exercises on direct and indirect speech

Direct and Indirect Speech Exercise

Turn the following sentences into indirect speech.

1. John said, ‘I am very busy now.’ 2. He said, ‘The horse has been fed.’ 3. ‘I know her name and address,’ said John. 4. ‘German is easy to learn,’ she said. 5. He said, ‘I am writing letters.’ 6. ‘It is too late to go out,’ Alice said. 7. He said to me, ‘I don’t believe you.’ 8. He says, ‘I am glad to be here this evening.’ 9. He said to me, ‘What are you doing?’ 10. ‘Where is the post office?’ asked the stranger. 11. He said, ‘Will you listen to me?’ 12. John said to Peter, ‘Go away.’ 13. She said to me, ‘Please wait here till I return.’ 14. ‘Call the witness,’ said the judge. 15. The speaker said, ‘Be quiet and listen to my words.’

1. John said that he was very busy then. 2. He said that the horse had been fed. 3. John said that he knew/knows her name and address. (Note that the tenses may not change if the statement is still relevant or if it is a universal truth.) 4. She said that German is/was easy to learn. 5. He said that he was writing letters. 6. Alice said that it was too late to go out. 7. He told me that he didn’t believe me. OR He said he didn’t believe me. 8. He says that he is glad to be here this evening. (When the reporting verb is in the present tense, adverbs of time and place do not normally change in indirect speech.) 9. He asked me what I was doing. 10. The stranger asked where the post office is/was. 11. He asked me if I would listen to him. 12. John ordered Peter to go away. 13. She asked me to wait there till she returned. 14. The judge commanded them to call the first witness. 15. He urged them to be quiet and listen to them.

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Direct and Indirect Speech Exercises and Answers (2024)

Direct and indirect speech exercises and answers (2024) help learners understand how to change direct statements into reported speech, improving their comprehension and speaking skills.

We often use direct and indirect speech to clearly convey what someone said or to summarize information. Improve your knowledge with over 200 exercises and answers focused on Direct and Indirect Speech.

By practicing changing quotes into reported speech, you’ll learn the rules and improve your ability to tell the difference between direct and indirect speech. Strengthen your understanding of English with our detailed set of direct and indirect speech exercises and answers, designed to enhance your language proficiency.

Understanding Direct Speech in English

Direct speech is when the exact words spoken by a person are quoted within quotation marks. It provides a direct representation of what was said, maintaining the original wording and tone. Direct speech adds authenticity and immediacy to the narrative.

For example,

Direct Speech: My aunt said, ‘Every mother loves her child.’
Direct Speech: Mon said to me, ‘I shall go, but you will stay.’

English Indirect Speech examples

Indirect speech, also known as reported speech, conveys someone else’s words without quoting them directly. Indirect speech offers a concise summary, enabling effective communication and storytelling.

Indirect Speech: My aunt said that every mother loves her child.
Indirect Speech: Mon told me that she would go but I should stay.

Before delving into the direct and indirect speech exercises, consider how Tense , Pronouns , Time , and Place change when transitioning from direct to indirect speech and vice versa.

Direct and Indirect Speech Exercises and answers, along with examples are given in the following for practice. It’s important for students as well as for competitive Exams. For practice and easy comprehension, Direct and indirect speech Exercises and answers have been arranged according to different rules in the following.

Change of Tenses : Direct and Indirect Speech Exercises and Answers

Exercises and answers with tense alterations facilitate practice and comprehension of verb tense transformations.

Exercise 1:

Change the mode of narration from direct Speech to indirect speech .

(1) He said , ‘I need some money.’ Ans: He said that he needed some money.

(2) She said, ‘I am waiting for him.’ Ans: She said that she was waiting for him.

(3) The boy said , ‘I have done my homework.’ Ans: The boy said that he had done his homework.

(4) You said, ‘The baby has been sleeping .” Ans: You said that the baby had been sleeping .

(5) You say, ‘I am always busy.’ Ans: You say that you are always busy.

(6) The child will say , ‘Mum knows everything.’ Ans: The child will say that Mum knows everything.

(7) He said , ‘I did it.’ Ans: He said that he had done it.

(8) She said, ‘He was talking .’ Ans: She said that he had been talking .

(9) The monk said , ‘Man will die .’ Ans: The monk said that man will die.

(10) He said , ‘The sun gives us light.’ Ans: He said that the sun gives us light.

Exercise 2:

Switch the narrative style from direct speech to indirect speech.

(1) He said to me, “I can’t recall your name.” Ans: He told me that he could not recall my name.

(2) Poulami says , “I am fine.” Ans: Poulomi says that she is fine.

(3) He said, “I did it.” Ans: He said that he had done it.

(4) “I know her address,” said Gopi. Ans: Gopi said that he knew her address.

(5) Ram said, “The earth is round.” Ans: Ram said that the Earth is round.

(6) “We planted it ourselves,” said the grandfather. Ans: The Gran Father said that they had planted it themselves.

(7) Debu said, “I have been playing rugby.” Ans: Debu said that he had been playing rugby.

(8) Purbasha said to me,” I am afraid of ghosts.” Ans: Purbasha told me that she was afraid of ghosts.

Exercise 3:

Turn the following sentences from direct Speech to indirect speech .

(1) The boys said , “It has been raining since morning. We cannot play today.” Ans: The boys said that it had been raining since morning so they could not play that day.

(2) Anjan’s mother said, “Your father has left for Mumbai.” Ans: Anjan’s mother said that my father had left for Mumbai.

(3) My teacher said , “Practice makes a man perfect.” Ans: My teacher said that practice makes a man perfect.

(4) He says, “I go to the temple every morning.” Ans: He says that he goes to the temple every morning.

(5) He said to me, “I will not get down from the bus.” Ans: He told me that he would not get off the bus.

(6) Rita says to Mita, “I will go with you.” Ans: Rita tells Mita that she w ill go with her.

(7) The boy said to his friend, “I went to school yesterday.” Ans: The boy told his friend that he had gone to school the previous day.

(8) You said, “I was right.” Ans: You said that you had been right.

(9) “I ‘ll go to the top,” said the young lady. Ans: The young lady said that she would go to the top.

(10) I ‘ ve got my rules,” the conductor said to me. Ans: The conductor told me that he had got his rules.

Change of Pronouns in Direct and Indirect Speech: Exercises and Answers

Exercises and answers incorporating pronouns in direct and indirect speech facilitate learners’ understanding and application of pronoun changes in reported speech structures.

Exercise 4:

(1) You said, ‘ I never smoked.” Ans: You said that you never smoked.

(2) I said, ‘ I am always busy.” Ans: I said that I was alway busy

(3) I said to you , ‘ You look tired.” Ans: I said to you that you looked tired.

(4) You said to me , ‘ You are dependable.” Ans: You said to me that I was dependable.

(5) You said, “ He is right.” Ans: You said that he was right.

(6) I said, “ They will be late. Ans: I said that they w ould be late.

(7) He said to (Deep) , ‘ You told it so.” Ans: He said to Deep that he (Deep) had told it so.

(8) Mon said to Moon , “ You are naughty.” Ans: Mon said to Moon that she (Moon) was naughty.

Exercise 5:

Alter the narrative style from direct speech to indirect speech.

(1) He said to me, “ I have done the job.” Ans: He told me that he had done the job.

(2) Rohit said, “ I was absent yesterday.” Ans: Rohit said that he (Rohit) had been absent the previous day.

(3) The boy said, “ My father died two years ago.” Ans: The boy said that his father had died two years before.

(4) He said, “ My goal is to climb Mt Everest. “ Ans: He said that his goal was to climb Mount Everest.

(5) “ I shall certainly do nothing of this kind”, the woman. Ans: The woman said that she would certainly do nothing of that kind.

(6) The man said, “ I am exhausted.” Ans: The man said that he was exhausted.

(7) He said, “ I am washing my hands.” Ans: He said that he was washing his hands.

(8) Mother bird said to her little ones, “Today I will teach you how to fly.” Ans: Mother bird told her little ones that that day, she would teach them how to fly.

(9) Rita’s father says. “ I have done this for you. Ans: Rita’s father says that he had done that for her.

(10) Sumana said to her sister, “ I want to play with you.” Ans: Sumana told her sister that she wanted to play with her.

Time and Place Expressions in Direct and Indirect Speech: Exercises and Answers

Exercises and answers on time and place expressions in direct and indirect speech aid learners in accurately conveying temporal and spatial information while mastering reported speech conventions.

Exercise 6:

Turn the following direct speech into indirect speech

(1) I said to you, “I wish to start business next year. “ Ans: I said to you that I wished to start business the following years.

(2) You said to them, “ Now I shall tell you a nice story.” Ans: You told them that then you would tell them a nice story.

(3) She said to him, “I bought the book yesterday. “ Ans: She told him that she had bought the book the previous day .

(4) He said to me, “I saw your sister two years ago . Ans: He told me that he had seen my sister two years before.

(5) He said to his son, “You may come with me tomorrow. Ans: He told his son that he (his son) might go with him the next day.

(6) He said to her, I’m talking to you now for your good.” Ans: He told her that he was talking to her then for her good.

(7) The girl said to me, My father died two years ago. “ Ans: The girl told me that her father died two years before.

Exception: But if ‘ now ‘, ‘ here ‘, ‘ this ‘ refer to things present before the speaker at the time of reporting, no change is needed.

(8) He said to me, ‘I have no friend here. ‘ Ans: He told me that he had no friend here.

(9) I said, ‘We cannot be happy in this world.’ Ans: I said that we cannot be happy in this world.

(10) She said, “ This is the house where I was born.” Ans: She said that this was the house where she was born.

Exercise 7:

Change the following sentences into indirect speech.

(1) The boy said to his father, “I had my tiffin in school yesterday. “ Ans: The boy told his father that he had had his tiffin in school the previous day .

(2) The captain informed, “The tournament was postponed last year. “ Ans: The captain informed us that the tournament was postponed the previous year .

(3) She said, “We have been living here for two years.” Ans: She said that they had been living there for two years.

(4) Arnab said to Ajit,” I am happy today .” Ans: Arna told Ajit that he was happy that day.

(5) My friend said to me, “We went to the zoo yesterday. “ Ans: My friend told me that they had gone to the zoo the previous day.

(6) The clerk said, “I’ll do the work now. “ Ans: Clark said that he would do the work then.

(7) Hiten said to Mihir, “I received this letter yesterday. “ Ans: Hiten told me that he had received that letter the previous day.

(8) Rajib said to me. “I shall go to the picture today. “ Ans: Rajiv told me that he would go to the picture that day.

(9) He said, “We are very happy here. “ Ans: He said that they were very happy there.

(10) The farmer said, “I’ll sow the seeds now. “ Ans: The farmer said that he will show the seats then.

(12) The man said to me, “I received your gift yesterday. “ Ans: The man told me that he had received my gift the previous day.

(15) I said to my friend, “You were present in the class yesterday. “ Ans: I told my friend that he had been present in the class the previous day.

Direct and Indirect Speech Exercises and Answers of Assertive Sentences

Direct and indirect speech exercises and answers focusing on assertive sentences enable learners to grasp the nuances of reporting statements confidently and accurately.

Exercise 8:

Transform the following direct speech into indirect speech

(1) My aunt said, ‘Every mother loves her child.’ Ans: My aunt said that every mother loves her child.

(2) Mon said to me, ‘I shall go, but you will stay.’ Ans: Mon told me that she would go but I should stay.

(3) He said to his father, ‘I shall always carry out your order.’ Ans: He told his father that he would always carry out his order.

(4) She said, ‘I sang a song at today’s function.’ Ans: She said that she had sung a song at today’s function.

(5) He said to me, ‘You are wicked, so I shall not mix with you.’ Ans: He told me that I was wicked, so he would not mix with me.

Exercise 9:

Change the following sentences converting the direct speeches into indirect speeches.

(1) The teacher said to the boy, “You have forgotten the lesson.” Ans: The teacher told the boy that he had forgotten the lesson.

(2) The boy said, “I shall go out and play.” Ans: The boy said that he would go out and play.

(3) He said, “I am happy to be here today.” Ans: He said that he was happy to be there that day.

(4) They said, “We shall play the game again tomorrow.” Ans: They said that they would play the game again the next day.

(5) The boy said, “Two and two make four.” Ans: The boy said that two and two make four.

Exercise 10:

Change the form of narration from indirect speech into direct speech.

(1) She told them that she had lost her books and theirs too. Ans : “I have lost my books and yours too”, she told them.

(2) The princess says that she has lost her way. Ans: The princess says, “I have lost my way.”

(3) They say that they must keep their locality clean. Ans: They say, “We must keep our locality clean.”

(4) The girl says that those books are theirs, but that one is hers. Ans: The girl says, “These books are theirs, but this one is mine.”

(5) The Happy prince said that he had led the dance in the Great Hall. Ans: The Happy Prince said, “I led the dance in the great hall.”

Interrogative Sentences Direct and Indirect Speech Exercises and Answers

Engage with interrogative sentences through direct and indirect speech exercises and answers to sharpen your ability to convey questions effectively within different narrative frameworks.

Exercise 11:

(1) Mother said to her, ‘Are you feeling feverish?’ Ans: Mother inquired of her if she was feeling feverish.

(2) ‘Was it not a piece of luck?’ said Slavator. Ans: Salvtor wanted to know if that was not a piece of luck.

(3) The host said to me, ‘Have all the guests arrived?’ Ans: The host asked me whether all the guests had arrived.

(4) I said, ‘Do you know who will preside over the meeting?’ Ans: I asked whether he knew who would be presiding over the meeting.

(5) I said to the boy, ‘Did you pass the examination?’ Ans: I asked the boy if had passed the examination.

(6) She said to him, ‘Which of the books do you want to buy? Ans: She asked him which of the books he wanted to buy.

(7) The king said, ‘Who is not ready to due for his land, my countryman?’ Ans: The king asked his countrymen who was not ready to due for his land.

(8) He said to her, ‘Whose type writer are you using? Ans: He inquired of her whose type- writer she was using.

(9) The girl said to the strang ‘Whom do you want to see? Ans: The girl asked the stranger whom he wanted to see.

(10) The teacher said to the student, ‘Why are you late regularly? Ans: The teacher asked the student why he was late regularly.

Exercise 12:

Turn the following sentences from direct speech to indirect speech.

(1) Bulbuli said to her friend, “Will you come tomorrow?” Ans: Bulbuli asked her friend if she would on the next day.

(2) The policeman said to the stranger, “What are you looking for?” Ans: The police asked the stranger what he was looking for.

(3) Nikhil said to me, “Why do you look sad? Ans: Nikhil asked me why I looked sad.

(4) I said to her, “Did you take tea ?” Ans: I asked her if she had taken tea.

(5) The girl said to her mother, “Will you give me your bangles ?” Ans: The girl asked her mother if she would give her her bangles.

(6) Father said to me, “Why are you so upset?” Ans: Father asked me why I was so upset.

Exercise 13:

Change the following indirect speech into Direct speech.

(1) She asked me if I had called her. Ans: She said to me, “Did you call me ?”

(2) He asked me if I was writing a letter. Ans: He asked me, “Are you writing a letter ?”

(3) The man asked the child how he had got there. Ans: “How did you get here, child ?”, the man said.

(4) The police asked me if I could show my identity card. Ans: The police said to me, “Can you show your identity card ?”

(5) He asked us if we were attending the meeting that day. Ans: He said to us, “Are you attending the meeting today?”

(6) I asked her if she had taken medicine. Ans: I said to her, “Did you take medicine ?”

(7) Raja asked Dipu if he would go to school that day. Ans: Raja said to Dipu, “Will you go to school today?

Imperative Sentences Direct and Indirect Speech Exercises and Answers

Master imperative sentences through direct and indirect speech exercises and answers, refining your skill in conveying commands and requests within diverse linguistic contexts.

Exercise 14:

Change the following sentences from direct speech to indirect speech.

(1) The teacher said, ‘Boys, go to your classes.’ Ans: The teacher ordered the boys to go to their classes.

(2) She said to him, ‘Please lend me your pen.’ Ans: She requested him to lend her his pen.

(3) The mother said to her son, ‘Wait here for me.’ Ans: The mother told her son to wait there for her.

(4) He said to me, ‘Go home at once.’ Ans: He advised me to go home at once.

(5) I said to my teacher, ‘Please explain the passage. Ans: I requested my teacher to explain the passage.

(6) The student said to the teacher, “Excuse me, sir.’ Ans: The student begged the teacher to excuse him.

