Definition of Indirect Speech

Indirect speech is also known as reported speech, indirect narration, or indirect discourse. In grammar, when you report someone else’s statement in your own words without any change in the meaning of the statement, it is called indirect speech. Quoting a person’s words without using his own word and bringing about any change in the meaning of the statement is a reported speech. Look at the following sentences:

Direct Speech: She says, “I am a little bit nervous.”

Indirect Speech: She says that she is a little bit nervous.

In the first sentence, the reporter conveys the message of the girl using her actual words (e.g., “I am a little bit nervous.”) In the second sentence, the reporter conveys her message but in his own words without any change in the meaning. Thus, both direct and indirect speeches are two different ways of reporting a statement of person. In simple words, quoting a person using your own words is called an indirect speech.

Key Terminology

During the process, you will come across many important terms that you need to know better so that you can convert any direct speech into indirect speech easily and without any hassle. Consider the following sentences:

Direct Speech: She says, “I am a little bit nervous.”
Indirect Speech: She says that she is a little bit nervous.
Now consider the different grammatical aspects of both.

Reporting Speech: The first part in the direct speech is called reporting speech.
Reported Speech: The second part of the sentence, which is closed in inverted commas or quotation marks, is called reported speech.
Reporting Verb: The verb of the reporting speech is called the reporting verb.
Reported Verb: The verb of the reported speech is called the reported verb.

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Direct and Indirect Speech:

Direct speech and indirect speech are two ways to report what someone has said. Direct speech involves quoting the exact words spoken by a person, while indirect speech involves reporting the words in a more indirect manner, without using quotation marks.

Differences between Direct and Indirect Speech:

1. Punctuation:
- In direct speech, the exact words spoken by a person are enclosed within quotation marks and are followed by a comma or a colon.
- In indirect speech, there is no need for quotation marks, and the reported speech is introduced with a reporting verb or phrase, which is followed by a comma.

Example:
Direct speech: She said, "I am going to the store."
Indirect speech: She said that she was going to the store.

2. Pronoun and Verb Changes:
- In direct speech, the speaker uses first-person pronouns (I, we) and present tense verbs.
- In indirect speech, the pronouns and verb tenses are changed according to the context and time of reporting.

Example:
Direct speech: He said, "I love pizza."
Indirect speech: He said that he loved pizza.

3. Time and Place References:
- In direct speech, time and place references are reported exactly as they were spoken.
- In indirect speech, time and place references are changed to reflect the time and place of reporting.

Example:
Direct speech: She said, "I will meet you tomorrow at 5 PM in the park."
Indirect speech: She said that she would meet me the next day at 5 PM in the park.

4. Reporting Verbs:
- Direct speech is often introduced by reporting verbs such as "say," "tell," "ask," etc.
- Indirect speech uses reporting verbs or phrases like "said that," "told me," "asked if," etc.

Example:
Direct speech: He said, "I can't come to the party."
Indirect speech: He said that he couldn't come to the party.

5. Tense Changes:
- In direct speech, present tense is used to report a current statement or fact.
- In indirect speech, the tense of the reported speech is changed to reflect the time of reporting.

Example:
Direct speech: She said, "I am studying for my exams."
Indirect speech: She said that she was studying for her exams.

6. Reporting Words:
- In direct speech, exact words are quoted and reported.
- In indirect speech, the reported speech is paraphrased or summarized.

Example:
Direct speech: He said, "I will finish the project by tomorrow."
Indirect speech: He said he would complete the project the next day.

Conclusion:
Direct and indirect speech are two ways to report what someone has said. Direct speech involves quoting the exact words spoken, while indirect speech involves reporting the words in a more indirect manner. The differences lie in punctuation, pronoun and verb changes, time and place references, reporting verbs, tense changes, and the use of reporting words. It is important to understand these differences in order to accurately report speech in written or spoken communication.