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ENGLISH GRAMMAR DIRECT AND INDIRECT SPEECH (NARRATION) Introduction Direct Speech means using the exact words of the speaker inside quotation marks. Example: Ram said, “I am busy.” Indirect Speech means reporting the speaker’s words without quotation marks. Example: Ram said that he was busy. Rule 1. Reporting Verbs The words used to introduce speech are called reporting verbs. said is used without an object. told is used with an object. asked is used for questions. ordered, requested, advised, suggested are used for commands, requests and advice. Rule 2. Changes in Pronouns First person pronouns change according to the subject. Second person pronouns change according to the object. Third person pronouns do not change. Example Direct: He said to me, “You are kind.” Indirect: He told me that I was kind. Rule 3. Changes in Tenses When the reporting verb is in the past, the tense of reported speech becomes one step past. Simple Present changes to Simple Past. Present Cont...

Chapter: Speech (Direct and Indirect) What is Speech in Grammar? Speech in grammar refers to reporting or narrating what someone else has said. There are two common ways to do this: Direct Speech: The exact words spoken by the speaker are quoted and enclosed in quotation marks.     Example: He said, "I am hungry." Indirect Speech (Reported Speech): The gist/meaning of what was said is conveyed without quoting exact words. The sentence structure, pronouns, tenses, and time expressions often change.     Example: He said that he was hungry. Why Learn Direct and Indirect Speech? - Helps in narrating or reporting conversations, important in writing and speaking. - Common in storytelling, news reporting, and everyday communication. - Important for exams and improving language proficiency. Rules for Changing Direct Speech into Indirect Speech 1. Remove Quotation Marks: Indirect speech does not use quotation marks. 2. Change of Pronouns: Pronouns change to fit the ...