(7) He said, ‘Friends, lend me your ears. Ans: Addressing them as friends, he requested them to lend him their ears.

Exercise 15:

(1) The teacher said to the students, “Keep quiet.” Ans: The teachers ordered the students to keep quiet.

(2) My teacher said to me. “Do not neglect your studies.” Ans: My teacher advised me not to neglect my studies.

(3) The man said to his son, “Always try to be honest.” Ans: The man advised it’s on to always try to be honest.

(4) Mother said to Raju, “Do not run in the sun.” Ans: Mother ordered Raju not to run in the sun.

(5) The man said to me, “Brother, please help me.” Ans: Addressing as a brother, the man requested me to help him.

(6) The students said, “Please allow us to play in the field.” Ans: The students requested to allow them to play on the field.

(7) He said to me, “Please give me some money.” Ans: He requested me to give him some money.

Exercise 16:

Change the following sentences from Indirect speech to Direct Speech of narration.

(1) He advised me not to waste my valuable time. Ans: He said to me, “Don’t waste your valuable time.”

(2) The grandson advised the children not to pluck flowers. Ans: The gardener said to the children, “Do not pluck flowers.”

(3) Tom forbade Sid to shake him. Ans: Tom said to Sid, “Don’t shake me.”

(4) The master ordered the servant to sort the door. Ans: The master said to the servant, “Shut the door.”

(5) The commander ordered the soldiers to stand at ease. Ans: The commander said to the soldiers, “Stand at ease.”

(6) Addressing as sethji, the vendor told him not to rob the poor. Ans: “Sethji, don’t rob the poor”, said the vendor.

(7) The doctor advised the patient to take proper vitamins to stay healthy. Ans: The doctor said to the patient, “Take proper vitamins to stay healthy.”

(8) The teacher ordered the students to do it then. Ans: The teacher said to the students, “Do it now.”

Direct and indirect speech Exercises and Answers with “Let”

Enhance your understanding of direct and indirect speech through exercises and answers featuring the usage of “let,” allowing you to effectively report permissions, suggestions, or proposals in various contexts

Exercise 17:

Change the following sentences from direct speech to indirect speech mode of narration.

(1) He said to her, ‘Let us go out for a walk,’ Ans: He proposed to her that they should go out for a walk.

(2) Mon said to Mohan, ‘Let us dis- cuss the matter,’ Ans: Mon suggested to Mohan that they should discuss the matter.

(3) The chairman said, ‘Let us put the motion to vote. Ans: The chairman proposed that they should put the motion to vote.

(4) I said to her, ‘Let us have some music,’ Ans: I proposed to her that we should have some music.

(5) ‘Let us hurry or we may miss the bus,’ said he, Ans: He urged all to hurry or they might miss the bus.

(6) She said, ‘Let me come in.’ Ans: She requested that she might be allowed to come in.

(7) He said, ‘Let her say whatever she likes.’ Ans: He said that she might say whatever she liked.

(8) He said, ‘Let me have a cup of coffee.’ Ans: He wished that he might have a cup of coffee.

(9) The player said to the captain, ‘Let me have a chance, please.’ Ans: The player requested the captain to let him have a chance.

(10) I said, ‘Let him work ever so hard, he cannot win the prize.’ Ans: He said that the visitor might be allowed to wait outside.

Exercise 18:

(1) Rahim said, “Let us decide the matter together.” Ans: Rahim suggested that they should decide the matter together.

(2) The boy said to me, “Let us play cricket.” Ans: The boy proposed that they should play cricket.

(3) He said, “Let me go home.” Ans: He wished that he might go home.

(4) He said to me, “Let him say whatever he likes.” Ans: He wished me that he might say whatever he liked.

(5) He shouted, “Let me go out. Ans: He shouted at me to go out.

Exercise 19:

Change the following sentences from indirect speech to direct speech mode of narration.

(1) She proposed that they should go to the cinema. Ans: She said, “Let us go to the cinema.”

(2) He suggested that they should drop the matter. Ans: He said, “Let us drop the matter”

(3) They suggested that they should make him give them their fears back. Ans: “Let’s make him give us our fares back,” they said.

(4) Shabnam proposed Chandni that they should go for a walk. Ans: “Let us go for a walk.” said Shabnam to Chandni.

(5) The leader suggested that they should hold a meeting the next day. Ans: The leader said, “Let’s hold a meeting tomorrow.”

Direct and Indirect Speech Exercises and Answers of Optative Sentences

Practice direct and indirect speech with exercises and answers focusing on optative sentences, enabling you to accurately report wishes, prayers, or blessings while honing your linguistic proficiency.

Exercise 20:

Change the following from Direct Speech to Indirect Speech.

(1) Mother said, ‘May you be happy.’ Ans: Mother wished that I might be happy.

(2) He said to you, ‘May God bless you.’ Ans: He prayed that God might bless you.

(3) She said, ‘Had I been there!’ Ans: She wished that she had been there.

(4) He said to me, ‘May you succeed.’ Ans: He wished that I might succeed.

(5) They said, ‘Long live the leader.’ Ans: They prayed that the leader might live long.

(6) He said to me, ‘May your mother recover soon. Ans: He wished that my mother might recover soon.

(7) The monk said, ‘May peace prevail.’ Ans: The monk hoped that peace would prevail.

(8) The boy siad, ‘Had I the wings of a bird.’ Ans: The boy wished that he could have the wings of a bird.

Exercise 21:

(1) I said to him, “May you be happy.” Ans: I wished that he might be happy.

(2) Mother said to me, “May God bless you.” Ans: Mother prayed that God might bless me.

(3) He said, “May his soul rest in peace.” Ans: He prayed that his soul might rest in peace.

(4) The girl said, “Oh, had I the wings of a dove.” Ans: The girl wished that she could have the wings of a dove.

(5) I said to him, “May you live long.” Ans: I wished him that he might live long.

Exercise 22:

Change the following from Indirect Speech to Direct Speech.

(1) Nilima wished me that I might recover soon. Ans: Nilima said to me, “May you recover soon.”

(2) Mother wished him that God might grant him a long life. Ans : Mother said to him, “May God grant you a long life.”

(3) The holy man wished that peace might prevail. Ans: The holy man said, “May peace prevail.”

(4) She wished that Mother Teresa might recover from illness soon. Ans: She said, “May Mother Teresa recover from illness soon.”

(5) He wished that he could bring his departed friend back to life. Ans: He said, “Oh, if I could bring my departed friend back to life.”

Direct and Indirect Speech Exercises of Exclamatory Sentences

Engage in direct and indirect speech exercises focusing on exclamatory sentences to refine your ability in reporting strong emotions or exclamations accurately within different narrative frameworks.

Exercise 23:

(1) The supporters said, ‘Hurrah! we have won?’ Ans: The supporter exclaimed in joy that they had won.

(2) The girl said, ‘How wonderful love is!’ Ans: The girl exclaimed in joy that love is wonderful.

(3) The teacher said, ‘Bravo! Well done!’ Ans: The teacher applauded his students by saying that they had done well.

(4) ‘Alas! I am undone’, said the women. Ans: They women cried out in sorrow that she was undone.

(5) He said, ‘Good bye, my friends !’ Ans: He bade his friends good bye.

(6) The old man said to the youth, ‘Fie! You are such a coward.’ Ans: The old man exclaimed that it was shameful for the youth to be such a coward.

(7) ‘How dirty the house is!’ he observed. Ans: He exclaimed in irritation that the house was very dirty.

(8) ‘Good God! I am saved’, said he. Ans: He exclaimed in the name of merciful God that he was saved.

Exercise 24:

(1) The boys triumphantly said, “Hurrah! We have won the match.” Ans: The boys exclaimed in joy that they had won the match.

(2) The old man said to the girl, “May you be happy !” Ans: The old man wished the girl that she might be happy.

(3) He said, “What good news!” Ans: He exclaimed in joy that it was very good news.

(4) The children said, “How happy we were there!” Ans: The children gloomily said that they had been very happy there.

(5) He said to you. “May God bless you.” Ans: He wished you that God might bless you.

(6) My friend said to me. “What a fool you are!” Ans: My friend exclaimed in despair that she was a big fool.

Exercise 25:

(1) Piyali exclaimed in sorrow that she had lost her phone. Ans: “Alas! I have lost my phone”, said Piyali.

(2) Mother wished Roy that his dreams might come true. Ans: Mother said to Roy, “May your dreams come true.”

(3) The girl exclaimed that she had been very sensible. Ans: How insensible I have been!”, said the girl.

(4) The girl exclaimed in sorrow that she had torn her frock. Ans: The girl said, “Oh dear! I have torn my frock.”

(5) She exclaimed in sorrow that she was undone. Ans: She said, “Alas! I am undone.”

(6) They wished me happy birthday. Ans: They said to me. “Happy birthday!”

(7) The students bade their teacher good morning. Ans: “Good morning, Madam!”, said the students to the teacher.

Unsolved Worksheets for Direct and Indirect Speech

A . Change the following into reported speech .

1. Rita says, “Kishore sang a song”.

2. The saint said, “Man is mortal”

3. You said, “we are learning our lesson’.

4. He said to me, “My father went to Mumbai last week.

5. I said to her, “Are you leaving tonight?”

6. He said to her, “Can you lend me your umbrella?”

7. She said, “I saw a tiger here’.

8. The principal said, “well done! my boys”.

9. She said, “Let them play.”

10. I said to Harsh, “Please help me.”

B. Change the direct speech into Indirect Speech

1. He asked me, “Where has he gone?”

2. The Prime Minister said, “National Integrity will be preserved at all costs.

3. She said, “My uncle came yesterday.”

4. Sheela said to us, “You must work hard.”

5. They said, “We trust in God.”

6. The officer said to him. “You will be dismissed if you do not attend the office in time.'”

7. He said to me “I am reading a book.”

8. He said, “Thanks for reminding me.’

9. She said,” Keep this room open.’

10. I said to him, “I went there on Tuesday.”

C. Choose the correct option .

1. I advised him ____________ it.

(a) to not do

(b) not to do

2. She told me ____________ careful.

3. She asked me if I ____________ my lunch.

(b) have eaten

4. She asked me ____________ going to the movies

(a) that I was

(b) if was I

5. The dentist suggested ____________ get a new toothbrush.

(b) that I should

6. She said that no one ____________ me

7. He asked me ____________ to deserve such a cruel punishment.

(a) what had he done

(b) what he had done

8. He promised he ____________ do it by the end of the week.

9. She said that ____________ me before.

(a) she hadn’t met

(b) she did not meet

10. I requested her____________ me.

(b) to help

D. Complete the sentences in the reported speech.

1. The girl said that it ___________ to be there that evening.

(a) gave her great pleasure

(b) gives her great pleasure

2. The man said that he ___________ as soon as possible.

(a) must go

(b) had gone

3. She said that she ___________ to se any of them.

(a) does not want

(b) did not want

4. The teacher says that if you work hard you ___________

(a) would pass

(b) will pass

5. He said that he ___________

(b) has won

6. He proposed that they ___________ for her return.

(a) shall wait

(b) will wait

7. Alice exclaimed how clever ___________

(a) she was

(b) was she

8. The young man asked which way she ___________

(a) has gone

9. He asked me where ___________ going.

10. She requested them to wait there till she ___________

(a) returns

(b) returned

E. Complete the sentence in the reported speech.

1. Ravi said, “I love this place”.

Ravi said _______________

2. “Do you like football?” He asked me.

He asked me_______________

3. “I can’t drive a lorry”, he said.

He said _______________

4. “Be nice to your brother”, he said

He asked me _______________

5. “Don’t be nasty, “he said

He urged me _______________

6. “Don’t waste your money “she said,

She told the boys _______________

7. “What have you decided to do? “she asked

him. She asked him _______________

8. “I always wake up early”. he said,

He said_______________

9. “You should revise your lessons’, he said,

He advised the students _______________

10. “Where have you been? “he asked me

He wanted to know _______________

F. Complete the sentence in the reported speech.

1. She said, “I went to cinema yesterday,”

She said _______________

2. You said, “I will do this for him.”

You said _______________

3. He said, “I am writing a test tomorrow,

4. She said, “I am not hungry now”,

5. They said, “We have never been here before.”

They said _______________

6. They said, “We were in London last week.”

7. He said, “They won’t sleep.”

8. “Have you been shopping?” he asked us.

9. She said, “It is very quiet here.

10. “I don’t speak Italian”, she said.

She said_______________

G. Read the dialogue and complete the following passage.

Susan: Why have you not brought my party dress? Jenny: I haven’t brought it because I had gone to my uncle’s house with my parents, so I forgot to keep it. Susan: Don’t give me silly excuses. I want to know the truth. Jenny: I am sorry Susan. I was chatting with my friends till late. I forgot that you needed it urgently today.

Susan asked Jenny (a) …………… Jenny said that she (b) …………… . Susan (c) …………… . Jenny said that she was sorry and further added that she was chatting with her friends till late and she had forgotten that Jenny needed it urgently that day.

H. Read the following conversation and complete the passage that follows.

Dilip: I’ve been watching the sea and there hasn’t been any trace of a ship. Ralph: I told you yesterday too that we’ll be rescued, so have patience. Dilip: Why do you ask me to keep quiet whenever I say something? Ralph: Have you ever said anything sensible?

Dilip said (a) ………… . Ralph replied (b) ………… and so asked him to have patience. Dilip angrily asked Ralph (c) ………… to which Ralph wanted to know (d) …………

Direct and Indirect Speech Answers Key

1. Rita says that Kishore sang a song.

2. The saint said that the man is mortal.

3. You said that you were learning your lesson.

4. He hold me that his father had gone to Mumbai the previous week.

5. I asked her if she was leaving that night.

6. He asked her if she could lend him her umbrella.

7. She said that she had seen a tiger there.

8. The principal exclaimed with applause that the boys had done well.

9. She suggested that they should be allowed to play.

10. I requested Harsh to help me.

1. He asked me where he had gone.

2. The Prime Minister declared that the National Integrity would be preserved at all costs.

3. She said that her uncle had come the previous day.

4. Sheela told us that we must work hard.

5. They said that they trusted in God.

6. The officer warned him that he would be dismissed

if he did not attend the office in time.

7. He told me that he was reading a book.

8. He thanked me for reminding him.

9. She ordered to keep that room open.

10. I told him that I had gone there on Tuesday.

1. (b) not to do

2. (b) to be

3. (c) had eaten

4. (c) if I was

5. (b) that I should

6. (c) had called

7. (b) what he had done

8. (b) would

9. (a) she hadn’t met

10. (b) to help

D. Complete the sentences in reported speech.

1. (a) gave her great pleasure.

2. (a) must go

3. (b) did not want

4. (b) will pass

5. (c) had won

6. (c) should wait

7. (a) she was

8. (b) had gone

9. (a) I was

10. (b) returned

E. Complete the sentence in reported speech.

1. that he loved that place

2. whether I liked football

3. that he couldn’t drive a lorry

4. to be nice to my brother

5. not to be nasty

6. not to waste their money

7. what he had decided to do

8. that he always wake up early

9. to revise their lessons

10. where I had been

F. Complete the sentence in reported speech.

1. that she had gone to cinema the previous day.

2. that you would do that for him.

3. that he will be writing a test the next day.

4. that she was not hungry then.

5. that they had never been there before.

6. that they had been in London the previous week.

7. that they wouldn’t sleep.

8. whether we had been shopping.

9. that it was very quiet there.

10. that she didn’t speak Italian.

G. Read the dialogue and complete the following passage

(a) why she had not brought her party dress

(b) hadn’t brought it as she had gone to her uncle’s house with her parents; so she had forgotten to keep it

(a) that he had been watching the sea and that there had not been any trace of a ship

(b) that he had told him the day before that they would be rescued

(d) if he had ever said anything sensible

FAQs on Direct and Indirect Speech Exercises and Answers

Q: what’s the purpose of the indirect speech.

A: Indirect speech allows us to convey someone else’s words without quoting them verbatim. It’s useful for summarizing and paraphrasing.

Q: Are tense changes mandatory in indirect speech?

A: Yes, tense changes are often necessary to accurately reflect the timing of the original statement.

Q: Can reporting verbs be used interchangeably?

A: While reporting verbs can be interchangeable to some extent, their nuances can impact the meaning of the reported speech.

Q: Is it possible to transform any direct speech into indirect speech?

A: Yes, most direct speech can be converted into indirect speech, although some cases may require adjustments.

Q: How can I identify indirect speech in a sentence?

