Direct and Indirect Speech: Rules, Charts, and 100+ Examples

Direct speech and indirect speech are two ways of reporting spoken words or thoughts, each serving distinct purposes in written and spoken communication.

Direct speech involves conveying someone’s exact words within quotation marks. This form provides a direct representation of what was said, maintaining the speaker’s original words and tone. For example, “She exclaimed, ‘I can’t believe we won!'” captures the speaker’s excitement verbatim.

On the other hand, indirect speech, also known as reported speech, presents a paraphrased or summarized version of the original statement without using quotation marks. It involves rephrasing the speaker’s words and often requires adjustments in pronouns, verb tenses, and temporal expressions. For instance, “She exclaimed with disbelief that they had won” conveys the same message indirectly.

These two forms play crucial roles in storytelling, journalism, and everyday communication. Direct speech adds immediacy and authenticity, bringing readers or listeners closer to the speaker’s emotions. Indirect speech, on the other hand, offers a more polished and organized account, allowing the narrator to integrate reported information seamlessly into their narrative.

Both direct and indirect speech enhance language’s expressive capabilities, providing flexibility in how spoken words are presented in diverse contexts, and contributing to the richness and versatility of language use.

1. Direct Speech:
   • Definition: Direct speech involves quoting the exact words spoken by a person, enclosed in quotation marks. It provides a direct representation of the speaker’s words.
   • Example:
     • Direct Speech: She said, “I will be there by 5 PM.”
2. Indirect Speech (Reported Speech):
   • Definition: Indirect speech involves reporting what someone has said without quoting their exact words. It is often introduced by verbs like “said,” “told,” or “asked,” and the reported speech is not enclosed in quotation marks.
   • Example:
     • Indirect Speech: She said that she would be there by 5 PM.
3. Formal vs. Informal Communication:
   • In formal communication, such as academic writing, reports, or news articles, indirect speech is often preferred. It provides a more structured and impersonal tone.
   • In informal communication, like everyday conversations or narratives, direct speech is common, especially when quoting someone verbatim.
4. Purpose of Indirect Speech:
   • Indirect speech is often used to:
     • Report Statements: She said that she had finished her work.
     • Report Questions: He asked if I wanted coffee.
     • Report Commands: The teacher told the students to be quiet.
5. Quoting in Indirect Speech:
   • Even in informal communication, direct speech is generally used when quoting someone verbatim. For example, in a dialogue in a novel or when recounting a memorable conversation.

Understanding and using direct and indirect speech appropriately contributes to effective communication, allowing the conveyance of information in a manner suitable for the context and tone of the communication.

What is Direct Speech?

Direct speech is a form of communication in which the exact words spoken by a person are quoted and presented within quotation marks. It provides a direct and immediate representation of the speaker’s words. In written form, direct speech is often enclosed in quotation marks to distinguish it from the surrounding text.

Key features of direct speech include

1. Quotation Marks: The quoted words are enclosed within quotation marks (single or double), signaling the beginning and end of the direct speech.
2. Punctuation: The punctuation inside the quotation marks may vary based on the structure of the quoted sentence.
3. The verb of Speaking: Often, a verb of speaking such as “said,” “asked,” “shouted,” etc., is used to attribute the spoken words to a specific speaker.

Example of Direct Speech

• Direct Speech: She exclaimed, “I can’t believe we won the game!”

In this example, the words spoken by the person (She) are directly quoted within the quotation marks. Direct speech is commonly used in everyday conversations, dialogues, storytelling, and any situation where one wants to convey the exact words spoken by a person.

Other Examples of Direct Speech:

• She said, “I will be there by 5 PM.”
• He said, “I will work hard to succeed.”
• The Commander said, “We will defeat all the enemies.”
• Devi said, “I am teaching French for first-year and second-year college students.”
• Freeda asked her brother, “Can you pick me up on your way home?”
• “My friends are finally coming home this weekend”, said Sheena.
• The students replied, “We are ready!”
• Gayatri said, “My father has been working as a doctor for ten years. “
• “What are you going to do with the broken mirror?”, asked Mridula.
• Carol said, “I have planned to wear a grey dress for the prom.”
• The teacher says, “You have to make your submissions before 8 a.m. on Monday.”
• The little boy said excitedly, “That was wonderful!”
• Madhuri said, sitting on the sofa, “I am really happy I finally took time to come see you.”

