Change The Following Sentences Into Indirect Speech:1. John Said, It Is Going To Rain.2. Mary Asked Jane, Where Are You Going Today?3. Billy Said, I Am Running.4. Jane Asked, Mary, Will You Come To The Party?5. Mary Replied, I Cannot Come To

What is Indirect Speech?

Indirect speech, also known as reported speech, is a way of expressing what someone has said without using their exact words. It is a common technique used in writing and speaking to convey the message of the original speaker in a more subtle and indirect manner. In indirect speech, the original words are not quoted, but rather paraphrased or summarized to convey the same meaning.

Examples of Indirect Speech

1. John said, "It is going to rain."

Direct Speech: John said, "It is going to rain." Indirect Speech: John said that it was going to rain.

In the direct speech, the exact words of John are quoted. In the indirect speech, the same message is conveyed without using the exact words. The phrase "that it was going to rain" is a paraphrased version of John's original statement.

2. Mary asked Jane, "Where are you going today?"

Direct Speech: Mary asked Jane, "Where are you going today?" Indirect Speech: Mary asked Jane where she was going that day.

In the direct speech, the exact words of Mary are quoted. In the indirect speech, the same question is conveyed without using the exact words. The phrase "where she was going that day" is a paraphrased version of Mary's original question.

3. Billy said, "I am running."

Direct Speech: Billy said, "I am running." Indirect Speech: Billy said that he was running.

In the direct speech, the exact words of Billy are quoted. In the indirect speech, the same message is conveyed without using the exact words. The phrase "that he was running" is a paraphrased version of Billy's original statement.

4. Jane asked, "Mary, will you come to the party?"

Direct Speech: Jane asked, "Mary, will you come to the party?" Indirect Speech: Jane asked Mary if she would come to the party.

In the direct speech, the exact words of Jane are quoted. In the indirect speech, the same question is conveyed without using the exact words. The phrase "if she would come to the party" is a paraphrased version of Jane's original question.

5. Mary replied, "I cannot come to the party."

Direct Speech: Mary replied, "I cannot come to the party." Indirect Speech: Mary said that she could not come to the party.

In the direct speech, the exact words of Mary are quoted. In the indirect speech, the same message is conveyed without using the exact words. The phrase "that she could not come to the party" is a paraphrased version of Mary's original statement.

Rules for Changing Direct Speech to Indirect Speech

1. Change the verb tense

When changing direct speech to indirect speech, the verb tense may change. For example:

• Direct Speech: John said, "I am going to the store."
• Indirect Speech: John said that he was going to the store.

In the direct speech, the verb "am going" is in the present continuous tense. In the indirect speech, the verb "was going" is in the past continuous tense.

2. Change the pronouns

When changing direct speech to indirect speech, the pronouns may change. For example:

• Direct Speech: John said, "I am going to the store."
• Indirect Speech: John said that he was going to the store.

In the direct speech, the pronoun "I" is used. In the indirect speech, the pronoun "he" is used.

3. Change the adverbs

When changing direct speech to indirect speech, the adverbs may change. For example:

• Direct Speech: John said, "I am going to the store now."
• Indirect Speech: John said that he was going to the store then.

In the direct speech, the adverb "now" is used. In the indirect speech, the adverb "then" is used.

Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is indirect speech?

A: Indirect speech, also known as reported speech, is a way of expressing what someone has said without using their exact words. It is a common technique used in writing and speaking to convey the message of the original speaker in a more subtle and indirect manner.

Q: Why is indirect speech used?

A: Indirect speech is used to convey the message of the original speaker in a more subtle and indirect manner. It is often used to avoid direct confrontation or to soften the tone of the message.

Q: How do I change direct speech to indirect speech?

A: To change direct speech to indirect speech, you need to follow these steps:

1. Change the verb tense: If the original sentence is in the present tense, change it to the past tense.
2. Change the pronouns: If the original sentence uses "I" or "me", change it to "he" or "she".
3. Change the adverbs: If the original sentence uses an adverb like "now" or "today", change it to a more general adverb like "then" or "that day".

Q: What are the rules for changing direct speech to indirect speech?

A: The rules for changing direct speech to indirect speech are:

1. Change the verb tense: If the original sentence is in the present tense, change it to the past tense.
2. Change the pronouns: If the original sentence uses "I" or "me", change it to "he" or "she".
3. Change the adverbs: If the original sentence uses an adverb like "now" or "today", change it to a more general adverb like "then" or "that day".

Q: Can I use indirect speech in formal writing?

A: Yes, you can use indirect speech in formal writing. However, it is often used in informal writing or in spoken language.

Q: Can I use indirect speech in academic writing?

A: Yes, you can use indirect speech in academic writing. However, it is often used in a more formal and objective tone.

Q: How do I know when to use indirect speech?

A: You can use indirect speech when:

1. You want to convey the message of the original speaker in a more subtle and indirect manner.
2. You want to avoid direct confrontation or to soften the tone of the message.
3. You want to use a more formal or objective tone.

Q: Can I use indirect speech in creative writing?

A: Yes, you can use indirect speech in creative writing. However, it is often used in a more subtle and indirect manner to convey the message of the original speaker.

Q: Can I use indirect speech in business writing?

A: Yes, you can use indirect speech in business writing. However, it is often used in a more formal and objective tone.

Conclusion

Indirect speech is a common technique used in writing and speaking to convey the message of the original speaker in a more subtle and indirect manner. By following the rules for changing direct speech to indirect speech, you can effectively use indirect speech in your writing and speaking. Whether you are writing in a formal or informal tone, indirect speech can be a useful tool to convey your message in a more subtle and indirect manner.