A: Look for keywords like “said,” “asked,” or other reporting verbs, as well as changes in pronouns, tenses, and time expressions.

Q: Why is mastering direct and indirect speech important?

A: Mastering these skills enhances communication clarity, adds variety to language use, and fosters effective expression.

Conclusion:

Direct and indirect speech exercises and answers are invaluable tools for effective communication. By honing this skill, you’ll not only convey information accurately but also showcase your language expertise. Remember that practice makes perfect, and the more you engage in these exercises, the more naturally you’ll incorporate them into your everyday language use.

15 Class 9 Reading Comprehension Passages with Answers

English Grammar
Grammar Exercises
Direct And Indirect Speech Exercises

Direct and Indirect Speech Exercises

Direct and indirect speech is one topic in English grammar that confuses most language learners. It need not necessarily be so; if you understand how it works, you can easily use it in your writing.

Direct and Indirect Speech Exercises with Answers

When converting direct speech to indirect speech or vice-versa, you will have to take care to convert the verb , pronoun and the adverb appropriately. Go through the following exercises and try them out. Answers are given below each exercise; refer to them to see if your answers are right.

Exercise 1: Change into indirect speech

Read the following sentences and convert them into indirect speech.

Rahul told to me, “When are you leaving?”
“Where do you live?” the stranger asked Aladdin.
The teacher said to Shelly, “Why are you laughing?”
Dhronacharya said to Arjun, “Shoot the bird’s eye.”
“Call the first convict,” said the jury.
“Call the ambulance,” said the man.
Bruce said to me, “I shall do the work.”
My mother said to me, “You were wrong.”
Mr Richard said to me, “Please wait here till I return.”
The captain said to me, “Bravo! You have played well.”
Raj said, “Alas! My pet died.”
Ruchi said, “I may go there.”
Bucky said to Steve, “Do you hear me?”
The boy said, “Let me come in.”
Granny said to me, “May God bless you.”

Answers –

Rahul asked me when I was leaving.
The stranger asked Aladdin where he lived.
The teacher asked Shelly why he was laughing.
Dhronacharya ordered Arjun to shoot the fish’s eye.
The jury ordered to call the first convict.
The man urged to call the ambulance.
Bruce said to me he would do the work.
My mother told me that I was wrong.
Mr Richard requested me to wait there till he returned.
The captain applauded me, saying that I had played well.
Raj exclaimed sadly that his pet died.
Ruchi said that she might go there.
Bucky asked Steve if he heard him.
The boy asked to let him come in.
Granny prayed that God might bless me.

Convert the following into Direct Speech

Read the following passage and convert it into direct speech.

One of them told Issac that the latter had forgotten one thing that belonged to a mill. Issac enquired what that was. The friend asked where the miller was. Issac replied that (absence of the miller) was true – and he must look for one.

“But Issac,” said one of them, “you have forgotten one thing that belongs to a mill.”

“What is that?” asked Issac.

“Why, where is the miller?” said his friend.

“That is true – I must look for one,” said Issac.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is direct narration.

When the actual words/sentences as spoken by the speaker are quoted in a speech, it’s called direct speech/narration.

What is indirect speech?

When the quoted speech is reported in the form of a narrative without changing the meaning of the actual quotation/words by the speaker, it’s called indirect speech/narration.

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Direct vs. Indirect Speech Quiz

Preview 20 Quizzes about Direct vs. Indirect Speech

He said, ” I went to school yesterday.”

A. He said that he had gone to school yesterday. B. He said that he had gone to school the day after. C. He said that he had gone to school the previous day. D. He said that he had gone to school the next day.

He said to me, ” I must win this game.”

A. He told me that he must win this game. B. He told me that he had to win that game. C. He told me that he had to win this game. D. He told me that he must win that game.

She said to me, ” I can sleep alone.”

A. She said to me that she can sleep alone.” B. She told me that she can sleep alone.” C. She said to me that she could sleep alone.” D. She told me that she could sleep alone.”

June said,” It is my car.”

A. June said that it is my car B. June said that it is her car. C. June said that it was my car D. June said that it was her car

Nan said, ” I have finished my homework.”

A. Nan said that she had finished her homework.” B. Nan said that she had finished my homework.” C. Nan said that she has finished her homework.” D. Nan said that she has finished my homework.”

Jim said,” I work here everyday.”

A. Jim said that he worked here yesterday.” B. Jim said that he worked there everyday.” C. Jim said that he worked here everyday.” D. Jim said that he worked everyday.”

Mary says, ” I am coming here.”

A. Mary says that she is coming there. B. Mary says that she is coming here. C. Mary says that she was coming there. D. Mary says that she was coming here.

John said, ” My friend may come tonight.”

A. John said that his friend might come tonight. B. John said that his friend might come that night. C. John said that his friend might go that night. D. John said that his friend might go tonight.

He said, ” I am a man.”

A. He said that he was a man. B. He said that he is a man. C. He said that I am a man. D. He said that I was a man.

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Direct and Indirect Speech Exercises

Understanding Direct and Indirect Speech: Exercises, Examples, and Rules

Direct and indirect speech are ways to report what someone has said. Direct speech quotes the exact words spoken, while indirect speech paraphrases or summarises them. Knowing how to use both helps you accurately convey conversations and dialogue in writing. This guide covers the basics of direct and indirect speech, provides examples, and explains the rules for converting between them.

Some Interesting Facts about Direct and Indirect Speech

Aspect

Interesting Facts

Direct Speech

1. Historical Use: Direct speech has been used in literature for centuries to bring characters to and make dialogues vivid.

2. Literary Techniques: Authors often use direct speech to reveal character traits and emotions through their exact words.

3. Quotes: Famous quotes are often preserved in direct speech to maintain their original impact and meaning.

Indirect Speech

1. Flexibility: Indirect speech allows for more flexibility in integrating quotes into narratives or discussions without disrupting the flow.

2. Reporting : Indirect speech can vary in how it reports statements, allowing for summarisation and interpretation.

3. Cultural Differences: Different languages and cultures have varying rules for converting direct speech into indirect speech, reflecting diverse approaches to .

What is Direct and Indirect Speech?

The distinction between Direct and Indirect Speech may be confusing for some students. Often when we need to explain an incident or action, it involves quoting what someone said. A social situation, as well as a work email or presentation, are examples of such instances. There are two forms of Speech used to explain what other people say: Direct Speech and Indirect Speech (or reported Speech).

Direct Speech

The same words spoken are quoted in Indirect Speech. If we use Direct Speech in writing, we bring the words spoken between quotation marks (" ") and leave them alone. We may be reporting something that is being said (for example, a phone conversation) or asking someone about a previous conversation later.

Nirmal said, "There's a dog outside the window."

Mahima says, "What time will you be home?"

Supriya said, "I don't know!"

Indirect Speech

When we use reported or Indirect Speech to speak about the past, we generally change the tense of the words we say. We use reporting verbs like 'say,' 'tell,' and 'ask,' and we can introduce the reported words with the word 'that.' There are no inverted commas in this sentence.

For Example,

Mahima said that she had seen him.

Nirmal said he was looking forward to playing in the match on Saturday.

Direct and Indirect Speech

Children often mix up Direct and Indirect Speech. We need a way to say the difference between what someone claimed to have said and what they said when we're writing. What did she say if you asked her? You may respond in one of two ways:

“I don’t like pizza,” Siddi said. (Direct Speech)

Siddi says she doesn’t like pizza. (Indirect Speech)

Note how Speech marks (“...”) are used in Direct Speech to indicate precisely what was said. Speech labels are located at the beginning and end of the actual words spoken. The words 'Siddi said' are not in Speech marks because they were not spoken aloud; rather, they are a way for the writer to express who was speaking to the reader.

The past tense is often used in reported Speech . This is because the words have already been spoken, and the writer is simply reporting on what has already been saying. It's critical to think about what was said and convert it to the past tense.

Direct and Indirect Narration Rules

Following are the steps to convert the Direct/Indirect Speech and also let’s discuss Direct and Indirect Speech tenses rules in detail.

Step 1: Write down the reporting verb that is used to determine the Indirect Speech's tense.

Step 2: Change the position and time to reflect the speaker's actual location and time.

Step 3: For both the object and the subject, use the correct pronoun.

Step 4: Make sure the sentence has the correct structure and word order.

Now we'll go through each of these measures in greater depth.

Step 1: Choosing the Verb's Tense and Conversion

Case 1: Nirmal said, ‘I go to the gym every day.

Case 2: Nirmal says, ‘I go to the gym every day.’

The verb ‘say' is used in both of the instances above to express the action of speaking. In addition, the reporting verb say is used in the past tense in the first case – said. In case 2, however, the reporting verb is in the present tense.

As a consequence, all verbs must be in the relevant past tense here. If the reporting verb is in the past tense, this is often followed. Thus, Nirmal said, ‘I go to the class every day will change to Nirmal said that he went to the gym every day.

The second rule is that the tense is not changed whether the reporting verb is in the future or present tense. So, Nirmal says, ‘I go to the class every day will be changed to Nirmal says that he goes to the class every day.

Step 2: Changes are Made to the Word That Communicates Place, Time, and Connection.

The time or place specified in the sentence should be changed to match the current time or position.

On 21st, May 2015 : ‘I will come tomorrow,’ Sriram said.

On 21st, May 2015 , Sriram said that he would come the next day.

Step 3: The Subject and Object Pronouns are Chosen Separately.

Case 1: Saurav will say to his friends, “I have started learning psychology” will change to Saurav will tell his friends that he has started learning psychology .

In this case, the speaker and the reporter are the same people. As a consequence, the pronoun should be the first person pronoun.

Case 2: Ma’am said to me, “I hope you will bring the geometry to my next class” will change to Ma’am hoped that I would bring the geometry to her next class.

The speaker is ma'am, and the reporter is the student. As a consequence, the ma'am pronoun should be in the third person. The reporter's pronoun should also be in the first person.

Remember that we do not change the tense of the reporting verb within the quotation marks when it is in the present or future tense.

Direct Indirect Speech Exercises with Answers

Here are some exercises on Direct and Indirect Speech along with their answers:

Exercise 1: Convert Direct Speech to Indirect Speech

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

Direct: He asked, "Do you want some coffee?"

Direct: "I have finished my assignment," John said.

Direct: The teacher said, "Please submit your homework by tomorrow."

Direct: "Where did you go last weekend?" she asked.

Indirect: She said that she was going to the market.

Indirect: He asked if I wanted some coffee.

Indirect: John said that he had finished his assignment.

Indirect: The teacher requested that we submit our homework by the next day.

Indirect: She asked where I had gone the previous weekend.

Exercise 2: Convert Indirect Speech to Direct Speech

Indirect: He said that he would join us for dinner.

Indirect: She asked if I could help her with the project.

Indirect: They mentioned that they had seen the movie already.

Indirect: The doctor advised that I should take some rest.

Indirect: She inquired where the nearest station was.

Direct : He said, "I will join you for dinner."

Direct : She asked, "Can you help me with the project?"

Direct : They mentioned, "We have seen the movie already."

Direct : The doctor advised, "You should take some rest."

Direct : She inquired, "Where is the nearest station?"

These exercises and answers should help you practice converting between Direct and Indirect Speech effectively.

Narration Exercise with Answers

Here are some narration change exercises from Direct to Indirect Speech and vice versa. Each exercise includes sentences to be converted between the two forms.

Exercise 1: Direct to Indirect Speech

Direct: She said, "I am studying for my exams."

Direct: He said, "I will call you tomorrow."

Direct: "Where have you been?" she asked him.

Direct: They said, "We have finished our homework."

Direct: The teacher asked, "Have you completed your project?"

Indirect : She said that she was studying for her exams.

Indirect : He said that he would call me the next day.

Indirect : She asked him where he had been.

Indirect : They said that they had finished their homework.

Indirect : The teacher asked if I had completed my project.

Exercise 2: Indirect to Direct Speech

Indirect: She said that she was going to the library .

Indirect: He mentioned that he would be late for the meeting.

Indirect: She asked him where he had been.

Indirect: They said that they had already completed their homework.

Indirect: The teacher inquired if the students had finished their project.

Direct : She said, "I am going to the library."

Direct: He said, "I will be late for the meeting."

Direct : She asked, "Where have you been?"

Direct : They said, "We have already completed our homework."

Direct : The teacher asked, "Have you finished your project?"

Some More Direct and Indirect Speech Exercises:

Direct: She said, "I cannot attend the meeting today."

Direct: "Will you be available for a call later?" he asked.

Direct: "I need to finish my report by this evening," Alice said.

Direct: The coach said, "Run five laps around the field."

Direct: "Did you see the new movie?" he asked her.

Direct: Jessica said, "I am excited about the concert next month ."

Direct: "Please remember to lock the door when you leave," he said.

Direct: The manager said, "Submit your expense reports by Friday."

Direct: "What time does the train arrive?" she asked.

Direct: "I will help you with your project," he promised.

Indirect : She said that she could not attend the meeting that day.

Indirect : He asked if I would be available for a call later.

Indirect : Alice said that she needed to finish her report by that evening.

Indirect : The coach instructed us to run five laps around the field.

Indirect : He asked her if she had seen the new movie.

Indirect : Jessica said that she was excited about the concert the following month.

Indirect : He requested that I remember to lock the door when I left.

Indirect : The manager said to submit our expense reports by Friday.

Indirect : She asked what time the train arrived.

Indirect : He promised that he would help me with my project.

Indirect: She mentioned that she was planning a surprise party.

Indirect: He asked whether I had completed the assignment.

Indirect: They said they would visit us during the summer.

Indirect: The professor explained that the test would cover three chapters.

Indirect: She said that she had been studying all night.

Indirect: The waiter asked if we were ready to order.

Indirect: He said that he was feeling much better.

Indirect: They inquired if I wanted to join them for lunch.

Indirect: The child said that he had lost his toy.

Indirect: She suggested that we should meet for coffee next week.

Direct : She said, "I am planning a surprise party."

Direct : He asked, "Have you completed the assignment?"

Direct : They said, "We will visit you during the summer."

Direct : The professor explained, "The test will cover three chapters."

Direct : She said, "I have been studying all night."

Direct : The waiter asked, "Are you ready to order?"

Direct : He said, "I am feeling much better."

Direct : They asked, "Do you want to join us for lunch?"

Direct : The child said, "I have lost my toy."

Direct : She suggested, "We should meet for coffee next week."

These exercises offer further practice in converting between Direct and Indirect Speech.

Check your Knowledge of Direct and Indirect Speech

Direct: "I will finish the project by Friday," he said.

Direct: She asked, "Have you completed your preparations?"

Direct: "You should see a doctor," he advised.

Direct: "Why are you late?" she inquired.

Direct: "We are going to the beach tomorrow," they said.

Direct: "Can you help me with this task?" he asked.

Direct: "I haven't seen that film yet," she said.

Direct: "Please close the window," he requested.

Direct: "Where will you be next week?" she asked.

Direct: "I am taking a break," he said.

Indirect : He said that he would finish the project by Friday.

Indirect : She asked if I had completed my preparations.

Indirect : He advised that I should see a doctor.

Indirect : She inquired why I was late.

Indirect : They said that they were going to the beach the next day.

Indirect : He asked if I could help him with that task.

Indirect : She said that she had not seen that film yet.

Indirect : He requested that I close the window.

Indirect : She asked where I would be the following week.

Indirect : He said that he was taking a break.

Takeaways from the Page

Direct Speech quotes exactly what someone said, using quotation marks around their words. Tenses and punctuation stay the same as in the original speech.

Indirect Speech reports what someone said without quoting their exact words. It doesn’t use quotation marks and often changes pronouns and tenses to fit the context.

Changing Direct to Indirect : Replace the quotation marks with reporting verbs like "said" or "asked," adjust tenses, and modify pronouns.

Changing Indirect to Direct : Use quotation marks and restore the exact wording and punctuation. Adjust pronouns and tenses to reflect the original speech.

When to Use : Use Direct Speech to quote exactly or show dialogue. Use Indirect Speech to summarize or integrate what was said into your text.

Practice : Regularly converting between Direct and Indirect Speech helps you get better at reporting speech accurately.

FAQs on Direct and Indirect Speech Exercises

1. What are Direct and Indirect Speech exercises?

Direct and Indirect Speech exercises involve converting sentences from one form to another. These exercises help practice how to report speech accurately by changing the format while preserving the meaning.

2. Why are Direct and Indirect Speech exercises important?

These exercises are important for mastering how to quote someone's words exactly or report what was said without quoting directly. They help in improving clarity and accuracy in communication.

