Direct & Indirect Speech
Direct and Indirect Speech refer to two di erent ways of reporting what someone said.
Understanding their di erences and rules will help you use them correctly.
1. Direct Speech
Direct speech reports the exact words of the speaker, enclosed in quotation marks.
Structure:
"Speaker + says/said, 'Exact words.' "
Examples:
She said, "I am tired."
John asked, "Are you coming to the party?"
2. Indirect Speech
Indirect speech (or reported speech) conveys the meaning of the speaker's words
without quoting them exactly. It typically involves changes to the verb tense,
pronouns, and time expressions.
Structure:
"Speaker + says/said that + reported statement."
Examples:
She said that she was tired.
John asked if I was coming to the party.
3. Key Changes from Direct to Indirect Speech
a) Tense Changes
When reporting in the past, verbs in direct speech often shift back one tense (backshifting).
Direct Speech Indirect Speech
“I am happy” She said she was happy.
“He is working” She said he was working.
“They will come tomorrow” She said they would come the next day.
“I have finished” She said she had finished.
“I saw him yesterday” She said she had seen him the day before.
Exceptions: No backshifting is needed if the reporting verb is in the present tense or if
the statement is still true.
o Direct: "I like chocolate."
Indirect: She says she likes chocolate.
b) Pronoun Changes
Pronouns are adjusted to match the perspective of the reporter.
Direct: "I am busy."
Indirect: He said he was busy.
c) Time and Place Changes
Words indicating time and place are often changed to reflect the new context.
Direct Speech Indirect Speech
Now Then
Today That day
Tomorrow The next day / Following day
Yesterday The previous day
Here There
4. Reporting Questions
When converting questions into indirect speech, the sentence structure changes, and
question marks are removed.
a) Yes/No Questions
Use if or whether to introduce the question.
Direct: "Are you coming?"
Indirect: He asked if I was coming.
b) Wh-Questions
Retain the question word (what, why, where, when, how).
Direct: "Where is she going?"
Indirect: He asked where she was going.
5. Reporting Commands, Requests, and Advice
a) Commands and Requests
Use to + verb or not to + verb for negative commands.
Direct: "Close the door!"
Indirect: He told me to close the door.
Direct: "Please help me."
Indirect: She asked me to help her.
b) Advice
Use advised + to + verb.
Direct: "You should study more."
Indirect: He advised me to study more.
6. Reporting Modal Verbs
Some modal verbs change in indirect speech, while others remain the same.
Direct Speech Indirect Speech
Will Would
Can Could
May Might
Must Had to
Shall Should
Could / Should / Would Stay the same
Examples:
Direct: "I will help you."
Indirect: She said she would help me.
Direct: "You must finish the work."
Indirect: He said I had to finish the work.
