There are two main ways of reporting people’s thoughts, words, beliefs etc. Direct speechWe can repeat or quote the exact words spoken. This kind of reporting is called direct speech.
Indirect (reported) speechWe can make a speaker's words or thoughts part of our sentence, using conjunctions (e.g. that) and changing pronouns, tenses and other words when necessary. This kind of reporting is called indirect speech or reported speech. Compare:
Rules for indirect speechThere are some grammatical differences between direct and indirect speech. These changes are mostly natural and logical, and it is not necessary to learn complicated rules about indirect speech in English. Compare:
Dropping thatThe conjunction that is often dropped, especially after common reporting verbs (e.g. say, think) in informal speech.
That cannot be dropped after certain verbs (e.g. reply, telegraph, shout).
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Category: Direct and indirect speech | Added by: Teacher_Koce (2014-01-07) | |
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