Direct speech is contrasted with indirect speech (reported speech), where the speaker’s words are summarized or paraphrased without quoting them verbatim. Both forms have their uses in different contexts and contribute to the variety and expressiveness of language.

What is Indirect Speech?

Indirect speech, also known as reported speech, is a way of conveying what someone else has said without quoting their exact words. Instead of reproducing the speaker’s statement verbatim, indirect speech provides a summarized or paraphrased version of the original words. This form of communication is often used in written and spoken language, particularly when reporting or narrating the words of others.

Key features of Indirect Speech include

1. Absence of Quotation Marks: Unlike direct speech, indirect speech does not require the use of quotation marks.
2. Introduction of Reporting Verbs: Indirect speech is often introduced by reporting verbs such as “said,” “told,” “asked,” “explained,” etc. These verbs attribute the statement to the original speaker.
3. Changes in Pronouns and Verb Tenses: Pronouns, verb tenses, and sometimes other elements may change when transforming direct speech into indirect speech. These changes typically reflect the shift from the speaker’s perspective to the reporter’s perspective.

Example of Indirect Speech

• Direct Speech: She said, “I will come to the party.”
• Indirect Speech: She said that she would come to the party.

In this example, the exact words spoken by the person are not quoted directly, and the reporting verb “said” is used to introduce the statement. Additionally, there is a change in pronouns (“I” becomes “she”) and a shift in verb tense (“will” becomes “would”) in the indirect speech version.

Other Examples of Indirect Speech:

• She said that she would be there by 5 PM.
• He said that he will work hard to succeed. 
• The Commander said that they would defeat all the enemies.
• Santana said that she would be auditioning for the lead role in Funny Girl.
• Blaine requested us to help him with the algebraic equations.
• Karishma asked me if I knew where her car keys were.
• The judges announced that the Warblers were the winners of the annual acapella competition.
• Binsha assured that she would reach Bangalore by 8 p.m.
• Kumar said that he had gone to the doctor the previous day.
• Lakshmi asked Teena if she would accompany her to the railway station.
• Jibin told me that he would help me out after lunch.
• The police ordered everyone to leave from the bus stop immediately.
• Rahul said that he was drawing a caricature.

Indirect speech is commonly employed in various contexts, such as news reporting, storytelling, formal writing, and situations where a summarized or paraphrased account of someone’s words is appropriate.

Purpose of Indirect Speech

Indirect speech serves several purposes, enhancing communication in various contexts. Here are the primary purposes of using indirect speech:

1. Politeness:
   • Indirect speech allows speakers to convey their message more politely. It softens the impact of direct statements and helps maintain a respectful tone, especially in sensitive or formal situations.
2. Reported Speech:
   • Indirect speech is commonly used to report or convey what someone else has said. It allows individuals to share information, statements, or questions made by others without quoting their exact words.
3. Formality:
   • In formal communication settings, such as business emails, official reports, or academic writing, indirect speech is often preferred. It aligns with the conventions of formal language use, maintaining a professional and structured tone.
4. Avoiding Bluntness:
   • Indirect speech is useful for avoiding direct and potentially blunt expressions. It provides a more diplomatic way to convey opinions, requests, or criticism, reducing the risk of sounding confrontational.
5. Expressing Politeness in Requests:
   • When making requests, indirect speech can be used to express politeness. Instead of giving a direct command, individuals may use more subtle language to make their requests sound less demanding.
6. Expressing Uncertainty:
   • Indirect speech allows individuals to convey uncertainty or hesitation in their statements. It provides a way to express doubt or speculation without committing to a definitive stance.
7. Conveying Emotions:
   • Indirect speech is often employed to express emotions or feelings indirectly. It allows individuals to communicate their sentiments without stating them explicitly, adding nuance to their expressions.
8. Maintaining Social Harmony:
   • Indirect speech contributes to maintaining social harmony by avoiding potential conflicts. It helps navigate delicate situations and prevent misunderstandings by using tactful language.
9. Narrative Style:
   • In storytelling or written narratives, indirect speech is commonly used to report characters’ dialogues or convey spoken words without resorting to direct quotations. It contributes to a smooth and cohesive narrative style.
10. Adapting to Cultural Norms:
    • Different cultures may have preferences for indirect or direct communication. Using indirect speech allows individuals to adapt their communication style to align with cultural norms and expectations.

In summary, the purpose of indirect speech is multifaceted, encompassing considerations of politeness, formality, expressiveness, and social dynamics. Its usage varies across different contexts and is influenced by cultural, social, and situational factors.

