Quoted speech, also known as reported speech, is how we represent what someone else has said. There are two main ways to do this: Direct Speech and Indirect Speech.
1. Direct Speech
Direct speech quotes the exact words spoken by someone. It is enclosed in quotation marks (" " or ' '). This method is often used in stories and news articles to show readers or listeners exactly what was said and to add life to the dialogue.
Key Components of Direct Speech:
* Quotation Marks: The spoken words are placed inside quotation marks. In American English, double quotation marks (" ") are standard. In British English, single quotation marks (' ') are more common.
* Reporting Clause: A clause like he said, she asked, or they exclaimed identifies the speaker. This clause can come before, after, or in the middle of the quote.
* Capitalization: The first word of the quotation is always capitalized if it's a complete sentence.
* Punctuation: Punctuation marks such as commas, periods, question marks, and exclamation points are placed inside the closing quotation mark (this is the standard in American English).
Punctuation Rules & Examples:
a) Reporting clause comes first: A comma is used after the reporting verb.
* She said, "I will be there by 5 PM."
* The teacher asked, "Have you finished your homework?"
b) Reporting clause comes last: A comma (or question mark/exclamation point) is used at the end of the spoken words, inside the quotation marks. The reporting clause that follows does not start with a capital letter.
* "I will be there by 5 PM," she said.
* "Have you finished your homework?" the teacher asked.
* "Watch out!" he shouted.
c) Reporting clause is in the middle (interrupting the quote): This is used when a single sentence is split. Commas are used to set off the reporting clause.
* "The problem," she explained, "is that we don't have enough time."
(Note: "is" is not capitalized because it continues the same sentence.)
2. Indirect Speech (or Reported Speech)
Indirect speech reports the meaning of what someone said without using their exact words. It paraphrases the original statement. Quotation marks are not used.
This form is more common in formal writing and everyday conversation when the exact wording is not as important as the general message.
Key Changes in Indirect Speech:
When converting direct speech to indirect speech, several changes are necessary.
a) No Quotation Marks: The most obvious change is the removal of quotation marks. The word that is often used to introduce the reported words (though it can sometimes be omitted).
* Direct: He said, "I am tired."
* Indirect: He said that he was tired.
b) Tense Backshift: The verb tense in the reported statement usually shifts back one step into the past.
| Direct Speech Tense | Indirect Speech Tense | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Present Simple | Past Simple | Direct: "I work here." <br> Indirect: She said she worked there. |
| Present Continuous | Past Continuous | Direct: "I am reading." <br> Indirect: He said he was reading. |
| Past Simple | Past Perfect | Direct: "We bought a car." <br> Indirect: They said they had bought a car. |
| Present Perfect | Past Perfect | Direct: "I have seen this movie." <br> Indirect: He said he had seen that movie. |
| will | would | Direct: "You will succeed." <br> Indirect: She said I would succeed. |
| can | could | Direct: "I can help." <br> Indirect: He said he could help. |
| may | might | Direct: "It may rain." <br> Indirect: She said it might rain. |
Exception: If the statement is a universal truth or is still true in the present, the tense does not have to change.
* Direct: The guide said, "The museum closes at 6 PM."
* Indirect: The guide said that the museum closes at 6 PM. (Because it always does).
c) Pronoun Changes: Pronouns and possessive adjectives change to reflect the perspective of the person reporting the speech.
* Direct: She said, "I need to call my mother."
* Indirect: She said that she needed to call her mother.
d) Time and Place Adverb Changes: Words indicating time and place often need to be changed.
* now → then
* today → that day
* yesterday → the day before / the previous day
* tomorrow → the next day / the following day
* here → there
* this → that
* Direct: He said, "I will finish this project tomorrow."
* Indirect: He said that he would finish that project the next day.
3. Reporting Questions and Commands
a) Reporting Questions:
* For Yes/No questions, use if or whether. The word order changes from a question to a statement.
* Direct: "Are you coming to the party?" she asked.
* Indirect: She asked if I was coming to the party.
* For Wh- questions (what, where, who, when, why), use the question word. The word order also changes to a statement form (subject before the verb).
* Direct: "What is your name?" he asked.
* Indirect: He asked what my name was. (NOT ...what was my name.)
b) Reporting Commands/Imperatives:
* Use a reporting verb like told, ordered, asked, or commanded, followed by an object and the infinitive form of the verb (to + verb).
* Direct: The doctor said, "Take this medicine."
* Indirect: The doctor told me to take that medicine.
* Direct: "Don't be late," she said.
* Indirect: She told us not to be late.
Summary Table: Direct vs. Indirect Speech
| Feature | Direct Speech | Indirect Speech |
| Wording | Exact words of the speaker | Paraphrased meaning |
| Punctuation | Uses quotation marks (" ") | No quotation marks |
| Introductory Word | No special introductory word | Often uses that, if, whether |
| Verb Tense | Tense of the original speaker | Tense usually shifts back (backshift) |
| Pronouns | Original speaker's perspective | Changes to reporter's perspective |
| Adverbs | Original adverbs of time/place | Adverbs of time/place often change |
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