Direct and Indirect Speech
Direct speech quotes the exact words someone says, while indirect speech reports what someone says without quoting their exact words.
Direct Speech:
Example: She said, "I am going to the store."
Indirect Speech:
Example: She said that she was going to the store.
Rules for Transforming Direct Speech to Indirect Speech:
1. Tense Changes:
- Present Simple → Past Simple
Example: "I eat" → She said that she ate.
- Present Continuous → Past Continuous
Example: "I am eating" → She said that she was eating.
- Present Perfect → Past Perfect
Example: "I have eaten" → She said that she had eaten.
- Past Simple → Past Perfect
Example: "I ate" → She said that she had eaten.
2. Pronoun Changes:
Change the pronouns to match the perspective.
Example: "I" changes to "she" or "he", "you" changes to "I" or "they".
3. Time and Place Changes:
Adjust time expressions and place words.
Example: "now" changes to "then", "today" changes to "that day", "tomorrow" changes to "the next day".
4. Reporting verbs:
Common reporting verbs include: say, tell, ask, explain, suggest, advise, promise, warn.
Questions:
When converting questions, change the structure.
- Direct: "Are you coming?"
- Indirect: She asked if/whether I was coming.
Commands:
Use "to" before the verb.
- Direct: "Close the door."
- Indirect: He told me to close the door.
Important Points:
- No changes are made if the reporting verb is in the present or future.
- If the direct speech contains a modal verb, it may change.
Example: "can" becomes "could", "will" becomes "would".
