Direct and Indirect speech with rules and examples In English, to report someone's words or their own words, you can use direct or indirect speech. These may include statements, questions, orders, …

If we change the direct speech into the indirect speech mechanically (Kevin said he had killed them), it can have a different meaning - Kevin himself killed them.

When we report someone other’s words, it is known as indirect speech or reported speech. A reporter presents someone other’s words that carry same meaning, but with some changes.

TERMINOLOGY EXPLANATION The English Language has two ways to narrate the words of a person. These two ways are as follows: A. Direct Speech B. Indirect Speech also known as the Reported …

Direct speech - reporting the message of the speaker in exact words as spoken by him. Direct speech example: Rama said „he is busy now‟. Indirect speech example: Rama said that he was very busy then.

Formation: In English indirect statements are introduced by a subordinating conjunction that, which has no equivalent in classical Latin. Instead, a subject accusative + infinitive is used.

It is important to note that most verb tenses will change from direct to reported speech. The chart on the next page shows the most common verb and modal changes.