want to include what the original speaker said, use single quotation marks inside double quotation marks. For example, if John said “Mary said ‘I am going to the store,'” you would write “John said ‘Mary said, “I am going to the store.”‘”

– If you are quoting multiple people, use double quotation marks for each person’s direct speech. For example, if John said “Mary said ‘I am going to the store,'” and then Jane said “I am going with her,” you would write “John said ‘Mary said, “I am going to the store.”‘ Jane said ‘I am going with her.'”

What is Reported Speech?

Reported speech is when we repeat or rephrase what someone has said. It is also called indirect speech. Reported speech is usually used to tell someone what another person has said. We can also use reported speech when we want to say something without directly quoting the person.

The reported speech examples can be found below.

– “I am going to the store.” She said that she was going to the store.

– “I will be there in a minute.” He said that he would be there in a minute.

– “Can you please turn off the light

There are a few key rules to reported speech that you need to be aware of:

– The tense usually changes. For example, if someone says “I’m going to the shops”, in a reported speech this would typically become “He said he was going to the shops”.

– Pronouns often change. For example, if someone says “I will do it”, in a reported speech this would typically become “He said he would do it”.

– The time and place can often change. For example, if someone says “I will do it tomorrow”, in a reported speech this would typically become “He said he would do it the next day”.

Conclusion:

Reported speech examples are abundant in books, movies, and everyday conversation. To convert direct speech to reported speech, follow the Direct Speech Rule. To sum it all up, direct speech is when someone quotes another person’s exact words and reported speech is when someone paraphrases or summarizes what was said. Now that you know the definition of direct speech and reported speech, as well as some key reported speech examples, you’re on your way to mastering reported speech. Pay attention to the context clues that reveal whether someone is speaking directly or indirectly. In general, the reported speech will follow one of these three patterns: statement, question, or command.