Direct and Indirect Speech

Direct Speech

Direct speech reports the exact words of the speaker inside quotation marks. Example: He said, I am busy.

Indirect Speech

Indirect speech reports the meaning without the exact words. Example: He said that he was busy.

Common Changes

• Tense often moves one step back.
• Pronouns change to match the reporter.
• Words of time and place may change, for example now becomes then.

Key Points

Practice changing sentences both ways to master this topic.