Quoting in Indirect Speech

Quoting in indirect speech involves reporting what someone else has said without using their exact words. Instead of providing a direct quotation, indirect speech offers a paraphrased or summarized version of the original statement. When quoting within indirect speech, certain changes are made to structure and punctuation. Here are the key points to keep in mind:

1. Punctuation

• Direct Quotation Punctuation:
  • “I will come to the party,” she said.
• Indirect Speech Punctuation:
  • She said that she would come to the party.

2. Reporting Verb

• Direct Quotation Reporting Verb:
  • She said, “I will come to the party.”
• Indirect Speech Reporting Verb:
  • She stated that she would come to the party.

3. Pronoun Changes

• Direct Quotation Pronoun:
  • “I will come to the party,” she said.
• Indirect Speech Pronoun:
  • She said that she would come to the party.

4. Tense Changes

• Direct Quotation Tense:
  • “I will come to the party,” she said.
• Indirect Speech Tense:
  • She said that she would come to the party.

5. Quoting Specific Words

• Direct Quotation of Specific Words:
  • “I am happy,” she said.
• Indirect Speech without Specific Words:
  • She said that she was happy.

6. Quotation Marks

• Direct Quotation Marks:
  • “I will come to the party,” she said.
• Indirect Speech without Quotation Marks:
  • She said that she would come to the party.

7. Use of “That”

• Direct Quotation without “That”:
  • She said, “I will come to the party.”
• Indirect Speech with “That”:
  • She said that she would come to the party.

In indirect speech, the exact words of the speaker are not enclosed in quotation marks, and the structure of the sentence is adjusted to convey the same meaning indirectly. Keep in mind the changes in reporting verbs, pronouns, tenses, and punctuation while quoting in indirect speech.

Reported Speech vs. Reporting Verb

1. Reported Speech:
   • Definition: Reported speech, also known as indirect speech, is a way of conveying what someone else has said without quoting their exact words. Instead, it provides a summarized or paraphrased version of the original statement.
   • Example:
     • Direct Speech: She said, “I will come to the party.”
     • Reported Speech: She said that she would come to the party.
2. Reporting Verb:
   • Definition: A reporting verb is a verb used to introduce or attribute someone else’s speech or thoughts. Common reporting verbs include “said,” “told,” “asked,” “explained,” etc.
   • Example:
     • She said that she would come to the party.
     • He asked if I had finished my work.

In the examples above, “said” and “asked” are reporting verbs. They are used to introduce the reported speech, indicating that the following words are a summary or paraphrase of what someone else said.

So, in the context of reported speech, the reporting verb is the verb used to introduce or report the speech. Both reported speech and reporting verbs work together to convey the message someone else has communicated in a summarized or paraphrased form.

Formal vs. Informal Communication

Formal and informal communication are two distinct styles of interaction, each suited for different contexts. Here are the key characteristics and differences between formal and informal communication:

Formal Communication

1. Setting:
   • Typically occurs in professional or business settings.
   • Common in workplace environments, official documents, academic institutions, etc.
2. Language and Tone:
   • Formal language with a professional tone.
   • Use of complete sentences, proper grammar, and vocabulary.
   • Avoidance of colloquial or slang expressions.
3. Addressing:
   • Use of titles and last names when addressing individuals.
   • Politeness is emphasized, and there’s a sense of respect.
4. Structure:
   • Follows a structured and organized format.
   • Often involves predefined formats for documents, reports, emails, etc.
5. Communication Channels:
   • Commonly written (emails, letters, reports) or in-person communication.
   • Follows specific protocols for official communication.
6. Purpose:
   • Conveys official information, instructions, policies, or announcements.
   • Emphasis on clarity, precision, and professionalism.
7. Examples:
   • Business letters, academic papers, reports, official emails, job applications.

Informal Communication

1. Setting:
   • More relaxed and casual settings, often in social or personal contexts.
   • Common in day-to-day conversations, and social gatherings, among friends and family.
2. Language and Tone:
   • Relaxed and conversational language.
   • Use of slang, colloquial expressions, and informal vocabulary.
3. Addressing:
   • Use of first names or even nicknames.
   • Informal titles or no titles at all.
4. Structure:
   • Less structured and more spontaneous.
   • Conversations may be free-flowing and less organized.
5. Communication Channels:
   • Varied channels, including face-to-face conversations, phone calls, text messages, social media.
6. Purpose:
   • Primarily for socializing, sharing personal information, expressing emotions, or casual discussions.
   • Emphasis on building rapport and fostering relationships.
7. Examples:
   • Casual emails, text messages, phone conversations, chats with friends.