3. How do you convert Direct Speech to Indirect Speech?

To convert Direct Speech to Indirect Speech, replace quotation marks with reporting verbs, adjust tenses and pronouns, and remove the quotation marks.

4. How do you convert Indirect Speech to Direct Speech?

To convert Indirect Speech to Direct Speech, restore the exact wording within quotation marks, adjust pronouns and tenses to match the original context, and include appropriate punctuation.

5. Can you provide an example of a Direct to Indirect Speech exercise?

Direct to Indirect Speech example.

Convert: "I am going to the market," she said.

Answer: She said that she was going to the market.

6. Can you provide an example of an Indirect to Direct Speech exercise?

Indirect to Direct Speech example.

Convert: She said that she was going to the market.

Answer: "I am going to the market," she said.

7. What is a narration change exercise?

A narration change exercise involves converting sentences between Direct and Indirect Speech to practice reporting and quoting speech accurately.

8. How can I practice narration exercises effectively?

To practice effectively, regularly complete exercises, check your answers against correct conversions, and understand the rules for changing between Direct and Indirect Speech.

9. What are some common mistakes in narration exercises?

Common mistakes include incorrect tense shifts, wrong pronoun changes, and improper use of punctuation. Make sure to follow the rules for each form to avoid these errors.

10. How do narration exercises improve language skills?

Narration exercises enhance language skills by helping you understand how to report and quote speech accurately, improving both writing and comprehension abilities.

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Direct and indirect speech exercises

There are many occasions in which we need to describe an event or action that happened, and very often that includes repeating what someone said. Such occasions can include a social situation as well as in a work email or presentation. In order to describe what people said there are two different types of speech – direct speech and indirect speech (or reported speech).

Read the article below to find out more about these forms and improve your English storytelling skills.

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Direct Speech

When we want to describe what someone said, one option is to use direct speech . We use direct speech when we simply repeat what someone says, putting the phrase between speech marks:

Paul came in and said, “I’m really hungry.”

It is very common to see direct speech used in books or in a newspaper article. For example:

The local MP said, “We plan to make this city a safer place for everyone.”

As you can see, with direct speech it is common to use the verb ‘to say’ (‘said’ in the past). But you can also find other verbs used to indicate direct speech such as ‘ask’, ‘reply’, and ‘shout’. For example:

When Mrs Diaz opened the door, I asked, “Have you seen Lee?”
She replied, “No, I haven’t seen him since lunchtime.”
The boss was angry and shouted, “Why isn’t he here? He hasn’t finished that report yet!”

Indirect Speech

When we want to report what someone said without speech marks and without necessarily using exactly the same words, we can use indirect speech (also called reported speech). For example:

Direct speech: “We’re quite cold in here.”
Indirect speech: They say (that) they’re cold.

When we report what someone says in the present simple, as in the above sentence, we normally don’t change the tense, we simply change the subject. However, when we report things in the past, we usually change the tense by moving it one step back. For example, in the following sentence the present simple becomes the past simple in indirect speech:

Direct speech: “I have a new car.”
Indirect speech: He said he had a new car.

All the other tenses follow a similar change in indirect speech. Here is an example for all the main tenses:

The same rule of moving the tenses one step back also applies to modal verbs. For example:

Using ‘say’ or ‘tell’

As an alternative to using ‘say’ we can also use ‘tell’ (‘told’ in the past) in reported speech, but in this case you need to add the object pronoun. For example:

He told me he was going to call Alan.
They told her they would arrive a little late.
You told us you’d already finished the order.

Changing Time Expressions

Sometimes it’s necessary to change the time expressions when you report speech, especially when you are speaking about the past and the time reference no longer applies. For example:

Direct speech: “I’m seeing my brother tomorrow .”
Indirect speech: She said she was seeing her brother the following day .

Here are some other examples:

Direct speech: “I had a headache yesterday .”
Indirect speech: You said you’d had a headache the day before yesterday .
Direct speech: “It’s been raining since this afternoon .”
Indirect speech: He said it’d been raining since that afternoon .
Direct speech: “I haven’t seen them since last week .”
Indirect speech: She said she hadn’t seen them since the previous week .

Reporting Questions

When you report a question you need to change the interrogative form into an affirmative sentence, putting the verb tense one step back, as with normal reported speech.

There are two types of questions that we can report – questions that have a yes/no response, and questions that begin with a question word like ‘what’, ‘where’, ‘who’ etc. When we report a yes/no question, we use ‘if’. For example:

Direct speech: “Do they live here?”
Indirect speech: You asked me if they lived here.

As you can see, in the reported version of the question, ‘do’ is eliminated because it is no longer a question, and the verb ‘live’ becomes ‘lived’.

For questions starting with question words like ‘what’, ‘where’, ‘when’, ‘who’, etc., we report the question using the question word but change the interrogative form to the affirmative form. For example:

Direct speech: “Where do they live?”
Indirect speech: You asked me where they lived.
Direct speech: “When are you leaving?”
Indirect speech: He asked us when we were leaving .
Direct speech: “How will they get here?”
Indirect speech: She asked me how they would get here.

When we report a question we normally use the verb ‘ask’. As with the verb ‘to tell’, the verb ‘to ask’ is normally followed by an object pronoun, though it is possible to omit it.

Reporting Orders and Requests

When you give someone an order, you use the imperative form, which means using just the verb without a subject. For example:

“ Call me back later.”
“ Have a seat.”
“ Don’t do that!”

To report an order we use ‘tell’ and the infinitive of the verb. For example:

You told me to call you back later.
He told me to have a seat.
She told us not to do that.

When you make a request, you normally use words like ‘can’, ‘could’, or ‘will’. For example:

“Could you call me back later?”
“Will you have a seat?”
“Can you not do that please?”

To report a request, we use the verb ‘to ask’ and the infinitive form of the verb. For example:

You asked me to call you back later.
He asked me to have a seat.
She asked us not to do that.

Now you’ve seen how we use direct and indirect speech , practice using them yourself. An excellent and easy way to see how they are used is by reading a short story in English or a news article online, because stories and articles contain many examples of reported speech.

The second conditional is used to express the consequence of a situation in the present or future. Read on to find out more.

The passive form is a very useful structure in English. Read more to find out what it means and how to use it in your everyday English.

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Direct and indirect speech exercises PDF

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Direct and indirect speech

Online exercises
Grammar rules PDF

English grammar books PDF

PDF book 1: English grammar exercises PDF

PDF book 2: English grammar rules PDF

Direct and indirect speech exercises

Reported speech exercises PDF

Learn how to change tenses, pronouns, expressions of time and place in the reported speech.

Reported questions + commands exercises PDF

Practise the difference between the direct and indirect speech in questions, commands and requests.

Online exercises with answers:

Direct - indirect speech exercise 1 Rewrite sentences in the reported speech.

Direct - indirect speech exercise 2 Report a short dialogue in the reported speech.

Direct - indirect speech exercise 3 Find and correct mistakes in the reported speech.

Direct - indirect speech exercise 4 Choose correct answers in a multiple choice test.

Indirect - direct speech exercise 5 Rewrite sentences from the reported speech to direct speech.

Reported questions, commands and requests:

Reported questions exercise 6 Change the reported questions and orders into direct questions and orders.

Reported questions exercise 7 Change direct questions into reported questions.

Reported commands exercise 8 Make reported commands and requests.

Grammar rules PDF:

Reported speech rules PDF Changes of tenses, pronouns, time and place in reported statements, questions and commands.

English grammar PDF All PDF rules with examples on e-grammar.org.

Direct + indirect speech

Direct and Indirect Exercises With Answers

We often convey a message or give information about what someone said, thought, or felt to somebody else. In order to do this, you can use the grammar structure named indirect or reported speech. direct and indirect rules have already talked about, below we have prepared direct and indirect exercises with answers for ESL learners.

Direct and Indirect Exercises

Attempt the exercises below then compare your answers with the correct answers given below.

Turn into reported speech.

1. “It’s hot” Tom said that _______________________________________________________. 2. “I have done my homework.” Tom said that __________________________________________________. 3. “I will give you a book” Tom said that _______________________________________________________. 4. “Do you smoke?” Tom asked me if ____________________________________________________. 5. “Where does Bob live?” Tom asked me where _______________________________________________. 6. “Jane has not arrived yet” Tom told us that________________________________________________________. 7. “I’m so worried,” Tom, told us that_______________________________________________________. 8. “I want to go away”. Tom told us that ____________________________________________________. 9. “You should eat less.” The doctor advised me that _______________________________________. 10. “Don’t shout” The teacher told me________________________________.

Direct And Indirect Speech Complete Rules

Turn into direct speech.

1. Mary said she was very tired. Mary said, “____________________________________________________________.” 2. The teacher told the boys to open their books. The teacher said to the boys, “___________________________________________________________.” 3. Tom’s mother told him not to eat any ice cream. Tom’s mother said to Tom: “_____________________________________________________________.” 4. My friend said that he was going skiing at the weekend. My friend said: “__________________________________________________at the weekend.” 5. Bob’s mates told the teacher that Bob was ill that day. Bob’s mates said: “Teacher,__________________________________________________________ today.” 6. Mary told Jane she would help her. Mary said to Jane,”____________________________________________________.” 7. I said I would have bought a new car if I had had the money. I said,”_______________________________________________________________________________.” 8. My father told me to look for a job if I wanted more money. My father said:”_____________________________________________________________.” 9. Tim wrote to his brother that their cat had died that day. Tim wrote to his brother: “________________________________________________________________.” 10. The teacher informed the students that the break lasted ten minutes. The teacher said to the students,”____________________________________________________________.”

Turn the following questions into reported speech.

1. “Where do you live?” Mary asked Tom, “______________________________________________.” 2. “How are you going to travel to Italy?” Mary asked Tom__________________________________________________. 3. “Why did you buy that book?” Mary asked Tom___________________________________________________. 4. “What’s the time?” Mary asked Tom__________________________________________________. 5. “Who helped you with your work?” Mary asked Tom______________________________________________.

Choose the right option

6. I (said/told) her not to disturb me. 7. My friend never (told/said) me about his plans. 8. The teacher (that/said) that we had to study harder. 9. Don’t (tell/say) me what I have to do. 10. He did not (say/tell) why he was late.

How to Check Your Grammar Mistakes in an Essay – 8 Best Tools

The following sentences use quoted speech. Change the following sentences from quoted speech to reported speech.

1) James said, “I am watching TV.” 2) Professor Jones said, “I worked all day!” 3) The president said, “I will be visiting Italy in December.” 4) The weatherman announced, “It may rain today.” 5) My father screamed, “I have to go to the airport, now!” 6) Then my mother said, “I must take your father.” 7) The psychologist said, “You should calm down.” 8) I responded, “I ought to leave the office.” 9) Mark said, “I love visiting China and Korea.” 10) Martin said, “I can be a great president!” 11) Sung-He said, “Close the windows” 12) Bobby will say, “I have already done direct and indirect speech exercises.

Direct and Indirect Exercises With Answers – The Answers

Tom said that it was hot.
Tom said that he had done his homework.
Tom said that he would give me a book.
Tom asked me if I smoked.
Tom asked me where Bob lived.
Tom told us that Jane had not arrived yet.
Tom told us that he was so worried.
Tom told us that he wanted to go away.
The doctor advised me that I should eat less.
The teacher told me not to shout.
Mary said, “I am very tired.”
The teacher said to the boys, “open your books.”
Tom’s mother said to Tom: “Don’t eat any ice cream.”
My friend said:” I am going skiing on the weekend.
Bob’s mates said: “Teacher, Bob is ill today.”
Mary said to Jane, “I will help you.”
I said, “I will have bought a new car if I had had the money.”
My father said: “look for a job if I want more money.”
Tom wrote to his brother:” Our cat died today.”
The teacher said to the student, “the break lasts ten minutes.”
Mary asked Tom, “Where he lived.”
Mary asked Tom how he was going to travel to Italy.
Mary asked Tom why he bought that book.
Mary asked Tom what was the time.
Mary asked Tom who helped him with his work.
I told her not to disturb me.
My friend never told me about his plans.
The teacher said that we had to study harder.
Do not tell me what I have to do.
He did not say why he was late.
James said that he was watching TV.
Professor Jones said that he had worked all day.
The president said that he would be visiting Italy in December.
The weatherman announced that it might rain that day.
My father screamed that he had to go to the airport, then.
Then my mother said that she had to take my father.
The psychologist said that I should calm down.
I responded I ought to leave the office.
Mark said that he loved visiting China and Korea.
Martin said that he could be a great president.
Sung-He ordered to close the windows.
Bobby will say that he has already done Direct and Indirect Exercises.

I hope the direct and indirect exercises were helpful to you and if you would like to know more about direct or quoted speech, or indirect or reported speech, check out more in the book below.

You can read more about the following topics:

Direct and Indirect of Modal Auxiliaries
Direct and Indirect of Future Perfect Progressive
Direct and Indirect of Future Perfect Tense
Direct and Indirect of Future Progressive Tense
Direct and Indirect of Simple Future Tense
Direct and Indirect of Past Perfect Progressive
Direct and Indirect of Past Perfect Tense

Direct and Indirect Speech: Useful Rules and Examples

Are you having trouble understanding the difference between direct and indirect speech? Direct speech is when you quote someone’s exact words, while indirect speech is when you report what someone said without using their exact words. This can be a tricky concept to grasp, but with a little practice, you’ll be able to use both forms of speech with ease.

Direct and Indirect Speech

When someone speaks, we can report what they said in two ways: direct speech and indirect speech. Direct speech is when we quote the exact words that were spoken, while indirect speech is when we report what was said without using the speaker’s exact words. Here’s an example:

Direct speech: “I love pizza,” said John. Indirect speech: John said that he loved pizza.

Using direct speech can make your writing more engaging and can help to convey the speaker’s tone and emotion. However, indirect speech can be useful when you want to summarize what someone said or when you don’t have the exact words that were spoken.

To change direct speech to indirect speech, you need to follow some rules. Firstly, you need to change the tense of the verb in the reported speech to match the tense of the reporting verb. Secondly, you need to change the pronouns and adverbs in the reported speech to match the new speaker. Here’s an example:

Direct speech: “I will go to the park,” said Sarah. Indirect speech: Sarah said that she would go to the park.

It’s important to note that when you use indirect speech, you need to use reporting verbs such as “said,” “told,” or “asked” to indicate who is speaking. Here’s an example:

Direct speech: “What time is it?” asked Tom. Indirect speech: Tom asked what time it was.

In summary, understanding direct and indirect speech is crucial for effective communication and writing. Direct speech can be used to convey the speaker’s tone and emotion, while indirect speech can be useful when summarizing what someone said. By following the rules for changing direct speech to indirect speech, you can accurately report what was said while maintaining clarity and readability in your writing.

Differences between Direct and Indirect Speech

When it comes to reporting speech, there are two ways to go about it: direct and indirect speech. Direct speech is when you report someone’s exact words, while indirect speech is when you report what someone said without using their exact words. Here are some of the key differences between direct and indirect speech:

Change of Pronouns

In direct speech, the pronouns used are those of the original speaker. However, in indirect speech, the pronouns have to be changed to reflect the perspective of the reporter. For example:

Direct speech: “I am going to the store,” said John.
Indirect speech: John said he was going to the store.

In the above example, the pronoun “I” changes to “he” in indirect speech.

Change of Tenses

Another major difference between direct and indirect speech is the change of tenses. In direct speech, the verb tense used is the same as that used by the original speaker. However, in indirect speech, the verb tense may change depending on the context. For example:

Direct speech: “I am studying for my exams,” said Sarah.
Indirect speech: Sarah said she was studying for her exams.

In the above example, the present continuous tense “am studying” changes to the past continuous tense “was studying” in indirect speech.

Change of Time and Place References

When reporting indirect speech, the time and place references may also change. For example:

Direct speech: “I will meet you at the park tomorrow,” said Tom.
Indirect speech: Tom said he would meet you at the park the next day.

In the above example, “tomorrow” changes to “the next day” in indirect speech.

Overall, it is important to understand the differences between direct and indirect speech to report speech accurately and effectively. By following the rules of direct and indirect speech, you can convey the intended message of the original speaker.

Converting Direct Speech Into Indirect Speech

When you need to report what someone said in your own words, you can use indirect speech. To convert direct speech into indirect speech, you need to follow a few rules.

Step 1: Remove the Quotation Marks

The first step is to remove the quotation marks that enclose the relayed text. This is because indirect speech does not use the exact words of the speaker.

