Golden Rules of Direct & Indirect Speech (with Examples) | A Complete Beginner's Guide: Basics of Direct and Indirect Speech

   

 Golden Rules: for Direct and Indirect Speech Rules in English Grammar

Narration (Direct and Indirect Speech) for SSC CHSL/CGL

Narration is a common topic in SSC exams. The goal is to convert Direct Speech into Indirect Speech (or vice versa).

Master Direct and Indirect Speech quickly with this (Grammar Transformation Map)- ideal for Competitive Exams

Master Narration: (Direct and Indirect Speech) Direct quotes; paraphrased thoughts expressed.

Consistency makes SSC easier

English Grammar Reported Speech

Basic Rule

Direct Speech

The speaker's exact words are placed within quotation marks.

Example:

Direct: Arjun said, "I will help you with your project tomorrow".



The speaker's words are reported without quotation marks.

Example:

Indirect: Arjun said that he had finished his homework the previous night.

Changes in Pronouns 

Rules for Changing Pronouns in Direct and Indirect Speech

Direct & Indirect Speech Example

Direct Speech 

Direct: She said, "I am out of station."

Indirect Speech 

Indirect: She said that she was out of station.

Let's know the rules clearly through the following image:


If the reporting verb is in the past tense (said, told, asked), the tense usually changes.
Examples of Direct and Indirect Speech:

Simple Present → Simple Past

Direct: He said, “I write an urgent message."
Indirect: He said that he wrote an urgent message.

Will → Would

Direct: She said, “I will come in the evening.”
Indirect: She said that she would come in the evening.

Present Perfect → Past Perfect

Direct: She said to me, “I have seen the video.”
Indirect: She told me that she had seen the video.

Simple Present → Simple Past

Direct: He said, “Rohan plays online games.”
Indirect: He said that Rohan played online games.

You Can Master Grammar - One Rule at a time 
Example
  • Direct: He said, " I will discuss the matter tomorrow".
  • Indirect: He said that he would discuss the matter the next day.

Example
  • Direct: He said, " I am reading the newspaper".
  • Indirect: He said that he was reading the newspaper.

Remove the question marks and use if/ whether for yes/no questions.

Example
  • Direct: The child said, "Are you going to the market?"
  • Indirect: The child asked if I was going to the market.
WH - Questions 
  • Direct: He said,"Where do you live?"
  • Indirect: He asked where I lived.

Imperative Sentences 

(Advice, Requests, Commands)
Use:
  • Ordered
  • Requested 
  • Advised
  • Urged
Example
  • Direct: The facilitator said, "Shut the door".
  • Indirect: The facilitator ordered me to shut the door.
  • Direct: My mother said, "Finish your breakfast".
  • Indirect: My mother insisted me to finish my breakfast.❌
  • Indirect: My mother insisted that I should finish my breakfast. ✔️
  • Also possible: My mother insisted on my finishing my breakfast. ✔️
Use:
  • Exclaimed with joy
  • Exclaimed with sorrow 
  • Exclaimed with surprise
When the direct speech begins with "Hurrah!", we generally use:

exclaimed with joy/delight + that 
Hurrah! → exclaimed with joy 

We → They 
won → had won (Simple Past → Past Perfect)

Direct: He said, "Hurrah! We won the 
 one-day cricket match."
Indirect: He exclaimed with joy that they 
had won the one-day cricket match.

Another Example for SSC CGL Candidates:

 Direct: She said, "Hurrah! I have passed the SSC CGL exam".
Indirect: She exclaimed with joy that she had passed the SSC CGL exam.

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Important For SSC CGL/CHSL & Other Government Exams Preparation: 

1. Universal Truth / General Truth

When the reported speech expresses a universal truth, general truth, or a fact 
that is still true, the tense generally does
 not change, even if the reporting verb is 
in the past.

 Direct: The teacher said, “The Earth revolves around the Sun.”
 Indirect: The teacher said that the Earth revolves around the Sun.

Direct: My cousin said, “I am an early bird.”
Indirect: My cousin said that she is an early bird.