Considerations

• Context Matters:
  • The choice between formal and informal communication depends on the context, the relationship between the parties involved, and the purpose of the communication.
• Professionalism vs. Personal Connection:
  • Formal communication is often associated with professionalism and maintaining a certain level of decorum. Informal communication, on the other hand, focuses on building personal connections and expressing authenticity.
• Flexibility:
  • While some contexts demand a formal approach, others allow for flexibility. The ability to navigate both styles is valuable in various aspects of life.
• Understanding the Audience:
  • Effective communicators know how to tailor their communication style based on the audience and the situation.

In summary, the choice between formal and informal communication depends on the nature of the relationship, the setting, and the goals of the communication. Both styles have their place and are essential in different aspects of life.

Rules for converting Direct into Indirect speech

Converting direct speech into indirect speech involves several rules, including changes in pronouns, verb tenses, and word order. Here are the key rules to follow:

1. Pronoun Changes

• First Person Pronouns:
  • Change first-person pronouns (I, we) according to the speaker’s perspective.
    • Example: “I am happy.” (Direct) → She said that she was happy. (Indirect)
• Second Person Pronouns:
  • Change second-person pronouns (you) according to the listener’s perspective.
    • Example: “You should come.” (Direct) → He told me to come. (Indirect)
• Third Person Pronouns:
  • Generally, third-person pronouns (he, she, it, they) remain the same.
    • Example: “She is busy.” (Direct) → He said that she is busy. (Indirect)

2. Changes in Verb Tenses

• Present Simple → Past Simple:
  • Change the tense of the verb in the reported speech if the reporting verb is in the past.
    • Example: “I am here.” (Direct) → She said that she was there. (Indirect)
• Present Continuous → Past Continuous:
  • Change the tense accordingly.
    • Example: “I am working.” (Direct) → He said that he was working. (Indirect)
• Past Simple → Past Perfect:
  • Change the past simple tense in the direct speech to past perfect in the indirect speech.
    • Example: “She said, ‘I went to the store.'” (Direct) → She said that she had gone to the store. (Indirect)

3. Changes in Time Expressions

• Adjust time expressions to match the context of the reporting.
  • Example: “Today is Monday.” (Direct) → She said that day was Monday. (Indirect)

4. Changes in Modals

• Adjust modals (can, will, shall, must) in the reported speech.
  • Example: “I can swim.” (Direct) → She said that she could swim. (Indirect)

5. Changes in Reporting Verbs

• Adjust reporting verbs based on the context.
  • Example: “I don’t like this.” (Direct) → She told me that she didn’t like that. (Indirect)

6. No Changes for General Truths

• If the reported statement is a general truth, there may be no changes in tense.
  • Example: “The Earth revolves around the sun.” (Direct) → She said that the Earth revolves around the sun. (Indirect)

7. Changes in Pronouns for Demonstratives

• Change demonstrative pronouns (this, these, that, those) according to the context.
  • Example: “This is my book.” (Direct) → She said that that was her book. (Indirect)

Remember that these rules serve as a general guide, and exceptions may exist based on specific contexts. It’s essential to consider the context and meaning when converting direct speech into indirect speech.

Direct to Indirect speech Conversion Interrogative sentences

Converting interrogative sentences from direct speech to indirect speech involves several changes in structure and wording. Here are the key rules to follow:

1. Changes in Pronouns

• First Person Pronouns:
  • Change first-person pronouns according to the speaker’s perspective.
    • Example: “Are you coming?” (Direct) → She asked if she was coming. (Indirect)
• Second Person Pronouns:
  • Change second-person pronouns according to the listener’s perspective.
    • Example: “Will you help me?” (Direct) → She asked if I would help her. (Indirect)
• Third Person Pronouns:
  • Generally, third-person pronouns remain the same.
    • Example: “Is she here?” (Direct) → He asked if she was there. (Indirect)

2. Changes in Verb Tenses

• Present Simple → Past Simple:
  • Change the tense of the verb in the reported speech if the reporting verb is in the past.
    • Example: “Did you finish your work?” (Direct) → He asked if I had finished my work. (Indirect)
• Present Continuous → Past Continuous:
  • Change the tense accordingly.
    • Example: “Are you studying?” (Direct) → She asked if I was studying. (Indirect)
• Past Simple → Past Perfect:
  • Change the past simple tense in the direct speech to past perfect in the indirect speech.
    • Example: “Did he go there?” (Direct) → She asked if he had gone there. (Indirect)