Step 2: Use a Reporting Verb and a Linker

To indicate that you are reporting what someone said, you need to use a reporting verb such as “said,” “asked,” “told,” or “exclaimed.” You also need to use a linker such as “that” or “whether” to connect the reporting verb to the reported speech.

For example:

Direct speech: “I love ice cream,” said Mary.
Indirect speech: Mary said that she loved ice cream.

Step 3: Change the Tense of the Verb

When you use indirect speech, you need to change the tense of the verb in the reported speech to match the tense of the reporting verb.

Indirect speech: John said that he was going to the store.

Step 4: Change the Pronouns

You also need to change the pronouns in the reported speech to match the subject of the reporting verb.

Direct speech: “Are you busy now?” Tina asked me.
Indirect speech: Tina asked whether I was busy then.

By following these rules, you can convert direct speech into indirect speech and report what someone said in your own words.

Converting Indirect Speech Into Direct Speech

Converting indirect speech into direct speech involves changing the reported speech to its original form as spoken by the speaker. Here are the steps to follow when converting indirect speech into direct speech:

Identify the reporting verb: The first step is to identify the reporting verb used in the indirect speech. This will help you determine the tense of the direct speech.
Change the pronouns: The next step is to change the pronouns in the indirect speech to match the person speaking in the direct speech. For example, if the indirect speech is “She said that she was going to the store,” the direct speech would be “I am going to the store,” if you are the person speaking.
Change the tense: Change the tense of the verbs in the indirect speech to match the tense of the direct speech. For example, if the indirect speech is “He said that he would visit tomorrow,” the direct speech would be “He says he will visit tomorrow.”
Remove the reporting verb and conjunction: In direct speech, there is no need for a reporting verb or conjunction. Simply remove them from the indirect speech to get the direct speech.

Here is an example to illustrate the process:

Indirect Speech: John said that he was tired and wanted to go home.

Direct Speech: “I am tired and want to go home,” John said.

By following these steps, you can easily convert indirect speech into direct speech.

Examples of Direct and Indirect Speech

Direct and indirect speech are two ways to report what someone has said. Direct speech reports the exact words spoken by a person, while indirect speech reports the meaning of what was said. Here are some examples of both types of speech:

Direct Speech Examples

Direct speech is used when you want to report the exact words spoken by someone. It is usually enclosed in quotation marks and is often used in dialogue.

“I am going to the store,” said Sarah.
“It’s a beautiful day,” exclaimed John.
“Please turn off the lights,” Mom told me.
“I will meet you at the library,” said Tom.
“We are going to the beach tomorrow,” announced Mary.

Indirect Speech Examples

Indirect speech, also known as reported speech, is used to report what someone said without using their exact words. It is often used in news reports, academic writing, and in situations where you want to paraphrase what someone said.

Here are some examples of indirect speech:

Sarah said that she was going to the store.
John exclaimed that it was a beautiful day.
Mom told me to turn off the lights.
Tom said that he would meet me at the library.
Mary announced that they were going to the beach tomorrow.

In indirect speech, the verb tense may change to reflect the time of the reported speech. For example, “I am going to the store” becomes “Sarah said that she was going to the store.” Additionally, the pronouns and possessive adjectives may also change to reflect the speaker and the person being spoken about.

Overall, both direct and indirect speech are important tools for reporting what someone has said. By using these techniques, you can accurately convey the meaning of what was said while also adding your own interpretation and analysis.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is direct and indirect speech?

Direct and indirect speech refer to the ways in which we communicate what someone has said. Direct speech involves repeating the exact words spoken, using quotation marks to indicate that you are quoting someone. Indirect speech, on the other hand, involves reporting what someone has said without using their exact words.

How do you convert direct speech to indirect speech?

To convert direct speech to indirect speech, you need to change the tense of the verbs, pronouns, and time expressions. You also need to introduce a reporting verb, such as “said,” “told,” or “asked.” For example, “I love ice cream,” said Mary (direct speech) can be converted to “Mary said that she loved ice cream” (indirect speech).

What is the difference between direct speech and indirect speech?

The main difference between direct speech and indirect speech is that direct speech uses the exact words spoken, while indirect speech reports what someone has said without using their exact words. Direct speech is usually enclosed in quotation marks, while indirect speech is not.

What are some examples of direct and indirect speech?

Some examples of direct speech include “I am going to the store,” said John and “I love pizza,” exclaimed Sarah. Some examples of indirect speech include John said that he was going to the store and Sarah exclaimed that she loved pizza .

What are the rules for converting direct speech to indirect speech?

The rules for converting direct speech to indirect speech include changing the tense of the verbs, pronouns, and time expressions. You also need to introduce a reporting verb and use appropriate reporting verbs such as “said,” “told,” or “asked.”

What is a summary of direct and indirect speech?

Direct and indirect speech are two ways of reporting what someone has said. Direct speech involves repeating the exact words spoken, while indirect speech reports what someone has said without using their exact words. To convert direct speech to indirect speech, you need to change the tense of the verbs, pronouns, and time expressions and introduce a reporting verb.

Direct and Indirect Speech Exercises

Hello dear student! Mastery of direct and indirect speech is essential in understanding and effectively communicating in English.

It not only provides clarity when conveying messages but also adds depth to our language use, especially when relaying past conversations or reports.

In today’s lesson, we will delve into exercises designed to enhance your grasp of direct and indirect speech.

By arranging sentences, rectifying grammatical mistakes, and formulating questions, you will polish your skills and become more proficient in this aspect of English. Let’s dive in!

1) Put the Sentences in the Correct Order – Direct and Indirect Speech

a) said / ” / I / love / she / chocolate / “

She said, “I love chocolate.”

b) ' / he / I / am / me, / working / tomorrow. / ' / told

C) 'we / visit / paris / ' / they / promised, / will, d) 'do / go / you / to / to / movies / the / ' / she / asked / want, e) announced / 'we / the / winner / ' / are / they, f) 'i / the / letter / ' / he / said, / wrote, g) ' / you / the / hear / news / ' / she / asked / did, h) is / friend. / , / ' / claimed / he / 'she / my, i) ' / called / yesterday / ,' / she / said / him / i, j) ' / the / game / exclaimed / she / won / , 'they, k) ' / was / secret / ,' / whispered / it / he / a, l) she / 'you / careful / should / ,' / advised / be, 2) fix grammatical errors – direct and indirect speech exercises.

a) She say, “I goes on the park.”

She said, “I go to the park.”

b) He said that he don't likes pizza.

C) 'where are she going' asked the john., d) 'i can plays the guittar,' he said., e) she told that she is coming., f) 'did you seen the movie' her asked., g) 'i am having a pen,' he declared., h) she say she love chocolate., i) 'i did no knew about it,' he said., j) 'where do she lives' he inquired., k) she said, 'i can to sings well.', 3) practice your vocabulary completing the sentences.

a) He xxid, “I am gxxxg to the xxxcert.”

He said, “I am going to the concert.”

b) She told me she wxxxed to xxxxt Paris next summer.

C) 'i xxe the cake,' john conxxxxxd., d) mary sxxd that she xxx always wanted to bxxxxx a doctor., e) 'it’s gxxxx to rain,' he xxxd., f) they exclaimed, 'this is the bxxx film we’ve xxxx', g) 'i don’t xxxx her number,' he rexxxxd., h) she whxxxxxed, 'i think he xxx a secret.', i) he said, 'i xxw her yesterday xx xxx market.', j) 'xx brother xoxxx to play guitar,' she mexxxxxed., k) she said, 'i’m wxxxxxd about the exam xxxxxxs.', l) 'i xixx be xxxxnding the meeting,' he xxxxxmed., 4) about direct and indirect speech, write the obvious questions to the answers.

a) He said, “I will come.”

What did he say?

b) 'I am feeling sick,' she said. ( How... )

C) 'we have finished the project,' they announced. ( what... ), d) she said that she didn't steal the cookies. ( what... ), e) 'you look beautiful in that dress,' he complimented. ( what... ), f) 'i am moving to new york next month,' he told. ( where... ), g) she said, 'i can't come to the party'. ( what... ), h) 'we watched the movie last night,' they shared. ( when... ), i) he said, 'she is my sister'. ( who... ), j) 'i will bring the book tomorrow,' she promised. ( what... ), k) 'you are late,' he observed. ( what... ), l) she said, 'i read the news'. ( what... ).

Well done on completing these exercises on direct and indirect speech! Remember, practice is key in mastering any language aspect.

Revisiting such exercises regularly will ensure that you internalize the concepts and apply them effortlessly in real-life situations.

Always pay attention to the context and the tense changes that often come with indirect speech. Keep up the great work, and always strive for continuous improvement in your English journey!

4 English Simple Present Exercises

English Subject Pronoun Exercises

4 English Simple Past Exercises

4 English Plural Exercises

English Adverbs of Place Exercises

4 English Simple Future Exercises

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Reported Speech /

50 Examples of Direct and Indirect Speech Exercises [PDF Available]

Updated on
Jun 25, 2024

50+ Examples of Direct and Indirect Speech: Do you tend to quote exactly what you listen to, or do you prefer to convey the message instead of quoting word-for-word what you listen to? In any case, both actions are examples of Direct and Indirect speech exercises in practicality. There is no doubt that the English language and its grammar rules can be both tricky and easy at times. After all, where tenses are just the tip of the iceberg, you would find voices and direct and indirect speech at its other end under the ocean to explore. But, once you master their complicated rules through tons of examples and exercises, you can be as proficient as a native English speaker.

So, let’s not forget that there is nothing that you, as a human, cannot conquer. Observe these 50 Examples of Direct and Indirect Speech Exercises given in this blog article and make the most out of the rules involved to upgrade your grammar wizardry.

This Blog Includes:

What is direct and indirect speech, rules for direct and indirect speech, 50 examples of direct and indirect speech, examples of direct and indirect speech exercise pdf.

MUST READ! Reported Speech: Definition, Rules, Usage with Examples, Tips, Exercises for Students

Before we walk through the examples of direct and indirect speech exercises, let’s learn that both direct and indirect speech are a part of Reported Speech. You can identify them on the following grounds of differentiation:


	Direct speech involves quoting the exact words spoken by someone, usually enclosed within quotation marks.	Indirect speech, also known as reported speech, involves conveying the meaning of what someone said without using their exact words.
	It maintains the original words, tense, and structure of the speaker’s sentence.	The tense and pronouns might change, and the statement is usually introduced by a reporting verb (e.g., said, told, asked).

Also Read: Figures of Speech with Examples, PDF

Following are some rules for direct and indirect speech which can be used in making sentences:

Note the reporting verb, which can be used to establish the tense of the Indirect Speech.
Adjust the place and time to match the speaker’s current place and time.
Write the correct pronoun for both the object and the subject.
Finally, cross-check the sentence if it has the proper structure and word arrangement.

Now, you should check these 50 examples of Direct and Indirect Speech exercises for a good insight into the topic:

Direct Speech: “I love pizza,” said Sarah.

Indirect Speech: Sarah said that she loved pizza.

Direct Speech: “I’m going to the movies tonight,” said David.

Indirect Speech: David told me that he was going to the movies that night.

Direct Speech: “Can you pass me the salt?” asked Emily.

Indirect Speech: Emily asked me to pass her the salt.

Direct Speech: “I have a big test tomorrow,” said Tom.

Indirect Speech: Tom said that he had a big test the next day.

Direct Speech: “I’m so tired,” said Jessica.

Indirect Speech: Jessica said that she was so tired.

Direct Speech: “What a beautiful day!” exclaimed Mary.

Indirect Speech: Mary exclaimed that it was a beautiful day.

Direct Speech: “I don’t understand,” said John.

Indirect Speech: John said that he didn’t understand.

Direct Speech: “Please be quiet,” said the teacher.

Indirect Speech: The teacher asked the students to be quiet.

Direct Speech: “I’m not feeling well,” said Peter.

Indirect Speech: Peter said that he wasn’t feeling well.

Direct Speech: “I’m so happy to see you!” said Rachel.

Indirect Speech: Rachel told me that she was so happy to see me.

Direct Speech: “Please help me with my homework,” said Amy.

Indirect Speech: Amy asked me to help her with her homework.

Direct Speech: “I’m hungry,” said Ben.

Indirect Speech: Ben said that he was hungry.

Direct Speech: “I can’t believe I won the lottery!” said Charlie.

Indirect Speech: Charlie couldn’t believe that he had won the lottery.

Direct Speech: “I’m so sorry for being late,” said Diana.

Indirect Speech: Diana apologised for being late.

Direct Speech: “I think it’s going to rain,” said Emily.

Indirect Speech: Emily said that she thought it was going to rain.

Direct Speech: “I’m exhausted,” said Fred.

Indirect Speech: Fred said that he was exhausted.

Direct Speech: “I hope you had a nice birthday,” said Harry.

Indirect Speech: Harry hoped that I had had a nice birthday.

Direct Speech: “I’m so excited to go on vacation!” said Isabella.

Indirect Speech: Isabella said that she was so excited to go on vacation.

Direct Speech: “I’m really proud of you,” said Jack.

Indirect Speech: Jack said that he was really proud of me.

Direct Speech: She said, “I am studying for my exam.”

Indirect Speech : She said that she was studying for her exam.

Direct Speech: “We will go to the beach,” he said.

Indirect Speech : He said that they would go to the beach.

Direct Speech : “I don’t like seafood,” she exclaimed.

Indirect Speech : She exclaimed that she didn’t like seafood.

Direct Speech : “They are coming to visit us tomorrow,” he told me.

Indirect Speech : He told me that they were coming to visit us the next day.

Direct Speech : “I have finished my homework,” she mentioned.

Indirect Speech : She mentioned that she had finished her homework.

Direct Speech : “It’s raining heavily,” he observed.

Indirect Speech : He observed that it was raining heavily.

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Direct Speech : “I will call you later,” she promised.

Indirect Speech : She promised that she would call me later.

Direct Speech : “We are going on a trip next week,” they announced.

Indirect Speech : They announced that they were going on a trip the following week.

Direct Speech : “I want to buy a new car,” he said.

Indirect Speech : He said that he wanted to buy a new car.

Direct Speech : “Don’t touch the hot stove,” she warned.

Indirect Speech : She warned not to touch the hot stove.

Direct Speech : “We have been waiting here for hours,” they complained.

Indirect Speech : They complained that they had been waiting there for hours.

Direct Speech : “Let’s have dinner together,” she suggested.

Indirect Speech : She suggested that they should have dinner together.

Direct Speech : “I might visit Spain next summer,” he mentioned.

Indirect Speech : He mentioned that he might visit Spain the following summer.

Direct Speech : “The movie starts at 7 PM,” she informed us.

Indirect Speech : She informed us that the movie started at 7 PM.

Direct Speech : “I can’t attend the meeting tomorrow,” he explained.

Indirect Speech : He explained that he couldn’t attend the meeting the next day.

Direct Speech : “I am going to Paris next month,” she said.

Indirect Speech : She said that she was going to Paris the following month.

Direct Speech : “I have lived here for ten years,” he stated.

Indirect Speech : He stated that he had lived there for ten years.

Direct Speech : “Please pass me the salt,” she requested.

Indirect Speech : She requested to pass her the salt.

Direct Speech : “I lost my keys yesterday,” he admitted.

Indirect Speech : He admitted that he had lost his keys the day before.

Direct Speech : “I will be ready in five minutes,” she assured.

Indirect Speech : She assured that she would be ready in five minutes.

Direct Speech : “She plays the piano beautifully,” he remarked.

Indirect Speech : He remarked that she played the piano beautifully.

Direct Speech : “I want to be a doctor when I grow up,” she said.

Indirect Speech : She said that she wanted to be a doctor when she grew up.

Direct Speech : “I have a busy schedule this week,” he mentioned.

Indirect Speech : He mentioned that he had a busy schedule that week.

Direct Speech : “I don’t like horror movies,” she confessed.

Indirect Speech : She confessed that she didn’t like horror movies.

Direct Speech : “We finished the project last night,” they explained.

Indirect Speech : They explained that they had finished the project the previous night.

Direct Speech : “I will buy some groceries on my way home,” she mentioned.

Indirect Speech : She mentioned that she would buy some groceries on her way home.

Direct Speech : “He can speak three languages fluently,” they informed us.

Indirect Speech : They informed us that he could speak three languages fluently.

Direct Speech : “I finished reading that book last week,” he stated.

Indirect Speech : He stated that he had finished reading that book the previous week.

Direct Speech : “I am attending the conference next month,” she declared.