Direct: The preacher said, “God is everywhere.”
Indirect: The preacher said that God is everywhere.

Direct: The teacher said, “Jiya is a talkative girl.”
Indirect: The teacher said that Jiya is a talkative girl.

 SSC Tip: If the statement is still true at the time of reporting, the tense need not be changed.

2. Past Historical Fact

The Past Indefinite (Simple Past) may remain unchanged when the reported speech expresses a historical fact.

Direct: The leader said, “India became free on 15 August 1947.”
Indirect: The leader said that India became free on 15 August 1947.

Here, "became" remains unchanged because the statement refers to a definite historical event.

3. Two Actions Happening at the Same Time

When two actions were taking place simultaneously in the past, the Past Continuous may remain unchanged.

 Direct: Rohan said, “I was reading a newspaper while my friend was writing a novel.”
Indirect: Rohan said that he was reading a newspaper while his friend was writing a novel.

Similarly:

Direct: The peon said, “The students were making a noise when the principal entered the classroom.”
Indirect: The peon said that the students were making a noise when the principal entered the classroom.

Notice "that the students were making" remains unchanged, "when the principal entered" also remains in the Simple Past because the event occurred in the past.

4. Improbable / Hypothetical Condition

When the reported speech expresses an improbable or hypothetical condition,
 the Past Indefinite used with if generally remains unchanged.

Direct: He said, “If I were a millionaire, 
I would help the poor and needy.”
Indirect: He said that if he were a millionaire, he would help the poor
 and needy.

Here, "were" remains unchanged because it is part of a hypothetical condition.

 These are not simply cases where 
“the tense never changes.” 

The better rule is: 

when the statement remains true, represents a permanent/general truth, a historical fact, or a hypothetical condition, the usual backshift may not apply.

  • Direct: He said, "I can solve this tricky question".
  • Indirect: He said that he could solve that tricky question.
  • Direct: She said, "Do you know how to speak French?"
  • Indirect: She asked if I knew how to speak French.
  • Direct: The teacher said, "Don't waste your time in sheer gossips".
  •  Indirect: The teacher forbade the students to indulge in sheer gossip.
Pattern:

“Don’t + verb…” → forbade + object + to + verb

Quick Revision 

  • Said - Asked 
  • Said to - Ordered/Requested/Advised (Command)
  • Said - Exclaimed 
When converting direct speech into indirect speech, several common mistakes can occur. eight examples,
 each with a direct sentence, and incorrect indirect version, a correct indirect version, and an explanation of the grammatical rule involved:

Tense Shifts:

Direct Speech: "I am going to the market", he said.

Incorrect: He said he is going to the market.❌
Correct: He said that he was going to the market.✔️

Explanation: When changing direct speech to indirect, the present tense sentence usually shifts to the past tense.

Pronoun Changes:

Direct Speech: "You are my best companion", she said.

Incorrect: She said you are her best companion.❌
Correct: She said that I was her best companion.✔️

Explanation: Pronouns need to be changed to match the perspective of the speaker in indirect speech.

Time Expressions:

Direct Speech: "I will see you tomorrow", Arun said.

Incorrect: Arun said he would see me the next day.❌
Correct: Arun said that he would see me the next day.✔️

Question Form:

Direct Speech: "Where are you going", he asked.

Incorrect: He asked where are you going.❌
Correct: She asked where I was going.✔️

Explanation: In indirect questions, the sentence structure changes to a statement form.

Commands and Requests:

Direct Speech: "Please open the door", he said.

Incorrect:He said to please open the door.❌
Correct: He asked me to open the door.✔️
Correct: He requested me to open the door.✔️

Explanation: Requests and commands are often introduced with words like "asked" or "told" followed by an infinitive.

Modal Verbs:

Direct Speech: "I can finish it today", she said.

Incorrect: She said she can finish it today.❌
Correct: He said that she could finish it that day.✔️

Explanation: Modal verbs like "can" often change to "could" in indirect speech.

