Direct and Indirect Speech: A Simple Explanation
Direct Speech is when we report someone's exact words, using quotation marks (" "). It's like giving a person a stage to speak for themselves.
Example:
* Direct Speech: "I'm going to the park," she said.
Indirect Speech is when we report what someone said, but we don't use their exact words. Instead, we paraphrase and use a reporting verb like "said," "asked," "told," etc.
Example:
* Indirect Speech: She said that she was going to the park.
Here's a breakdown of key differences:
| Feature | Direct Speech | Indirect Speech |
|-------------------|------------------------|-----------------------|
| Quotation marks | Yes | No |
| Verb tense | Same as original speech | Often changed |
| Pronouns | Remain the same | May need to change |
| Time and place | Same as original speech | May need to change |
Let's break down the changes in Indirect Speech:
* Tense: The tense in indirect speech might need to change depending on the tense in the original sentence.
* Example: "I am going to the park," she said. --> She said she was going to the park.
* Pronouns: The pronouns may need to change if they refer to the speaker or listener.
* Example: "You are going to the park," he said. --> He said that I was going to the park.
* Time and Place: The time and place may need to change to reflect the current situation.
* Example: "I will go to the park tomorrow," she said. --> She said she would go to the park the next day.
In simple terms:
* Direct Speech: You hear the speaker's voice directly.
* Indirect Speech: You hear the speaker's voice as reported by someone else.
Understanding the difference between direct and indirect speech can help you report conversations accurately and effectively!