Indirect Speech : She declared that she was attending the conference the following month.

Direct Speech : “The train leaves at 8 AM,” he reminded me.

Indirect Speech : He reminded me that the train left at 8 AM.

Direct Speech : “Please pass the message to Sarah,” Examples of Direct and Indirect Speech are requested.

Indirect Speech : He requested to pass the message to Sarah.

Direct Speech : “We should submit the report by Friday,” she suggested.

Indirect Speech : She suggested that they should submit the report by Friday.

52. Direct Speech: I said to her, When do you do your homework.”

Indirect Speech: I asked her when she did her homework.

53. Direct Speech: We said to him, “Are you ill?”

Indirect Speech: We asked him if he was ill.

54. Direct Speech: You said to me, “Have you read the articles?”

Indirect Speech: You asked me if I read the article.

55. Direct Speech: He said, “May you live long.”

Indirect Speech: He prayed that I may live long.

If you believe that the examples of direct and indirect speech from above have garnered you the needed confidence, you should download the following practice reported speech exercise and test your learning for assurance.

Explore more exciting reads below:

This was all about the 50 examples of Direct and Indirect Speech exercises. Hopefully, you understood the usage of the speech. To read more voice blogs, follow Leverage Edu .

Harshita is a creative writer cum literature enthusiast in pursuit to extend her learnings of overseas and Indian education sectors to the masses, through her well-curated articles. You may also find her emerging in prose writing or reading Toni Morrison when not writing stuff related to education.

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Direct and Indirect Speech Worksheets

Language Arts >
Grammar >

Fend off any errors that might creep into your speech with our free, printable direct and indirect speech worksheets! We use direct speech to quote the exact same words that someone utters. The indirect speech is used to report someone's speech, often with words slightly changed. Convert a range of sentences including the interrogative, imperative, and exclamatory sentences into reported speech. Make your grammar life richer and more fulfilling with this coveted collection of quoted and reported speech worksheets pdf!

Our direct and reported speech worksheet pdfs are most recommended for children in 4th grade through 8th grade.

Reported Speech with Time Expressions

Kids in 5th grade, 6th grade and 7th grade convert sentences into indirect speech, paying attention to how expressions of time change here. For example, write "that day" for "today" and "the next day" for "tomorrow".

Writing Statements in Reported Speech

Both direct speech and indirect speech have their natural habitat, and children must use each where it belongs. In these direct and indirect speech worksheets pdf, grade 7 and grade 8 kids write each statement as reported speech.

Changing Interrogative Sentences into Reported Speech

Don't write a question mark after "Sam asked me where I was going". This is a statement and not a question, although it contains the word "where". Let children write each interrogative sentence in reported speech here.

Converting Imperative Sentences into Reported Speech

Watch grade 6 kids rewrite sentences that denote a request, command, or advice in reported speech, using reporting verbs like "ordered", "instructed", and more in these printable direct and indirect speech worksheets!

Rewriting Exclamatory Sentences Using Reported Speech

Thanks to scenarios that exclaim – sometimes with joy and other times with sorrow – these grade 8 worksheets are kinetic and ebullient. Upgrade your practice by converting exclamatory sentences into indirect speech.

Changing Reported Speech into Direct Speech

In this section of our printable indirect and direct speech worksheets, there are sets of sentences in reported speech, and children are expected to write each sentence in the direct or quoted speech.

Punctuating Direct Speech

Instruct children in grade 4 and grade 5 to read the given sentences and insert commas and quotation marks wherever necessary to reflect direct speech.

Related Printable Worksheets

▶ Active and Passive Voice

▶ Phrases

▶ Types of Sentences

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Direct and Indirect speech, Rules, Chart and Exercises

Direct and Indirect speech are ways of narrating the speech of someone to some other person following certain rules. This article covers its types, rules, examples and some exercises on the same.

Table of Contents

Direct and Indirect Speech: In English Grammar, direct and Indirect speech are used in instances when we wish to repeat or convey a speech or statement of some other person. Both direct and indirect speech describes what a third person said or conveyed in the past. Indirect speech is more commonly employed unless it’s a direct quotation, which is consistently enclosed in double quotation marks. Whereas indirect speech is used when you want to convey someone’s statement using your own precise words. It’s worth highlighting that indirect speech is consistently expressed using verbs like “said,” “told,” or “asked.”

Direct and Indirect Speech

English has two main ways to report what someone says: Direct and Indirect speech. Direct speech uses the exact words someone said, for example: “I am hungry,” she said. Indirect speech paraphrases what was said, like: She said she was hungry. Both methods help us share information about events, actions, or situations by repeating what others have communicated. Direct speech is like quoting someone exactly, while indirect speech summarizes their words. To help you understand these two types better, we’ve included clear explanations, examples, and exercises. This will make it easier to grasp the differences and use both types of reported speech correctly.

Direct Speech

Direct speech is the mode of expression that directly presents the words spoken or quoted by a third person. Generally, direct speech is written inside quotation marks (“”). The quotation is used to differentiate the speech of the third person that has happened in the past. Thus direct speech conveys statements or conversations of someone in the past tense but quoted inside the quotation marks in the present or future tense.

Kiran said, “I am doing my work.”
They said, ” We will go for the function.”
He asked, “Can I make this?”

Indirect Speech

Indirect Speech is used when we convey what someone said in our own words without repeating the actual text of that person. Instead of using quotation marks, the conjunction word, ‘that’ is used. Thus speaker’s words and sentences are reframed into our own words in Indirect speech. Some examples of indirect speech are:

Direct speech: Kiran said, “I am doing my work.”
Indirect speech: Kiran said that she is doing her work.
Direct speech: They said, ” We will go for the function.”
Indirect speech: They said that they would go to the function.
Direct speech: He asked, “Can I make this?”
Indirect speech: He asked whether he can make that.

Rules for Direct and Indirect Speech

There are certain rules and regulations followed while converting a simple direct speech into indirect speech. Certain factors such as Verbs, Tenses, Modals, time, place, and pronouns are also considered while changing. The following are the rules applied when you convert direct speech to indirect speech in English grammar.

Rule-1 : Direct To Indirect Speech Conversion – Reporting Verb

The reporting verb is an important factor to note when changing a direct to an indirect sentence. When the reporting verb is past tense, then the verb inside the quotation is also changed to past when changing a sentence from direct to indirect speech. Examples:

Direct: He said,’ I am sad.’
Indirect: He said that he was sad.

An exception is for cases like a universal truth, the tenses remain the same.

Teena said” The sun rises in the east”.
Teena said that the sun rises in the east.

If the reporting verb is in present/future tense, then the tense remains the same as in direct speech.

Direct: She says/will say, ‘I am coming.’
Indirect: She says/will say she is coming.

Rule 2: Direct Speech to Indirect Speech Conversion – Tenses

If the sentences inside quotes in direct speech are present tense, it is changed to past tense when changed to indirect speech. The rule in the following table is applied while changing tenses from direct speech to reported speech.



Present Simple Tense do /does V1	Past Simple Tense did + V1 V2
Present Progressive Tense is/am/are + V4	Past Progressive Tense was /were + V4
Present Perfect Tense has /have + V3	Past Perfect Tense had + V3
Present Perfect Progressive has been /have been + V4	Past Perfect Progressive had been + V4
Past Simple Tense did + V1 V2	Past Perfect Tense had + V3
Past Perfect Tense had/have + V3	Past Perfect Tense had + V3
Past Perfect Progressive had been/have been + V4	Past Perfect Progressive had been + V4
Future Simple Tense will + V1	would + V1
Future Progressive Tense will be + V4	would be + V4
Future Perfect Tense will have + V3	would have + V3
Future Perfect Progressive will have been + V4	would have been + V4

Examples of change in Tenses


Ram said, “I do my work.”	Ram said that he did his work.
They said, “We are going now.”	They said that they were going then.
Sara said, ” I have done my work.”	Sara said that she had done her work.
Rohit said, “I have been doing my work.”	Rohit said that he had been doing his work.
Ram said, “I did my work”	Ram said that he had done his work.
They said,”We have done our work”	They said that they had done their work.
They said, “We have been doing our work.”	They said that they had been doing their work.
Ram Said, ” I had been doing my work.”	Ram said that he had been doing his work.
Sara said, “I will do my work.”	Sara said that she would do her work.
They said, “We will be going out.”	They said that they would be going out.
They said, “We will have done this work.”	They said that they would have done that work.
Ram said, “I will have been doing this work”	Ram said that he would have been doing that work.

Rule 4: Direct to Indirect speech Conversion Interrogative sentences

If a sentence starts with a question word like what, when, and why in direct speech, the question word itself acts as the joining class.

Direct speech: “Where do you live ?” Asked the boy.
Indirect Speech: The boy enquired where I lived.

Rule 5: Direct to Indirect Speech Conversion Change in Modals

Modal verbs are those verbs that are preceded by another verb, which is the main verb. Can, May, and Must are some examples of Modals. Modals that won’t change are Could, would, should, ought to, might. While changing direct to indirect speech, the Modals change as below:

Can become could
May becomes Might
Must becomes had to (or) would have to
Direct: She said,” She can sing.”
Indirect: She said that she could sing.
Direct: She said,” I should cook the lunch”
Indirect: She said that she should cook the lunch.

Rule 6: Direct to Indirect speech conversion – pronoun

The first person in Direct speech changes as per the subject of the speech

Direct: He said, “I am in grade sixth.”
Indirect: He said that he was in grade sixth.

The second person of Direct speech changes as per the object of the indirect speech.

Direct: She says to them, “You have achieved your goal.”
Indirect: She tells them that they have achieved their goal.

If the third person is mentioned in the Direct speech, it does not change in reported speech.

Direct: He says, “She sings well.”
Indirect: He says that she sings well.

Rule 7: Direct to indirect speech conversion – Request, Command, Wish and Exclamation.

The imperative words in direct speech change into Infinitives in indirect speech.

Direct: She said to her ‘Please remove it’.
Indirect: She requested her to remove that.

Exclamation

Direct: She said, ‘Alas! I am undone.
Indirect: She exclaimed sadly that she was broke.

Rule 8: Direct to indirect speech conversion – punctuations

In Direct speech, the words spoken must start with(“) and ends with(.) inside the double inverted commas. All symbols such as question marks, full stops or exclamatory marks should be placed inside the quotes.

They said. “We are the best”
She asked, “Can I come with You?”
He uttered, “Keep Quiet!”

Rule 9: Direct to indirect speech conversion – Change of time

While converting direct speech to Indirect speech, there are certain words to be noted that cannot be used as such in indirect speech. These words get modified into new words which are enlisted below:

Now becomes Then
Ago becomes before
Thus becomes So
Today becomes That day
Tomorrow becomes the next day
Yesterday becomes the day before
This becomes that
These become those
Come becomes go
Hence becomes thence
Next week or next month becomes the following week or month
Direct: He says/will say, ‘My girlfriend came yesterday.’
Indirect: He says/will say that his girlfriend had come the day before.

Rules for Converting Indirect Speech into Direct Speech:

The following rules should be followed while converting an indirect speech to direct speech:

Use the reporting verb such as (say, said to) in its correct
Put a comma before the statement and the first letter of the statement should be in capital
Insert question marks, quotation marks, exclamation marks and full stops, based on the mood of the
Remove the conjunctions like (that, too, if or wh ether) wherever necessary .
Where the reporting verb is in the past tense in indirect, change it to present tense in the direct
Change the past perfect tense either into the present perfect tense or past tense, as necessary .

Direct and Indirect Speech – Some Exercises

The following are some exercises that students can practice while preparing for their revision tests or board exams.

Q.1. Find out the correct indirect speech for the given sentence.

She said,’ I have cooked this meal.’

She said that she cooked this meal
She said that she had cooked that meal.
She said that I cooked that meal.
She said that she had cooked this meal.

Answer (2) She said that she had cooked that meal.

Q.2. Choose the correct sentence.

Sanjay said, ‘What a beautiful painting it is’.

Sanjay exclaimed wonderfully that the painting was very beautiful.
Sanjay exclaimed with wonder that the painting was very beautiful.

Answer (4) Sanjay exclaimed with wonder that the painting was very beautiful.

Q.3. The correct indirect speech for She asked, “What is the cost of these books?”

She enquired what was the cost of those books.
She inquired what was the cost of these books.
She enquired what is the cost of those books.
She questioned what was the cost of those books.

Answer (1) She enquired what was the cost of those books.

Q.4. The man said, ‘Oh God! I missed the train today.’

The man cried that he missed the train that day.
The man exclaimed in grief that he missed the train today.
The man said that oh God! he missed that day.
The man exclaimed with sorrow that he missed the train that day.

Answer (4) The man exclaimed with sorrow that he missed the train that day.

Q.5. Rahul said, “Can you call me back later?”

Answer (5) Rahul asked me if I could call him back later.

Q.6. Mom said to me, “May God Bless you”.

Answer (6) Mom wished that God might bless me.

What is the Importance of Learning Direct and Indirect Speech?

Learning direct and indirect speech is crucial for several reasons:

Improved Communication Skills: Understanding both forms helps in accurately conveying messages from one person to another. This skill is essential in both written and spoken communication.
Enhanced Writing Abilities: Using direct and indirect speech allows for more dynamic and versatile writing. It enables writers to present dialogues and reported speech effectively.
Better Understanding of Language Nuances: Mastery of direct and indirect speech helps learners grasp the subtleties of language, including tone, context, and perspective.
Critical Thinking: Converting statements from direct to indirect speech (or vice versa) requires comprehension and analysis of the original message, fostering critical thinking.
Effective Reporting: In fields like journalism, law, and academia, accurately reporting speech is vital. Mastery of both forms ensures precision and reliability in conveying information.

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Direct and Indirect speech-FAQs

Q1. what are direct and indirect speech in english.

Ans. Direct speech is a speech that describes what a third person has conveyed or quoted in a direct manner. Generally, direct speech is written inside quotation marks ("").Indirect Speech is used when we convey what someone said in our own words without repeating the actual text of that person.

Q2. In which speech conjunctions are used and what is the purpose?

Ans. The conjunctions are used in Indirect speech. The speaker's words and sentences are reframed into our own words in Indirect speech using conjuctions as connecting words.

Q3. What are modals and what is the significance of using modals?

Ans. Modal verbs are those verbs that are preceded by another verb, which is the main verb. Can, May, and Must are some examples of Modals. While converting direct to indirect speech Can becomes could, May becomes Might, Will becomes Would. Modals that won’t change are Could, would, should, ought to, might.

Q4 Give a few examples of direct speech.

Ans: Some examples of direct speech have been discussed here: 1. John said, "I will go to the store." 2. Mary asked, "Are you coming to the party?" 3. "It's a beautiful day," remarked Sarah. 4. He shouted, "Watch out for the car!"

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Exercises of Direct and Indirect Speech | Direct and Indirect Speech Exercises with Answers

by Jatinder Kaur | Feb 9, 2024 | General | 0 comments

English Grammar – Direct and Indirect Speech exercises Exercises with Answers

Direct and Indirect Speech Exercises – Writing and communicating effectively require an understanding of direct and indirect speech . Indirect speech expresses the meaning of what was said without utilizing the speaker’s precise words, whereas direct speech quotes someone verbatim. Both forms are important to spoken and written language because they fulfill different purposes and adhere to different standards. We’ll look at the guidelines, purposes, and practice of direct and indirect speech exercises in this post to help you improve your understanding and application of these language tools.

What is Direct and Indirect Speech?

Functions of direct and indirect speech, rules for direct and indirect speech.

Exercise 1- Identify Direct or Indirect Speech
Exercise 2- Change the Sentences
Common Challenges and Pitfalls
Exercise 3 – Multiple Choice Questions

Direct speech, often enclosed within quotation marks, is a verbatim repetition of someone else’s words. It allows for the exact words spoken by a person to be conveyed. If someone were to directly state, “I love chocolate,” for example, it would be quoted as “She said, ‘I love chocolate.'”

On the other hand, indirect speech—also referred to as reported speech—transmits the idea or content of what was said rather than paraphrasing the speaker’s precise words. Pronouns, tenses, and other aspects typically need to be changed to make the sentence make sense within the reporting speaker’s context. For example, “She said that she loved chocolate” is an indirect report of the same statement. Without having to use exact quotations from the speaker, indirect speech summaries or paraphrases what has been stated.

Direct Speech Functions:

Quoting Verbatim : Direct speech allows for the exact words of the speaker to be quoted, preserving their original expression and tone.

