When can we use direct and indirect speech?

When we want to report what someone said without speech marks and without necessarily using exactly the same words, we can use indirect speech (also called reported speech). For example: Direct speech: “We’re quite cold in here.” Indirect speech: They say (that) they’re cold.

Where is direct speech and indirect speech usually used?

Indirect speech is usually used to relay what was being said by the speaker without directly quoting the original words. In this case, the tense of the sentence is typically changed. Reporting verbs, such as say, tell, ask, and others, are used as an introduction.

How do you know if speech is direct or indirect?

What is Direct & Indirect Speech? Direct Speech: the message of the speaker is conveyed or reported in his own actual words without any change. Indirect Speech: the message of the speaker is conveyed or reported in our own words.

Why is direct speech used?

Direct speech can be used in virtually every tense in English. You can use it to describe something in the present tense – to express something that is happening in the present moment, or make it feel like it is happening right now.

What do we use direct speech for?

Using direct speech means repeating the spoken phrase or word exactly as it was said. You can use this to repeat something that was said in the past – but you can also use it to express something being said in the present, too.

How do we use indirect speech?

Reported or indirect speech is usually used to talk about the past, so we normally change the tense of the words spoken. We use reporting verbs like ‘say’, ‘tell’, ‘ask’, and we may use the word ‘that’ to introduce the reported words. Inverted commas are not used.

What is the meaning of indirect speech?

Indirect Speech. Indirect speech, also known as reported speech, is when words or phrases are reported in our own words. The original words are modified and/or interpreted as opposed to being quoted. When talking about indirect speech, we use words that refer to something that has already happened.

What is the difference between direct speech and reported speech?

In these examples, the direct speech is shown in quotations, which signifies that the speech is taken directly from the source with no alterations. Indirect speech, also known as reported speech, is when words or phrases are reported in our own words.

How do you use direct speech in English?

Using direct speech. Using direct speech means repeating the spoken phrase or word exactly as it was said. You can use this to repeat something that was said in the past – but you can also use it to express something being said in the present, too. When used in written English, you must place the direct speech in inverted commas (“ “)…

How do you change a direct question to indirect speech?

To make a direct question indirect, follow the same tense change rules as before, add ”asked me” to signify reporting a question, and keep the question word. To change a direct request to indirect speech, use the phrase ”asked me” and then fill in the request. To unlock this lesson you must be a Study.com Member.