3. Changes in Question Words

• Question Word Order:
  • In indirect questions, question words (who, what, where, when, why, how) usually come after the reporting verb or subject.
    • Example: “What is your name?” (Direct) → She asked what my name was. (Indirect)

4. Changes in Reporting Verbs

• Reporting Verbs for Questions:
  • Use reporting verbs like “asked,” “inquired,” or “wondered” for indirect questions.
    • Example: “Are they coming?” (Direct) → She wondered if they were coming. (Indirect)

5. No Inversion in Indirect Questions

• Inversion Removal:
  • In direct questions, there is often subject-verb inversion. Remove this inversion in indirect questions.
    • Example: “Has he arrived?” (Direct) → She asked if he had arrived. (Indirect)

6. No Changes for Yes/No Questions

• Yes/No Questions:
  • For yes/no questions, no changes are made to the question structure.
    • Example: “Did you call me?” (Direct) → She asked if I had called her. (Indirect)

7. Punctuation Changes

• Punctuation Adjustment:
  • Change the question mark in direct speech to a period or a question word in indirect speech.
    • Example: “Will you come?” (Direct) → She asked if I would come. (Indirect)

Remember to consider the context and meaning when converting direct speech to indirect speech. The rules may vary slightly based on the specific type of interrogative sentence and the reporting context.

Direct to Indirect speech Conversion change in Modals

When converting direct speech to indirect speech, changes are made to modals to reflect the shift from the speaker’s perspective to the reporter’s perspective. Here are the key rules for changing modals in indirect speech:

1. Modal “Will” (Future Tense)

• Will → Would:
  • Change “will” to “would” to reflect the future tense in the past.
    • Example: “I will come.” (Direct) → She said that she would come. (Indirect)

2. Modal “Can”

• Can → Could:
  • Change “can” to “could” in the past tense.
    • Example: “I can swim.” (Direct) → She said that she could swim. (Indirect)

3. Modal “May”

• May → Might:
  • Change “may” to “might” to reflect a more tentative or polite tone.
    • Example: “May I leave?” (Direct) → She asked if she might leave. (Indirect)

4. Modal “Must”

• Must → Had to:
  • Change “must” to “had to” to convey obligation in the past.
    • Example: “You must finish this.” (Direct) → She said that I had to finish that. (Indirect)

5. Modal “Shall”

• Shall → Should:
  • Change “shall” to “should” in reported speech.
    • Example: “We shall meet.” (Direct) → She said that we should meet. (Indirect)

6. Modal “Would”

• Would (Polite Request) → Would:
  • In the case of a polite request, “would” remains the same.
    • Example: “Would you help me?” (Direct) → She asked if I would help her. (Indirect)

7. Modal “Ought to”

• Ought to → Ought to or Had to:
  • “Ought to” may remain the same or change to “had to” based on context.
    • Example: “You ought to study.” (Direct) → She said that I ought to study. (Indirect)
    • Or: “You ought to study.” (Direct) → She said that I had to study. (Indirect)

8. Modal “Need”

• Need → Needed:
  • Change “need” to “needed” for the past tense.
    • Example: “You need not worry.” (Direct) → She said that I need not worry. (Indirect)

9. Modal “Dare”

• Dare → Dared or Needed:
  • “Dare” may change to “dared” or “needed” based on the context.
    • Example: “How dare you speak to me?” (Direct) → She asked how I dared to speak to her. (Indirect)
    • Or: “How dare you speak to me?” (Direct) → She asked how I needed to speak to her. (Indirect)

Note

In some cases, modals may not change in indirect speech, especially if the reported statement is still relevant in the present. However, changes are often made to convey the appropriate tense and perspective in the indirect context.

1. Can become could
2. May becomes Might
3. Must becomes had to (or) would have to

Examples are given Below:

• Direct: She said,” She can sing.”
• Indirect: She said that she could sing.
• Direct: She said,” I should cook the lunch”
• Indirect: She said that she should cook the lunch.

