Introduction to Infinitives
Direct speech refers to the exact words spoken by someone, presented inside quotation marks. It is used to report what a person says or said, without changing any of the original words. In writing, direct speech provides a clear, unaltered representation of the speaker's message.
Example:
Direct speech: John said, "I am going to the park."
Indirect speech: John said that he was going to the park.
Punctuation in Direct Speech
In Direct Speech, the exact words spoken by a person are presented inside quotation marks. Correct punctuation is essential for clarity. Below is a guide on how to use punctuation in Direct Speech, following the format of Singular and Plural Nouns.
1. Quotation Marks
Quotation marks are used to enclose the speaker's exact words. Always start the quoted speech with an opening quotation mark and end with a closing quotation mark.
2. Commas
Commas are used to separate the reporting clause (who said the speech) from the direct speech. The comma is placed before the opening quotation marks when the reporting clause comes first.
Examples
He said, "The train leaves at 6 PM."
"The train leaves at 6 PM," he said.
"The party," she said, "starts at 8 PM."
3. Periods (Full Stops)
Periods are placed inside the quotation marks if the direct speech is a full sentence.
Examples
He replied, "I don't know."
"This is my favorite book," she said.
4. Question Marks and Exclamation Marks
Question marks and exclamation marks are used inside the quotation marks if they belong to the direct speech. If the reporting clause contains the question or exclamation, they are placed outside the quotation marks.
5. Capitalization
The first word inside the quotation marks is always capitalized, even if it appears mid-sentence. If the reporting clause interrupts the speech, the first word of the second part of the speech is not capitalized unless it begins a new sentence.
Examples
She said, "I'll go. It's not too late."
"I'll go," she said, "if it's not too late."
Structure of Direct Speech
1. Basic Structure: Reporting Clause + Quoted Speech
The reporting clause (who is speaking) comes before the quoted speech.
Example: He said, "I am hungry."
2. Inverted Structure: Quoted Speech + Reporting Clause
The quoted speech comes before the reporting clause.
Example: "I am hungry," he said.
3. Using Different Reporting Verbs
You can use various verbs to convey the tone or manner of the speech.
said: She said, "It's late."
asked: He asked, "Where are we going?"
shouted: They shouted, "Hurry up!"
Reporting Different Types of Sentences
When converting direct speech to reported speech, it's essential to recognize the type of sentence being reported. This section outlines how to report statements, questions, and commands/requests in direct speech.
1. Reporting Statements in Direct Speech
Reporting statements involves conveying what someone has said without changing their original words. The reporting verb (e.g., said, told) is used to indicate who spoke.
Examples
Direct Speech: John said, "I am going to the store."
Reported Speech: John said that he was going to the store.
2. Reporting Questions in Direct Speech
When reporting questions, the structure changes slightly. The reporting verb (e.g., asked, inquired) is often used, and the sentence structure is altered to fit a statement form.
Examples
Direct Speech: Mary asked, "Are you coming to the party?"
Reported Speech: Mary asked if I was coming to the party.
3. Reporting Commands and Requests in Direct Speech
Commands and requests are reported differently. The reporting verb (e.g., told, asked) is used, and the sentence structure typically changes to include "to" + verb.
Examples
Direct Speech: The teacher said, "Please submit your homework."
Reported Speech: The teacher asked the students to submit their homework.
Quoting Multiple Speakers
When writing dialogue involving multiple speakers, it’s essential to maintain clarity and organization. This section outlines the principles for quoting dialogue from multiple speakers, following the format used for Singular and Plural Nouns.
1. Punctuation and Formatting
Use quotation marks to enclose spoken words and include a reporting clause to identify the speaker.
2. New Lines for New Speakers
Start a new line for each new speaker to enhance readability.
3. Examples of Multi-Speaker Dialogue
Examples
"Did you hear about the new restaurant?" asked Mike.
"Yes, I heard it’s amazing!" replied Anna.
"What time does the movie start?" inquired Rachel.
"It starts at 8 PM," replied Daniel.
Direct Speech with Various Tenses
Direct speech can be expressed in different tenses. This section outlines how to use present, past, and future tenses in direct speech, along with examples for each.
1. Present Tense in Direct Speech
When expressing thoughts, feelings, or actions happening now, the present tense is used.
Examples
"I am studying for my exams," she said.
"We enjoy going to the beach," they mentioned.
2. Past Tense in Direct Speech
The past tense is used to convey actions or thoughts that occurred in the past.
Examples
"I visited my grandmother last week," he said.
"They watched a movie yesterday," she mentioned.
3. Future Tense in Direct Speech
Future tense expresses actions or thoughts that will occur later.
Examples
"I will call you tomorrow," he said.
"We are going to travel next month," she mentioned.
4. Examples of Direct Speech in Different Tenses
Examples
Present Tense: "I love reading books," said Tom.
Past Tense: "I finished my homework," Anna said.
Future Tense: "I will join you for dinner," John said.