Emphasis : Direct speech can emphasize specific words or phrases, as it directly presents the speaker’s words without any alteration.

Clarity: It provides clarity about who said what, especially in dialogue-heavy texts or when attributing specific statements to individuals.

Indirect Speech Functions:

Summarizing: Indirect speech summaries what someone said without quoting them verbatim, condensing the information while maintaining its meaning.

Integration: Indirect speech integrates the reported information into the speaker’s own sentence, making it flow more smoothly within the context.

Narrative Distance: It can create narrative distance, allowing the reporting speaker to distance themselves from the reported speech, which can be useful for maintaining a consistent narrative voice or perspective.

Rule 1: Reporting Verb

It is implied that the reported speech also occurred in the past when the reporting verb—the verb that begins the reported speech—is in the past tense. As a result, in indirect speech, all present tenses are converted to their corresponding past tenses from direct speech.

For example:

Direct: She said, “I am happy.”

Indirect: She said (that) she was happy.

However, the tenses do not alter in indirect speech if the quotes’ contents convey universal truths or routine behaviors.

The tenses of the direct speech in the indirect speech stay the same whether the reporting verb is in the present tense or the future tense.

Rule 2: Tense Changes

Present Perfect changes to Past Perfect.

Direct: “I have been to Boston,” she told me.

Indirect: She told me that she had been to Boston.

Present Continuous changes to Past Continuous.

Direct: “I am playing the guitar,” she explained.

Indirect: She explained that she was playing the guitar.

Direct: He said, “She has finished her homework.”

Indirect: He said that she had finished her homework.

Simple Present changes to Simple Past.

Direct: “I am unwell,” she said.

Indirect: She said that she was unwell.

Rule 3: Past and Future Tenses

Simple Past changes to Past Perfect.

Direct: She said, “Irvin arrived on Sunday.”

Indirect: She said that Irvin had arrived on Sunday.

Past Continuous changes to Past Perfect Continuous.

Direct: “We were playing basketball,” they told me.

Indirect: They told me that they had been playing basketball.

Future changes to Present Conditional.

Direct: She said, “I will be in Scotland tomorrow.”

Indirect: She said that she would be in Scotland the next day.

Future Continuous changes to Conditional Continuous.

Direct: He said, “I’ll be disposing of the old computer next Tuesday.”

Indirect: He said that he would be disposing of the old computer the following Tuesday.

Rule 4: Interrogative Sentences

When an interrogative word (what, where, or when) opens a sentence in direct speech, there is no need for a conjunction in indirect speech because the question word functions as a joining clause on its own.

Direct: “Where do you live?” asked the boy.

Indirect: The boy enquired where I lived.

“If” or “whether” should be used as the connecting clause in a direct speech sentence that starts with an auxiliary verb or helpful verb.

Direct: She said, “Will you come for the party?”

Indirect: She asked whether we would come for the party.

Reporting verbs such as “said/said to” change to “enquired”, “asked”, or “demanded”.

Direct: He said to me, “What are you wearing?”

Indirect: He asked me what I was wearing.

Rule 5: Changes in Modals

Modals change while converting direct speech to indirect speech:

“Can” becomes “could”.

“May” becomes “might”.

“Must” becomes “had to” or “would have to”.

For example:Direct: She said, “She can dance.”

Indirect: She said that she could dance.

However, modals such as “could”, “would”, “should”, “might”, and “ought to” remain unchanged in indirect speech.

Rule 6: Pronouns

The first person in direct speech changes according to the subject of the speech.

The second person in direct speech changes according to the object of the reporting speech. The third person in direct speech remains unchanged.

Direct: He said, “I am in class Twelfth.”

Indirect: He says that he was in class Twelfth.

Rule 7: Requests, Commands, Wishes, Exclamations

Indirect Speech is supported by some verbs like requested, ordered, suggested, and advised. Forbid-forbade is used for negative sentences. Therefore, the imperative mood in the direct speech changes into the Infinitive in indirect speech. For example,

Direct: She said to her, “Please complete it.”

Indirect: She requested her to complete it.

In exclamatory sentences that express grief, sorrow, happiness, applause, interjections are removed and the sentence is changed to an assertive sentence.For example,

Direct: She said, “Alas! I am undone.”

Indirect: She exclaimed sadly that she was broke.

Rule 8: Punctuations

In direct speech, the words actually spoken should be in (‘’) quotes and always begin with a capital letter.Example: She said, “I am the best.”

Full stop, comma, exclamation or question mark, are placed inside the closing inverted commas. Example: They asked, “Can we sing with you?”

If direct speech comes after the information about who is speaking, a comma is used to introduce the speech, placed before the first inverted comma. For example: He shouted, “Shut up!”

Rule 9: Change of Time

Words expressing nearness in time or place change to express distance.

Time expressions remain unchanged if the reporting verb is in the present or future tense.For example:

Direct: He said, “His girlfriend came yesterday.”

Indirect: He said that his girlfriend had come the day before.

Exercise Set 1: Identity Direct or Indirect Speech

a. Identify whether the following sentences are in direct or indirect speech:-

“We have been waiting here for hours,” they complained.
She said that she was going to Paris the following month.
“She plays the piano beautifully,” he remarked.
“I want to be a doctor when I grow up,” she said.
“I have lived here for ten years,” he stated.
He stated that he had finished reading that book the previous week.
“He can speak three languages fluently,” they informed us.
He mentioned that he had a busy schedule that week.
She suggested that they should have dinner together.
“I can’t attend the meeting tomorrow,” he explained.
They explained that they had finished the project the previous night.
I said to her, “When do you do your homework.”
“I might visit Spain next summer,” he mentioned.
We asked him if he was ill.
“I lost my keys yesterday,” he admitted.
She mentioned that she would buy some groceries on her way home.
She assured that she would be ready in five minutes.
He said, “May you live long.”
“I don’t like horror movies,” she confessed.
She requested to pass her the salt.
He reminded me that the train left at 8 AM.
She declared that she was attending the conference the following month.
“Please pass the message to Sarah,” Examples of Direct and Indirect Speech are requested.
“We should submit the report by Friday,” she suggested.
She informed us that the movie started at 7 PM.
Direct Speech
Indirect Speech
Direct Speech
Indirect Speech

b. In the following exercise, the given sentences are either in direct or indirect speech. Convert them into the opposite form of speech:

Sita said that she shall come to see the pictures.
I said to the teacher, “I am working hard.”
The traveler said to me, “Can you tell me the way to the nearest inn?”
The teacher told me that I had not done my homework
Hari asked his father if he could go to the pictures that night
He said, “What a great misery!”
I said to the teacher, “I am sorry”.
The merchant exclaimed with sorrow that he was ruined.
Ram will say that he saw his teacher in the park.
He said to me, “Trust in God and do the right.”
He said that the man should come
He said to me, “You played very well yesterday.”
He requested him to let him study.
She exclaimed that she loved chocolate ice cream.
I said that I had been ill since Monday.
He reminded us that the concert started at 7 PM.
I asked her if she wanted my help

18.The boy requested his papa to forgive him that time.

19.“She is writing a novel,” he mentioned.

He said, “She lives in Amritsar.”
Mohan requested Rajan to go to the station with him.
Prem said to Pran, “Were you present at the meeting?”
The teacher said to the boy, “Shut the door.”
The spectators said, “Bravo well played, Mohan!”
He said, “The train will be late.”
Sita said, “I shall come to see the picture.”
I told the teacher I was working hard.
The traveler asked me if I could tell him the way to the nearest inn.
The teacher said to me, “You have not done your homework.
Hari said to the father, “May I go to the pictures tonight?”
He exclaimed that it was a great misery.
I told the teacher I was sorry
The merchant said, “Alas, I am ruined?”
Ram will say, “I saw my teacher in the park.”
He advised me to trust in God and do the right.
He said, “The man shall come.”
He told me that I had played very well the previous day.
He said to me, “Let me study.”
“I love chocolate ice cream,” she exclaimed.
I said, “I have been ill since Monday.”
“The concert starts at 7 PM,” he reminded us.
I said to her, “Do you want my help?”
The boy said, “Papa! Forgive me this time.”
He mentioned that she was writing a novel.
He said that she lives in Amritsar.
Mohan said to Rajan, “Please go to the station with me.”
Prem asked Pran if he had been present at the meeting.
The teacher asked the boy to shut the door.
The spectators applauded Mohan saying that he had played well.
He said that the train will be late.

Exercise Set 2: Change the Sentences

a. Change the following Direct speech sentences to Indirect speech:

Sahil said to me, “When are you returning? “
“What is the time?” the stranger asked Ashna.
The professor said to Shipra, “Why are you quiet? “
Dhronacharya said to Arjun, “Aim at the fish’s eye. “
“Bring the witness,” said the judge.
“Ring the Fire-brigade,” said the woman.
Bobby said to me, “I must do the homework.”
My brother told me, “You were right.”
Sharma told me, “Please sit here till I come back.”
The coach said, “Bravo! You have performed excellently.”
Raju said, “Alas! My kitty got injured.”
Romi said, “I may come to the seminar”
Bunny said to Sunny, “Do you see me?”
The little kid said, “Let me sit here.”
Grandpa said, “May God bless you.”
“Call the first convict,” said the jury.
“Call the ambulance,” said the man.
Bruce said to me, “I shall do the work.”
My mother said to me, “You were wrong.”
Mr Richard said to me, “Please wait here till I return.”
The captain said to me, “Bravo! You have played well.”
Raj said, “Alas! My pet died.”
Ruchi said, “I may go there.”
Bucky said to Steve, “Do you hear me?”
The boy said, “Let me come in.”
Sahil asked me when I was returning.
The stranger asked Ashna what the time was.
The professor asked Shipra Why she was quiet.
Dhronacharya ordered Arjuna to aim at the fish’s eye.
The judge ordered to bring the witness.
The woman urged to ring the fire brigade.
Bobby said to me he had to do the homework.
My brother told me that I was right.
Sharma requested me to sit here till she comes back.
The coach applauded me by saying that I had performed excellently.
Raju told sadly that his kitty got injured.
Romi said that she might come to the seminar.
Bunny asked Sunny if he saw him.
The little kid requested to let him sit here.
Grandpa blessed me that God might bless me.
The jury ordered to call the first convict.
The man urged to call the ambulance.
Bruce said to me he would do the work.
My mother told me that I was wrong.
Mr Richard requested me to wait there till he returned.
The captain applauded me, saying that I had played well.
Raj exclaimed sadly that his pet died.
Ruchi said that she might go there.
Bucky asked Steve if he heard him.
The boy asked to let him come in.

b. Change the following Indirect speech sentences to Direct speech:

Sarah said that she loved pizza.
David told me that he was going to the movies that night.
Emily asked me to pass her the salt.
Tom said that he had a big test the next day.
Jessica said that she was so tired.
Mary exclaimed that it was a beautiful day.
John said that he didn’t understand.
The teacher asked the students to be quiet.
Peter said that he wasn’t feeling well.
Rachel told me that she was so happy to see me.
Amy asked me to help her with her homework.
Ben said that he was hungry.
Charlie couldn’t believe that he had won the lottery.
Diana apologized for being late.
Emily said that she thought it was going to rain.
Fred said that he was exhausted.
Harry hoped that I had had a nice birthday.
Isabella said that she was so excited to go on vacation.
Jack said that he was really proud of me.
She said that she was studying for her exam.
He said that they would go to the beach.
She exclaimed that she didn’t like seafood.
He told me that they were coming to visit us the next day.
She mentioned that she had finished her homework.
He observed that it was raining heavily.
Sarah said, “I love pizza.”
David said, “I’m going to the movies tonight.”
Emily said, “Can you pass me the salt?”
Tom said, “I have a big test tomorrow.”
Jessica said, “I’m so tired.”
Mary exclaimed, “What a beautiful day!”
John said, “I don’t understand.”
The teacher said, “Please be quiet.”
Peter said, “I’m not feeling well.”
Rachel said, “I’m so happy to see you!”
Amy said, “Please help me with my homework.”
Ben said, “I’m hungry.”
Charlie said, “I can’t believe I won the lottery!”
Diana said, “I’m so sorry for being late.”
Emily said, “I think it’s going to rain.”
Fred said, “I’m exhausted.”
Harry said, “I hope you had a nice birthday.”
Isabella said, “I’m really excited to go on vacation!”
Jack said, “I’m really proud of you.”
She said, “I am studying for my exam.”
He said, “We will go to the beach.”
She exclaimed, “I don’t like seafood.”
He said, “They are coming to visit us tomorrow.”
She mentioned, “I have finished my homework.”
He observed, “It’s raining heavily.”

Common Challenges and Pitfalls:

a. Maintaining Accuracy in Reporting:

Making sure the words or intentions of the original speaker are accurately reported is one challenge. There is a chance that the speaker’s message will be misunderstood or misrepresented when direct speech is converted to indirect speech, particularly if the original remark was unclear or complex. If not managed appropriately, this could result in miscommunications or misunderstandings.

b. Maintaining Clarity and Coherence:

Keeping the reported speech coherent and clear presents another difficulty, particularly when handling complicated phrases or concepts. It’s imperative to make sure the indirect speech both effortlessly integrates into the surrounding context and appropriately communicates the original statement’s intended meaning. A reported speech’s ambiguity or odd wording might mislead readers or listeners and lessen the communication’s overall impact.

Exercise Set 3: Multiple Choice Questions

a. Given below are questions sentences in Direct/Indirect Speech along with four options. You are required to read the Direct and Indirect Speech questions carefully and select the option that expresses the same sentence in the reverse speech i.e., Indirect/Direct Speech:

1. His father says “Honesty is the best policy” (a) His father called honesty is the best policy (b) His father asked if honesty is the best policy (c) His father exclaimed that honesty is the best policy (d) His father says that honesty is the best policy

2. Rama said, ‘I am very busy now.’ (a) Rama said that he was very busy then (b) Rama said that he would be very busy now, (c) Rama said that he is very busy then. (d) Rama said that he is very busy now.

3. He said to him,’ Isn’t your name Khalid?’ (a) He said that his name was Khalid (b) He inquired whether his name was not Khalid (c) He asked is his name was not Khalid (d) He asked why his name was Khalid

4. All said to the beggar, ‘I know you very well’. (a) Ali recognized the beggar (b) Ali told the beggar that he knew him very well (c) Beggar knew Ali too (d) Beggar was recognized by Ali

5. He said, “Yes, I’ll come and see you.” (a) He accepted that he will come and see me (b) He said that he will come and see me (c) He agreed that he will come and see me (d) He said that he would come and see me

6. Ram remarked “What a wonderful day!” (a) Ram exclaimed that it was a wonderful day (b) Ram asked if it was a wonderful day (c) Ram said what a wonderful day (d) Ram asked what a wonderful day

7. The monk said to the followers “Anger kills Intellect” (a) The monk said to the followers anger kills intellect (b) The monk told the followers that anger kills intellect (c) The monk asked followers if anger kills intellect (d) The monk told the followers that anger has killed intellect

8. The poor beggar said, “O God, have mercy on my soul”. (a) The poor beggar prayed to God to have mercy on his soul. (b) The poor beggar, invoking God, implored him to have mercy on his soul. (c) The poor beggar exclaimed that God, have mercy on his soul. (d) The poor beggar told God to have mercy on his soul.

9. John’s father reminded him to take his umbrella. (a) John’s father said, “Remember your umbrella John ?” (b) “Here, is your umbrella John,” said his father. (c) “Are you going to take your umbrella or not ?” said John to his father. (d) “Don’t forget to take your umbrella, John,” said his father.

10. He swore in the name of God that he was ignorant of the matter. (a) He said, “I’m ignorant by God (b) He declared, “God knows I was ignorant of the matter.” (c) He said, “By God ! I’m ignorant of the matter.” (d) He said he was ignorant of God

11. Raj said, “I’m teaching English online” (a) Raj told I am teaching English online (b) Raj asked me if I was teaching English online (c) Raj said he was teaching English online (d) Raj ordered that I am teaching English online

12. The father warned his son that he should be beware of him. (a) The father warned his son, “Beware of me!” (b) The father warned his son, “Watch that chap!” (c) The father warned his son, “Be careful about him.” (d) The father warned his son, “Don’t fall into the trap.”

