Direct and Indirect Speech

Direct and Indirect Speech

Direct speech is the actual words of a person.

Direct speech uses speech marks (" ")

John said, "I am late."

Kwamina said, "I bought a car."

"Don't worry," said Ama.

Watch carefully the punctuation in the Direct speeches.

Indirect/Reported speech is used when you are saying what someone said.

It does not use the exact words the person said.

Reported speech therefore does not use speech marks.

Direct speech: "I like ice cream," she said.

Reported speech: She said that she liked ice cream.

Direct speech: Helen said, "I am living in London."

Reported speech: She said that she was living in London.

Lets try to identify the following speeches

Multiple Choice

"I am going to the cinema tonight," said Yaw

• Direct Speech

• Indirect Speech

Multiple Choice

Kwamina said that he had bought a car.

• Direct Speech

• Indirect Speech

Multiple Choice

"I love goat cheese sandwich," said John.

• Direct Speech

• Indirect Speech

Multiple Choice

He said, "my name is Michael."

• Direct Speech

• Indirect Speech

Multiple Choice

He said that his name is Michael.

• Direct Speech

• Indirect Speech

Multiple Choice

"I like ice scream!" Kevin shouted.

• Direct Speech

• Indirect Speech

Multiple Choice

She said that she was very good at Judo.

• Indirect Speech

• Direct Speech

Punctuate the following direct speeches.

Open Ended

Kofi said I will buy a Lamborghini.

Open Ended

My phone is spoilt said Jones.

Open Ended

Jasmine said I want jollof rice.

Open Ended

I want my book back Papa Kobina shouted