Direct Speech	Reported Speech
Will	Would
May	Might
Can	Could
Shall	Should
Has/Have	Had

Direct to Indirect speech conversion in pronoun

Converting direct speech to indirect speech involves changing pronouns to reflect the shift from the speaker’s perspective to the reporter’s perspective. Here are the key rules for changing pronouns in indirect speech:

1. First Person Pronouns

• I, Me → He/She, Him/Her (Depending on Gender):
  • Change first-person pronouns according to the speaker’s gender.
    • Example: “I am happy.” (Direct) → She said that she was happy. (Indirect)
• We, Us → They, Them:
  • Change first-person plural pronouns accordingly.
    • Example: “We are coming.” (Direct) → She said that they were coming. (Indirect)

2. Second Person Pronouns

• You → He/She, Him/Her (Depending on Context):
  • Change second-person pronouns according to the person being addressed.
    • Example: “You are invited.” (Direct) → She said that he/she was invited. (Indirect)
• You → They:
  • Change “you” to “they” when referring to a group.
    • Example: “You are my friends.” (Direct) → She said that they were her friends. (Indirect)

3. Third Person Pronouns

• He/She/It → They:
  • Change third-person pronouns accordingly.
    • Example: “He is busy.” (Direct) → She said that they were busy. (Indirect)
• His/Her/Its → Their:
  • Change possessive pronouns accordingly.
    • Example: “This is his book.” (Direct) → She said that it was their book. (Indirect)

4. Demonstrative Pronouns

• This → That:
  • Change “this” to “that” for objects or ideas that are more distant in time or space.
    • Example: “This is my house.” (Direct) → She said that that was her house. (Indirect)
• These → Those:
  • Change “these” to “those” for plural objects or ideas that are more distant.
    • Example: “These are my friends.” (Direct) → She said that those were her friends. (Indirect)

5. Reflexive Pronouns

• Myself → Himself/Herself/Itself/Themselves:
  • Change reflexive pronouns accordingly.
    • Example: “I did it myself.” (Direct) → She said that he/she did it himself/herself. (Indirect)

Note

Be attentive to the context, gender, and number when changing pronouns. The goal is to accurately represent the speaker’s words in the indirect context. Adjustments may be necessary based on the specific details of the reported speech.

The first person in Direct speech changes as per the subject of the speech

Example:

• Direct: He said, “I am in grade sixth.”
• Indirect: He said that he was in grade sixth.

The second person of Direct speech changes as per the object of the indirect speech.

Example:

• Direct: She says to them, “You have achieved your goal.”
• Indirect: She tells them that they have achieved their goal.

If the third person is mentioned in the Direct speech, it does not change in reported speech.

Example:

• Direct: He says, “She sings well.”
• Indirect: He says that she sings well.

Direct Speech	Reported Speech
I	He, she
Me	Him, her
We	They
Us	Them
You	He, she, they
You	Him, her, them
My	His, her
Mine	His, hers
Our	Their
Ours	Theirs
Your	His, her, their
Yours	His, hers, theirs

Direct Speech to Indirect Speech Conversion in Request, Command, Wish, Exclamation

Converting different types of sentences (requests, commands, wishes, exclamations) from direct speech to indirect speech involves specific changes in structure and wording. Let’s explore the rules for each type:

Requests

• Direct Request: “Can you help me?”
• Indirect Request:
  • Use verbs like “ask,” “request,” or “beg” followed by “to” or an infinitive verb.
  • Change pronouns and verb tenses accordingly.
    • Example: She asked if I could help her.

Commands

• Direct Command: “Close the door.”
• Indirect Command:
  • Use verbs like “ask,” “tell,” or “order” with an object and an infinitive verb.
  • Change pronouns and verb tenses accordingly.
    • Example: She told me to close the door.

Wishes

• Direct Wish: “I hope I pass the exam.”
• Indirect Wish:
  • Use verbs like “hope” or “wish” and change pronouns and verb tenses accordingly.
    • Example: She wished that she would pass the exam.

Exclamations

• Direct Exclamation: “What a beautiful day!”
• Indirect Exclamation:
  • Use an exclamation with “what” or “how” and change pronouns and verb tenses accordingly.
    • Example: She exclaimed what a beautiful day it was.

Additional Tips

• Be mindful of the reporting verb used to introduce the indirect speech (e.g., said, asked, told, exclaimed).
• Adjust pronouns based on the perspective of the speaker in indirect speech.
• Consider changes in verb tenses according to the context and the reporting verb.
• Use appropriate introductory phrases like “she said that,” “he asked if,” “she exclaimed that,” etc.

Keep in mind that the specific wording may vary based on the exact content of the original sentence. The key is to convey the meaning accurately while adjusting for the change in perspective and context in indirect speech. Examples are given below:

• Direct: She said to her ‘Please remove it’.
• Indirect: She requested her to remove that.
• Direct: She said, ‘Alas! I am undone.
• Indirect: She exclaimed sadly that she was broke.