Conditional Sentences:

Direct Speech: "If it rains, we will cancel the tour", he said

Incorrect: He said if it rains, we will cancel the tour.❌
Correct: He said if it rained, they would cancel the tour.✔️

Explanation: Conditional clauses follow 
the back shifting of tenses rules in indirect speech.

Reporting Verbs:

Direct Speech: "I love Pizza", he exclaimed.

Incorrect: He said he loved Pizza .❌
Correct: He exclaimed that he loved Pizza.✔️

Explanation: Use appropriate reporting verbs to convey the tone or emotion of the original speech.

Points to Remember through Flowchart 

Stop! Confusing while transforming Direct Speech to Indirect Speech:

  • Remove quotation marks.
  • Change pronouns .
  • Change tense (if necessary).
  • Change time/place words.
  • Use the correct reporting verb.

Difference between Direct and Indirect Speech 

Master these following rules and you will not make grammar mistakes in future.

Let us consider the following example to understand the concept and difference between Direct and Indirect Speech

Direct Speech 

Direct: Raman said, " I am preparing for SSC Stenographer".

Indirect Speech 

Indirect: Raman said that he was preparing for SSC Stenographer.

Difference

In Direct Speech, the exact words of the speaker are reported within quotation marks

Features:
  • Uses quotation marks.
  • Comma before spoken words.
  • Gives exact words.
In Indirect Speech, the speaker's words are reported within quotation marks,
 and necessary changes are made in pronouns, tense and time expressions.

Features:
  • No quotation marks.
  • Reports the meaning.
  • Pronouns and tense may change.
  • Uses a connecting words.

 From Direct to Indirect Speech

Master Direct and Indirect Speech quickly with this visual trick - Ideal for Competitive Exams

Don't just read Grammar - see it, understand it, and remember it Forever 

Direct and Indirect Speech MCQs for all competitive exams 

Change Direct Speech to Indirect Speech:

Choose the correct indirect form:

Direct: " I am playing an online game. "She said.
  1. She said that she is playing an online game.
  2. She said that she will be playing an online game.
  3. She said that she was playing an online game.
  4. She said that she was been playing an online game.
Ans: She said that she was playing an online game.Indirect: 


Explanation:

The sentence “She said that she was playing an online game” is composed of several grammatical components:

1. Subject and Verb Agreement: The sentence begins with “She said,” where “She” is the subject, and “said” is the past tense verb. This establishes the action of the subject in the past.

2. Reported Speech: The phrase “that she was playing an online game” is a noun clause functioning as the direct object of the verb “said.” It's an example of reported or indirect speech, where someone’s words or thoughts are conveyed by another person.

3. Conjunction: The word “that” is a conjunction introducing the noun clause. It links the main clause, “She said,” with the subordinate clause, “she was playing an online game.”

4. Pronoun Consistency: The pronoun “she” is repeated in the subordinate clause to maintain consistency and clarity, indicating that the subject of the main clause and the subordinate clause is the same person.

5. Past Progressive Tense: The phrase “was playing” is in the past progressive tense, which is used to indicate an action that was ongoing in the past. This tense is formed using the past tense of the verb “to be” (was) and the present participle of the main verb (playing).

6. Object of the Clause: “An online game” is the object of the verb “playing” within the subordinate clause, specifying what activity was being done. 

Overall, the sentence is structured to convey a past statement about an ongoing action.

Direct: The manager said, "I wrote an email yesterday."
  1. The manager said that he had written an email the previous day.
  2. The manager said that he has written an email the previous day.
  3. The manager said that he had written an email yesterday.
  4. The manager said that he have written an email the previous day.

Ans: Indirect: The manager said that he had written an email the previous day or the day before.

Explanation:

In the sentence “The manager said that he had written an email the previous day or the day before,” several grammatical rules are at play:

1. Reported Speech: The sentence uses reported speech, which is used to convey what someone else has said. In this case, the manager is the original speaker, and the sentence reports his words indirectly.

2. Verb Tense: The main clause “The manager said” is in the past simple tense, indicating a completed action in the past. The subordinate clause “that he had written an email” employs the past perfect tense (“had written”) to show an action that was completed before another past moment (the manager saying something).

