Indirect Speech

Indirect Speech in the Present Tense When we report what someone else has said without quoting their exact words, we use indirect speech. Here's how to form it in the present tense: - Change of Pronouns: Change the pronouns to match the speaker. For example: Direct: She says, "I am happy." Indirect: She says that she is happy. Direct: "I like pizza," he says. Indirect: He says that he likes pizza. - Reporting Verbs: Use "says" for general statements and "tells" when we mention the person the speaker is talking to. For example: Direct: She says, "I am tired." Indirect: She says that she is tired. Direct: He tells me, "I am busy." Indirect: He tells me that he is busy. - No Change in Tense: The verb in indirect speech stays the same as in the direct speech. For example: Direct: "I play soccer." Indirect: He says that he plays soccer. - Use of "that": We can use "that" before the reported speech, but it is not always necessary. For example: With "that": She says that she is hungry. Without "that": She says she is hungry.