Direct Speech to Indirect Speech Conversion in Punctuations

Converting direct speech to indirect speech involves changing the punctuation, especially when transforming direct statements or questions into indirect speech. Here are the main rules for punctuation changes:

1. Punctuation in Statements

• Direct Statement: “I am going to the store.”
• Indirect Statement:
  • Use a period (full stop) instead of a comma before the reported speech.
  • Begin the reported speech with a capital letter.
    • Example: She said that she was going to the store.

2. Punctuation in Questions

• Direct Question: “Are you coming?”
• Indirect Question:
  • Use a question mark if the reporting verb is a question word (asked, inquired, wondered).
  • Otherwise, use a period and rephrase the question as a statement.
    • Example: She asked if I was coming.

3. Punctuation in Commands

• Direct Command: “Close the door.”
• Indirect Command:
  • Use a period and rephrase the command as a statement.
    • Example: She told me to close the door.

4. Punctuation in Exclamations

• Direct Exclamation: “What a beautiful day!”
• Indirect Exclamation:
  • Use a period and rephrase the exclamation as a statement.
    • Example: She exclaimed what a beautiful day it was.

Additional Tips

• Ensure proper capitalization at the beginning of the reported speech in indirect speech.
• Be consistent with the punctuation style based on the type of sentence (statement, question, command, exclamation).
• Pay attention to the choice of reporting verb, as it can influence the punctuation.
• Use quotation marks when directly quoting someone’s words, but omit them in indirect speech.

Remember that punctuation rules can vary slightly depending on the style guide or specific language conventions you are following. Always consider the context and adjust punctuation accordingly.

Direct Speech to Indirect Speech Conversion in Change of Time

Converting direct speech to indirect speech often involves adjustments in the reporting of time expressions. Here are the main rules for handling changes of time in indirect speech:

1. Present Tense in Direct Speech

• Direct Speech: “I am studying.”
• Indirect Speech:
  • If the reporting verb is in the present, keep the tense unchanged.
    • Example: She says that she is studying.
  • If the reporting verb is in the past, change the tense to reflect the past.
    • Example: She said that she was studying.

2. Past Tense in Direct Speech

• Direct Speech: “I went to the store.”
• Indirect Speech:
  • Keep the tense unchanged if the reporting verb is in the present.
    • Example: She says that she went to the store.
  • Change the tense to the past perfect if the reporting verb is in the past.
    • Example: She said that she had gone to the store.

3. Future Tense in Direct Speech

• Direct Speech: “I will call you.”
• Indirect Speech:
  • Change “will” to “would” for future tenses in the past.
    • Example: She said that she would call me.

4. Today, Tomorrow, Yesterday

• Direct Speech: “I will come today.”
• Indirect Speech:
  • Adjust expressions like today, tomorrow, and yesterday based on the context of when the statement is reported.
    • Example: She said that she would come that day.

5. Time Expressions

• Direct Speech: “I will see you later.”
• Indirect Speech:
  • Modify time expressions to fit the context.
    • Example: She said that she would see me later.

Additional Tips

• Pay attention to time expressions like now, today, tomorrow, yesterday, tonight, etc., and adjust them according to the context.
• Consider whether the reported speech is a general truth or a specific event, as this can impact the handling of time expressions.
• Be consistent with verb tenses based on the reporting verb and the context of the reported speech.

Adapting time expressions is crucial for maintaining accuracy and clarity when converting direct speech to indirect speech. Always consider the temporal context and the relationship between the original event and the time of reporting.

If the sentences inside quotes in direct speech are present tense, it is changed to past tense when changed to indirect speech. The rule in the following table is applied while changing tenses from direct speech to reported speech.

Direct Speech	Indirect Speech
Present Simple Tense do /does V1	Past Simple Tense  did + V1 V2
Present Progressive Tense is/am/are + V4	Past Progressive Tense was /were + V4
Present Perfect Tense has /have + V3	Past Perfect Tense had + V3
Present Perfect Progressive has been /have been + V4	Past Perfect Progressive had been + V4
Past Simple Tense did + V1 V2	Past Perfect Tense had + V3
Past Perfect Tense had/have + V3	Past Perfect Tense had + V3
Past Perfect Progressive had been/have been + V4	Past Perfect Progressive had been + V4
Future Simple Tense will + V1	would + V1
Future Progressive Tense will be + V4	would be + V4
Future Perfect Tense will have + V3	would have + V3
Future Perfect Progressive will have been + V4	would have been + V4

Where V1- Base verb, V2- Simple past V3- Past participle V4- Progressive verb (verbs ending with ‘ing’).