3. Time Expressions: The phrases “the previous day” and “the day before” both refer to the day before the day the manager spoke. In reported speech, time expressions are often adjusted to reflect the point of view of the speaker at the time of reporting.

4. Subordinate Clause: The part “that he had written an email” functions as a noun clause serving as the object of the verb “said.” The conjunction “that” is used to introduce this clause.

This sentence effectively uses these grammatical elements to accurately convey the sequence of events and the context of the communication.

Direct: The yoga instructor says," Laughter is the best medicine".
  1. The yoga instructor said that laughter is the best medicine.
  2. The yoga instructor will say that laughter is the best medicine.
  3. The yoga instructor says that laughter is the best medicine.
  4. The yoga instructor told that laughter is the best medicine.

Ans: Indirect: The yoga instructor says that laughter is the best medicine.

Explanation:

The sentence "The yoga instructor says that laughter is the best medicine" is a simple declarative sentence. 

1. Subject: "The yoga instructor" - This is a noun phrase that serves as the subject of the main clause. It consists of the definite article "The," the noun "instructor," and the adjective "yoga" functioning as a modifier.

2. Verb: "says" - This is the main verb of the sentence and is in the simple present tense. It indicates the action performed by the subject.

3. Subordinating Conjunction: "that" - This word introduces a subordinate clause, connecting it to the main clause. It functions as a complementizer, introducing the content of what the subject is saying.

4. Subordinate Clause: "laughter is the best medicine" - This is a noun clause acting as the direct object of the verb "says."

   Subject: "laughter" - A noun that serves as the subject within the subordinate clause.
   
   Linking Verb: "is" - A form of the verb "to be," serving as the linking verb that connects the subject to its complement.
   
 Predicate Nominative: "the best medicine" - This noun phrase functions as the complement of the linking verb "is." It includes the definite article "the," the superlative adjective "best," and the noun "medicine."

Overall, the sentence uses a complex structure with a main clause and a subordinate clause to convey a complete thought.

Direct: The stranger said to the auto driver, "Where is the bus station?"
  1. The stranger told the auto driver that where the bus station is?
  2. The stranger asked the auto driver where the bus station was.
  3. The stranger asked the auto driver that where was the bus station.
  4. The stranger ask the auto driver where the bus station was.

Ans: Indirect: The stranger asked the auto driver where the bus station was.

Explanation:

The sentence "The stranger asked the auto driver where the bus station was" is a complex sentence composed of two clauses: an independent clause and a dependent clause. Let's break down the grammatical rules:

1. Independent Clause: "The stranger asked the auto driver" is the main clause, which can stand alone as a complete sentence. It follows a standard Subject-Verb-Object (SVO) structure:

   Subject: "The stranger" is the noun phrase performing the action.

   Verb: "asked" is the main verb indicating the action.

   Object: "the auto driver" is the noun phrase receiving the action, functioning as the direct object.

2. Dependent Clause: "where the bus station was" is a noun clause that acts as the direct object of the verb "asked." This clause provides additional information about what the stranger was asking.

   The clause begins with the subordinating conjunction "where", which introduces the clause and indicates it is a question.

 Within this clause, "the bus station" serves as the subject, and "was" is the verb, following a Subject-Verb (SV) structure.

3. : The sentence does not require additional punctuation marks like commas, as the dependent clause is essential to the meaning of the sentence.

Overall, the sentence effectively uses a complex structure to convey a specific interaction between the stranger and the
 auto driver.

Direct: Ranjan said to me," I can solve this difficult question." 
  1. Ranjan told me that he can solve that difficult question.
  2. Ranjan tells me that he could solve this difficult question.
  3. Ranjan said to me that he could solve that difficult question.
  4. Ranjan told me that he could solve that difficult question.

Ans: Indirect: Ranjan told me that he could solve that difficult question.

Explanation:

The sentence “Ranjan told me that he could solve that difficult question” is composed of several grammatical components. 

