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Understanding Direct Speech and Reported Speech
When we talk about what someone said, we can use two ways: Direct Speech and Reported Speech. Direct Speech is when we use the speaker's exact words. Reported Speech is when we tell what someone said without using their exact words.
Direct Speech
In Direct Speech, we use quotation marks to show the exact words someone said. It makes us feel like we are hearing the person speak.
Examples
Sarah said, "I love ice cream!"
Tom asked, "Can we go to the park?"
Mom shouted, "Dinner is ready!"
Reported Speech
In Reported Speech, we do not use quotation marks. We usually change the tense of the verbs and sometimes the pronouns too.
Important Points
Present tense verbs often change to past tense.
Pronouns may change to match the new context.
Words that show time and place may change.
Examples
Sarah said that she loved ice cream.
Tom asked if they could go to the park.
Mom shouted that dinner was ready.
Changing Tenses in Reported Speech
Important Points
Simple present changes to simple past.
Present continuous changes to past continuous.
Will changes to would.
Examples
He says, "I am happy." becomes He said that he was happy.
She says, "I will go." becomes She said that she would go.
They say, "We are playing." becomes They said that they were playing.
Changing Time and Place Words
Important Points
"Now" changes to "then".
"Today" changes to "that day".
"Here" changes to "there".
Examples
He said, "I will do it now." becomes He said that he would do it then.
She said, "We are meeting here." becomes She said that they were meeting there.
They said, "We will see you today." becomes They said that they would see us that day.
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