Examples of change in Tenses

Direct Speech	Indirect Speech
Ram said, “I do my work.”	Ram said that he did his work.
They said, “We are going now.”	They said that they were going then.
Sara said, ” I have done my work.”	Sara said that she had done her work.
Rohit said, “I have been doing my work.”	Rohit said that he had been doing his work.
Ram said, “I did my work”	Ram said that he had done his work.
They said, ”We have done our work”	They said that they had done their work.
They said, “We have been doing our work.”	They said that they had been doing their work.
Ram Said, ” I had been doing my work.”	Ram said that he had been doing his work.
Sara said, “I will do my work.”	Sara said that she would do her work.
They said, “We will be going out.”	They said that they would be going out.
They said, “We will have done this work.”	They said that they would have done that work.
Ram said, “I will have been doing this work”	Ram said that he would have been doing that work.

In direct speeches, the words that express nearness in time or place are changed to words that express distance in indirect speech. Such as :

• Now becomes then                  
• Here becomes there
• Ago becomes before                
• Thus becomes so
• Today becomes that day         
• Tomorrow becomes the next day
• This becomes that                 
• Yesterday becomes the day before
• These become those              
• Hither becomes thither
• Come becomes go                     
• Hence becomes thence
• Next week or month becomes the following week/month

Examples:

• Direct: He said, ‘His girlfriend came yesterday.’
• Indirect: He said that his girlfriend had come the day before.

• The time expression does not change if the reporting verb is in the present tense or future tense.

Examples: 

• Direct: He says/will say, ‘My girlfriend came yesterday.’
• Indirect:  He says/will say that his girlfriend had come the day before.

Direct Speech	Reported Speech
This	That
These	Those
Adverbs of Place
Here	There
Adverbs of Time
Now	Then
Today	That day
Tomorrow	The next day / The following day
Yesterday	The previous day
Tonight	That night
Last week	The week before
Next week	The week after
Last month	The previous month
Next month	The following month
Last year	The previous year
Next year	The following year
Ago	Before
Thus	So

Direct Speech to Indirect Speech Conversion in Imperative

Converting direct speech to indirect speech when dealing with imperatives (commands) involves specific adjustments to convey the command indirectly. Here are the main rules for the conversion of imperative sentences:

Direct Imperative

• Direct Speech: “Close the door.”

Indirect Imperative

• Indirect Speech:
  • Use the verb “ask,” “tell,” or an appropriate synonym based on the context.
  • Include the word “to” followed by the base form of the verb.
  • Change pronouns and verb tenses accordingly.
    • Example: She told me to close the door.

Additional Tips

• The verb “to” is often used in indirect imperatives.
• The reporting verb may vary based on the context. For example, “ask,” “tell,” “order,” or “command” can be used.
• Adjust the pronouns in the reported command based on the context.
• Use a period (full stop) to end the sentence.

Note

It’s important to recognize that in indirect speech, imperatives are often transformed into statements that convey the idea of a command without using the imperative form directly. The choice of reporting verbs and the structure of the sentence play crucial roles in maintaining the intended meaning. Always consider the context and the appropriate reporting verb for conveying indirect imperatives accurately.

Rules for Converting Indirect Speech into Direct Speech

The following rules should be followed while converting an indirect speech to direct speech:

• Use the reporting verb such as (say, said to) in its correct.
• Put a comma before the statement and the first letter of the statement should be in capital letter.
• Insert question marks, quotation marks, exclamation marks, and full stops, based on the mood of the sentence.
• Remove the conjunctions like (that, too, if, or whether) wherever necessary.
• When the reporting verb is in the past tense in indirect, change it to present tense in the direct speech.
• Change the past perfect tense either into the present perfect tense or past tense, as necessary.

Examples of Indirect Speech into Direct Speech

Examples of Indirect Speech into Direct Speech are given below:

• Indirect speech: You said you’d had a headache the day before yesterday.
• Direct speech: “I had a headache yesterday.”
• Indirect speech: He said it’d been raining since that afternoon.
• Direct speech: “It’s been raining since this afternoon.”
• Indirect speech: She said she hadn’t seen them since the previous week.
• Direct speech: “I haven’t seen them since last week.”

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