1. Subject: "Ranjan" is the subject of the sentence. It indicates who is performing the action of the verb "told."

2. Verb: "told" is the main verb in the sentence. It is in the simple past tense, indicating an action that was completed in the past.

3. Indirect Object: "me" is the indirect object of the verb "told." It indicates the person who received the information.

4. Subordinating Conjunction: "that" is a subordinating conjunction introducing a noun clause. It connects the main clause with the subordinate clause.

5. Subordinate Clause: "he could solve that difficult question" is a noun clause functioning as the direct object of "told." It explains what Ranjan told.

   Subject of the Subordinate Clause: "he" is the subject of this clause, referring to Ranjan.
   
   Modal Verb: "could" is a modal verb used to express ability or possibility in the past.
   
   Main Verb of the Subordinate Clause: "solve" is the main verb, indicating the action that "he" could perform.
   
   Object of the Subordinate Clause: "that difficult question" is the object 
of the verb "solve." "That" is a demonstrative adjective modifying 
the noun "question," which is further described as "difficult" by the adjective.

Overall, the sentence is a complex sentence because it contains a main clause and a subordinate clause.

Direct: My teacher said to me, "You should complete your work in time".


  1. My teacher asked me that you should complete your work in time.
  2. My teacher told me that I should complete my work in time.
  3. My teacher said to me that I should complete my work in time.
  4. My teacher has said that I should complete my work in time.

Ans: Indirect: My teacher told me, "You should complete your work in time."

Explanation :

The sentence “You should complete your work in time” is a straightforward example of an imperative statement with modal auxiliary usage. 

1. Subject: The sentence begins with the pronoun “You,” which is the subject. It indicates who is expected to perform
 the action.

2. Modal Auxiliary Verb: The word “should” is a modal verb. Modal verbs are used to express necessity, obligation, or advice. In this context, “should” suggests advice or a recommendation.

3. Base Verb: The verb “complete” follows the modal verb. In English grammar, modal verbs are followed by the base form of the main verb, without "to."

4. Object: “Your work” is the object of the sentence. It tells us what action is to be completed.

5. Prepositional Phrase: “In time” is a prepositional phrase that acts as an adverbial modifier, providing additional information about the timing of the action. It suggests completing the task before a deadline or within an appropriate period.

Overall, the sentence structure follows the typical Subject + Modal Verb + Base Verb + Object + Adverbial pattern.

Direct: The cricket team of T20 said, "Hurray! we have won the match."
  1. The cricket team of T20 exclaimed with joy that they had won the match.
  2. The cricket team of T20 said that they will won the match.
  3. The cricket team of T20 exclaimed with joy that they have won the match 
  4. The cricket team of T20 told that they had won the match.

Ans: Indirect: The cricket team of T20 exclaimed with joy that they had won the match.

Explanation:

The sentence "The cricket team of T20 exclaimed with joy that they had won the match." consists of several grammatical components. 

1. Subject: "The cricket team of T20" is the complete subject of the sentence. It includes:
   "The" (definite article) specifying a particular cricket team.
    "cricket team" (noun phrase) which is the main subject. "of T20" (prepositional phrase) modifying "cricket team," specifying the type or context of the team.

2. Verb: "exclaimed" is the main verb of the sentence. It indicates the action performed by the subject.

3. Adverbial Phrase: "with joy" is an adverbial phrase that modifies the verb "exclaimed," explaining how the action was performed.

4. Subordinate Clause: "that they had won the match" is a noun clause acting as the object of the verb "exclaimed." It provides the content of their exclamation and includes:

   "that" (subordinating conjunction) introducing the clause.

    "they" (pronoun) referring back to "The cricket team of T20."

    "had won" (past perfect tense verb) indicating an action completed before another action in the past.

    "the match" (direct object of "had won") specifying what they had won.

Overall, the sentence is structured to convey both the action of the team and the content of their joyful exclamation.

Direct: My friend said to me, "Do you like a chocolate shake?"

  1. My friend asked if I liked a chocolate shake.
  2. My friend asked that he liked a chocolate shake.
  3. My friend told me that I like a chocolate shake.
  4. My friend says to me that I like a chocolate shake.

Ans: Indirect: My friend asked me if I liked a chocolate shake.

Explanation:

 “My friend asked me if I liked a chocolate shake.” 

1. Subject: The sentence begins with the subject “My friend,” which is a noun phrase consisting of a possessive pronoun “My” and a noun “friend.”

2. Verb: The main verb in the sentence is “asked,” which is a past tense verb, indicating that the action took place in the past.

3. Object: The direct object of the verb “asked” is the pronoun “me,” indicating who was asked.

4. Subordinate Clause: The sentence includes an indirect question in the form of a subordinate clause, “if I liked a chocolate shake.” This clause is introduced by the subordinating conjunction “if,” which suggests a condition or indirect question.

5. Subject of the Subordinate Clause: Within the subordinate clause, “I” serves as the subject, which is a pronoun referring to the speaker or writer.

6. Verb of the Subordinate Clause: The verb in this clause is “liked,” which is in the past tense, matching the tense of the main clause.

7. Object of the Subordinate Clause: The object of the verb “liked” is “a chocolate shake,” which is a noun phrase consisting of the indefinite article “a” and the noun “chocolate shake.”

Together, these elements create a complex sentence that conveys a reported speech or indirect question.


Pro Tricks for Competitive Exams:

Frequently Asked Questions About Direct and Indirect Speech:

What is the main difference between direct and indirect speech?

The main difference between direct and indirect speech lies in how the speaker's original words are presented. Direct speech involves quoting the exact words spoken, often encapsulated in quotation marks. 

For example,

 If someone said, “I am going to the store,” 

You would write it as:

 She said, “I am going to the store.” This form maintains the original phrasing and tense.

In contrast, indirect speech involves paraphrasing the original words without quoting them directly, often requiring changes in pronouns, tense, and time expressions to fit the context of the reporting. 

For example, the same statement in indirect speech would be: 

She said that she was going to the store.

 Here, the present tense “am” changes
 to “was” to align with the past narrative, and the pronoun “I” changes to “she” to match the subject of the reporting clause. Indirect speech allows for a more fluid integration of the speaker’s words into the narrative.

How can a candidate convert the following sentence into Indirect Speech:

My friend said to me, "Hello! Where are you going in winter break?
I said, "I am going to my village. Will you come with me?
My friend said, "No, thanks".

To convert the given dialogue into indirect speech, you can rephrase it
 as follows:

My friend greeted me and asked where I was going during the winter break. I replied that I was going to my village and asked if he would like to come with me. My friend declined, saying he would not come.

How do an aspirant change Optative Sentences from Direct Speech to Indirect Speech?

Changing optative sentences from direct speech to indirect speech involves a few key steps. Here are four examples with explanations:

1. Direct Speech: She said, "May you have a wonderful journey!”

   Indirect Speech: She wished that I might have a wonderful journey.

   Explanation: The reporting verb "said" is changed to "wished" to reflect the optative nature. The pronoun "you" is changed to "I," and the wish is introduced with a "that" clause.

2. Direct Speech: He prayed, "May God bless you always."

 Indirect Speech: He prayed that God might bless me always.

 Explanation: The verb "prayed" remains unchanged as it suits the context. The pronoun "you" is changed to "me," and "that" is used to introduce the wish.

3. Direct Speech: They said, "May we finish this project on time."

   Indirect Speech: They hoped that they might finish the project on time.

 Explanation: The verb "said" is changed to "hoped" to convey the aspiration. The pronoun "we" is changed to "they," and a "that" clause introduces the hope.

4. Direct Speech: John said, "May the new year bring you happiness and success."

   Indirect Speech: John wished that the new year might bring me happiness and success.

Explanation: The verb "said" is changed to "wished," and the pronoun "you" is replaced with "me," while introducing the wish with a "that" clause.

These examples demonstrate how to maintain the original sentiment while adjusting the sentence structure for indirect speech.

Exam Tip for All Candidates 

Don't forget using "that" to connect " reporting verb and "reporting speech".
Focus on pronoun change. Always check tense of reporting verb.

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