13. He said to me, “I expect you to attend the function.” (a) He told me that he had expected me to attend the function (b) He told me that he expected me to attended the function (c) He told me that he expected me to have attended the function (d) He told me that he expected me to attend the function

14. John asked, “How long will it take to travel from Germany to South Africa?” (a) John asked how long it will take to travel from Germany to South Africa (b) John asked how long would it take to travel from Germany to South Africa (c) John asked how long it should take to travel from Germany to South Africa (d) John asking how long must it take to travel from Germany to South Africa

15. The designer said to her, “Will you have the dress ready by tomorrow evening?” (a) The designer asked her if she would have the dress ready by next evening. (b) The designer asked her that she would have the dress ready by next evening. (c) The designer asked her that if she will like to have the dress by next evening. (d) The designer asked her that she will have the suit ready by next evening.

16. They said, “Let us come in”. (a) They told that let them be allowed to come in. (b) They requested that they might be allowed to come in. (c) They said that if they are allowed to come in. (d) They requested me to let them come in.

17. Reshma said to Priya, “Why are you sketching on the wall?” (a) Reshma asked Priya why was she sketching on the wall. (b) Reshma asked Priya why had she been sketching on the wall. (c) Reshma asked Priya that why is she sketching on the wall. (d) Reshma asked Priya why she was sketching on the wall.

18.Jacob fell as he’d have wished’, the father said. (a) The father said that Jacob has fallen as he would have wished. (b) The father said that Jacob had fallen as he would have wished. (c) The father said that Jacob had fallen as he had wished. (d) The father said that Jacob had been fallen as he would have been wished.

19. Arya said to Tara, “David will leave for his mother’s place tomorrow.” (a) Arya told Tara that David will leave for his mother’s place tomorrow. (b) Arya told Tara that David will leave for his mother’s place the next day. (c) Arya told Tara that David would leave for his mother’s place the next day. (d) Arya informed Tara that David would be leaving for his mother’s place the next day.

20. The Professor said that nobody could solve the problem. (a) The Professor said, ‘Nobody can solve the problem’. (b) The Professor said, ’Nobody could solve the problem’. (c) The Professor exclaimed, ‘Nobody could solve the problem’. (d) The Professor exclaimed, ‘Nobody can solve the problem?’.

21. She said, “Why didn’t you send a friend request to me?” (a) She asked me why had I not sent a friend request to her. (b) She enquired why I had not sent a friend request to her. (c) She enquired why I did not send a friend request to her. (d) She questioned why I had not sent a friend request to her.

22. The judge commanded them to call the accused in the court. (a) The Judge said, ‘Call the accused in the court’. (b) The Judge ordered, ‘Call the accused in the court’. (c) The Judge command, ‘Call the accused in the court’. (d) The Judge said to them, ‘Call the accused in the court’.

23. The instructor asked Ronny if he was ready for the race. (a) ‘Ronny, are you ready for the race?’, the instructor asked. (b) ‘Are you ready for the race Ronny?’, the instructor asked. (c) ‘Ronny, ready for race?’ the instructor said. (d) ‘Ronny, are you ready for the race?’, said the instructor.

24. Manager said to Shekher, “Why didn’t you attend the meeting yesterday?” (a) The manager enquired Shekhar why did not he attend the meeting the day before. (b) The manager asked Shekhar why he did not attend the meeting the previous day. (c) The manager asked Shekhar why he had not attended the meeting the day before. (d) The manager enquired Shekhar that why didn’t he attend the meeting yesterday.

25. Kiara said that she had been planning for that for a while. (a) Kiara said, “I had a plan for this for a while.” (b) Kiara said, “I have planned for this for a while.” (c) Kiara said, “I have been planning for this for a while.” (d) Kiara said, “I planned this for a while.”

(d) His father says that honesty is the best policy
(a) Rama said that he was very busy then
(b) He inquired whether his name was not Khalid
(b) Ali told the beggar that he knew him very well
(d) He said that he would come and see me
(a) Ram exclaimed that it was a wonderful day
(b) The monk told the followers that anger kills intellect
(a) The poor beggar prayed to God to have mercy on his soul.
(d) “Don’t forget to take your umbrella, John,” said his father.
(c) He said, “By God ! I’m ignorant of the matter.”
(c) Raj said he was teaching English online
(a) The father warned his son, “Beware of me!”
(a) He told me that he had expected me to attend the function
(b) John asked how long would it take to travel from Germany to South Africa
(a) The designer asked her if she would have the dress ready by next evening.
(b) They requested that they might be allowed to come in.
(d) Reshma asked Priya why she was sketching on the wall.
(b) The father said that Jacob had fallen as he would have wished.
(c) Arya told Tara that David would leave for his mother’s place the next day.
(a) The Professor said, ‘Nobody can solve the problem’.
(b) She enquired why I had not sent a friend request to her.
(d) The Judge said to them, ‘Call the accused in the court’.
(a) ‘Ronny, are you ready for the race?’, the instructor asked.
(c) The manager asked Shekhar why he had not attended the meeting the day before.

25.(c) Kiara said, “I have been planning for this for a while.”

b. Change the following dialogues in indirect speech of narration:

1. Mother: Where were you? Daughter: I was on the terrace playing. Mother: Please do not go without prior permission. Daughter: This was the first time ever that I went on the terrace. Mother: Remember, do not go there alone.

Answer: Mother asked her daughter where she had been. The daughter replied that she had been on the terrace playing. The mother then requested her not to go without prior permission. The daughter apologized saying that that had been the first time ever that she had gone on the terrace. The mother warned her not to go there alone.

2. Master: How are you feeling now? Worker: I am feeling better but I am not completely fine. Master: Do you need more rest? Worker: It is okay. I will report tomorrow

Answer: Master asked his worker how he was feeling then. The worker replied that he was feeling better but was not completely fine. The master further asked him if he needed more rest. The worker replied that that was okay and that he would report the next day

3. Rajesh: Where are you going, Rohan? Rohan: I am going to the temple to offer flowers. Rajesh: Do you worship everyday and go to the temple? Rohan: Yes, I go to the temple everyday to worship Lord Shiva.

Answer: Rajesh asked Rohan where he was going. Rohan replied that he was going to the temple to offer flowers. Rajesh then asked him if he worshiped every day and went to the temple. Rohan replied in the affirmative and said that he went to the temple every day to worship Lord Shiva.

4. Teacher: I want all students to quietly do the work. Students: Will you allow us to go for games after this? Teacher: First, all of you have to finish your work. Students: We promise that we will finish our work first

Answer. Teacher instructed the students that she wanted them to quietly do the work. The students asked if she would allow them to go for games after that. The teacher insisted that first, all of them had to finish their work. The students then promised her that they would finish their work first

5. Father. Why did you go to the market today? Son: I had to buy some material to do my project. Father: Who gave you the project? Son: My science teacher gave the project. Father: Do you need any money for it?

Answer: Father asked his son why he had gone to the market that day. Son replied that he had to buy some material to do his project. Father then asked him who had given the project. Son replied that his science teacher had given the project. Father then asked his son if he needed any money for that.

Conclusion:

In summary, the ability to comprehend and employ direct and indirect speech effectively is essential for both written and spoken communication. While indirect speech summarizes or paraphrases what was said in order to convey the content without utilizing the speaker’s exact words, direct speech permits the quotation of a speaker’s exact words while maintaining the speaker’s original expression and tone.

These abilities can be strengthened by practicing tasks like differentiating between direct and indirect communication, recognizing phrases that use each type of speech, and responding to multiple-choice questions. But it’s important to be aware of typical difficulties like reporting with accuracy, making sure that information is clear and coherent, and following grammar rules.

Exercises of Tenses

Exercises on Prepositions

Exercises of Articles

Exercises of Simple Present Tense

Exercise of Adjectives

Exercise of Conjunctions

Exercise of Clauses

Exercises of Countable and Uncountable Nouns

Exercises of Determiners

Exercises of Gerunds

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Direct And Indirect Speech Exercise

Fill in the blanks.

1. 'She is my best friend,' he said. He said that she ............................. his best friend.

Simple present tense in the direct speech becomes simple past tense in the indirect speech.

2. 'She is waiting for us,' he said. /He said that she ............................... for them.

Present continuous in the direct speech becomes past continuous in the indirect speech.

3. 'I have visited all the continents,' he said. / He said that he ............................. all the continents.

Present perfect in the direct speech becomes past perfect tense in the indirect speech.

4. 'She has been living alone for years,' he said. / He said that she ............................... alone for years.

Present perfect continuous in the direct speech becomes past perfect continuous in the indirect speech.

5. 'She will help us,' he said. / He said that she .............................. help them.

Will becomes would in the indirect speech.

6. 'I want to go,' he said. He said that he .................................. to go.

7. 'i don't want to go,' she said. / she said that she .............................. to go., 8. 'i have watched that movie,' he said. / he said that he .................................... that movie., 9. 'she must leave now,' he said. / he said that she ............................... leave then., 10. i can't help you,' he said. / he said that he ................................. help me..

Can becomes could.

11. 'They will have gone,' he said. / He said that they .................................

12. 'i am busy,' he shouted. / he shouted that he ...................................... busy..

‘She is my best friend,’ he said. He said that she was his best friend.
‘She is waiting for us,’ he said. /He said that she was waiting for them.
‘I have visited all the continents,’ he said. / He said that he had visited all the continents.
‘She has been living alone for years,’ he said. / He said that she had been living alone for years.
‘She will help us,’ he said. / He said that she would help them.
‘I want to go,’ he said. He said that he wanted to go.
‘I don’t want to go,’ she said. / She said that she didn’t want to go.
‘I have watched that movie,’ he said. / He said that he had watched that movie.
‘She must leave now,’ he said. / He said that she had to / must leave then.
I can’t help you,’ he said. / He said that he couldn’t help me.
‘They will have gone,’ he said. / He said that they would have gone.
‘I am busy,’ he shouted. / He shouted that he was busy.

Reported Speech – Free Exercise

Write the following sentences in indirect speech. Pay attention to backshift and the changes to pronouns, time, and place.

Two weeks ago, he said, “I visited this museum last week.” → Two weeks ago, he said that . I → he simple past → past perfect this → that last …→ the … before
She claimed, “I am the best for this job.” → She claimed that . I → she simple present→ simple past this→ that
Last year, the minister said, “The crisis will be overcome next year.” → Last year, the minister said that . will → would next …→ the following …
My riding teacher said, “Nobody has ever fallen off a horse here.” → My riding teacher said that . present perfect → past perfect here→ there
Last month, the boss explained, “None of my co-workers has to work overtime now.” → Last month, the boss explained that . my → his/her simple present→ simple past now→ then

Rewrite the question sentences in indirect speech.

She asked, “What did he say?” → She asked . The subject comes directly after the question word. simple past → past perfect
He asked her, “Do you want to dance?” → He asked her . The subject comes directly after whether/if you → she simple present → simple past
I asked him, “How old are you?” → I asked him . The subject comes directly after the question word + the corresponding adjective (how old) you→ he simple present → simple past
The tourists asked me, “Can you show us the way?” → The tourists asked me . The subject comes directly after whether/if you→ I us→ them
The shop assistant asked the woman, “Which jacket have you already tried on?” → The shop assistant asked the woman . The subject comes directly after the question word you→ she present perfect → past perfect

Rewrite the demands/requests in indirect speech.

The passenger said, “Stop the car.” → The passenger asked the taxi driver . to + same wording as in direct speech
The mother told her son, “Don’t be so loud.” → The mother told her son . not to + same wording as in direct speech, but remove don’t
The policeman told us, “Please keep moving.” → The policeman told us . to + same wording as in direct speech ( please can be left off)
She told me, “Don’t worry.” → She told me . not to + same wording as in direct speech, but remove don’t
The zookeeper told the children, “Don’t feed the animals.” → The zookeeper told the children . not to + same wording as in direct speech, but remove don’t

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Reported Speech Exercise 1

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Reported Speech (Indirect Speech)

Exercises on reported speech.

If we report what another person has said, we usually do not use the speaker’s exact words (direct speech), but reported (indirect) speech. Therefore, you need to learn how to transform direct speech into reported speech. The structure is a little different depending on whether you want to transform a statement, question or request.

When transforming statements, check whether you have to change:

present tense verbs (3rd person singular)
place and time expressions
tenses (backshift)

Type	Example
	“I speak English.”
	He says that he speaks English.
	He said that he spoke English.

→ more on statements in reported speech

When transforming questions, check whether you have to change:

Also note that you have to:

transform the question into an indirect question
use the interrogative or if / whether

Type		Example
		“Why don’t you speak English?”
		He asked me why I didn’t speak English.
		“Do you speak English?”
		He asked me whether / if I spoke English.

→ more on questions in reported speech

Type	Example
	Carol, speak English.
	He told Carol to speak English.

→ more on requests in reported speech

Additional Information and Exeptions

Apart from the above mentioned basic rules, there are further aspects that you should keep in mind, for example:

main clauses connected with and / but
tense of the introductory clause
reported speech for difficult tenses
exeptions for backshift
requests with must , should , ought to and let’s

→ more on additional information and exeptions in reported speech

Statements in Reported Speech

no backshift – change of pronouns
no backshift – change of pronouns and places
with backshift
with backshift and change of place and time expressions

Questions in Reported Speech

Requests in reported speech.

Exercise 1 – requests (positive)
Exercise 2 – requests (negative)
Exercise 3 – requests (mixed)

Mixed Exercises on Reported Speech

Exercise on reported speech with and without backshift

Grammar in Texts

„ The Canterville Ghost “ (highlight direct speech and reported speech)

IMAGES

Direct and Indirect Speech Examples
Direct And Indirect Speech Worksheets With Answers
Grammar Direct And Indirect Speech Exercises
Direct And Indirect Speech Exercises For Class 4 With Answers
Direct and Indirect Speech-1
50 examples of direct and indirect speech exercises

VIDEO

Speaking in Style: Mastering Direct and Indirect Speech
Direct Indirect Speech Practice Part 2
Direct vs Indirect Questions: Step-by-Step Guide in Hindi l REPORTED SPEECH l Part-2
Direct and Indirect speech_தமிழில்_ Examples and Exercises_ (Part 2)
Direct speech & indirect speech || Narration change @ChandiSirTutorTime|| grammar
Reported Speech(Direct to Indirect Exercises)with answers #english #grammar #reportedspeech @ANR-dd

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Direct and Indirect Speech Exercise
Practice turning direct speech into indirect speech with 15 examples and answers. Learn the rules and differences of direct and indirect speech with explanations and examples.
Direct and Indirect Speech Exercises and Answers (2024)
Exercise 3: Turn the following sentences from direct Speech to indirect speech. (1) The boys said, "It has been raining since morning. We cannot play today." Ans: The boys said that it had been raining since morning so they could not play that day. (2) Anjan's mother said, "Your father has left for Mumbai." Ans: Anjan's mother said that my father had left for Mumbai.
Direct and Indirect Speech Exercises
Direct and Indirect Speech Exercises
Direct vs. Indirect Speech Quiz
Start >. Preview 20 Quizzes about Direct vs. Indirect Speech. He said, " I went to school yesterday.". A. He said that he had gone to school yesterday. B. He said that he had gone to school the day after. C. He said that he had gone to school the previous day.
Direct and Indirect Speech Exercises
Following are the steps to convert the Direct/Indirect Speech and also let's discuss Direct and Indirect Speech tenses rules in detail. Step 1: Write down the reporting verb that is used to determine the Indirect Speech's tense. Step 2: Change the position and time to reflect the speaker's actual location and time.
Direct and indirect speech exercises
Learn how to use direct and indirect speech to describe what people said with these exercises. Find out the rules, examples and tips for changing tenses, verbs, time expressions, questions and orders.
Direct And Indirect Speech Exercise
Direct And Indirect Speech Exercise. January 13, 2020 - Fill in the blanks. 1. I told him ..... worry. not to. to not. Correct! Wrong! To make negative infinitives we put not before to. ... A present perfect in the direct speech becomes past perfect in the reported speech. 4. He told us ..... for him. to wait. to waiting. waiting. Correct ...
9+ Direct and Indirect Speech Exercises (with Answers) for Practice
Direct and indirect speech exercises: Effective communication involves accurate reporting of the words of others. Direct and indirect speech are the tools that help us achieve this. They help in communicating information with accuracy and clarity. In this blog post, you will learn about reported speech and practice exercises to master the ...
Direct and indirect speech exercises PDF
Direct and indirect speech exercises PDF
Direct and Indirect Exercises With Answers
12) Bobby will say, "I have already done direct and indirect speech exercises. Direct and Indirect Exercises With Answers - The Answers Exercise 1. Tom said that it was hot. Tom said that he had done his homework. Tom said that he would give me a book. Tom asked me if I smoked. Tom asked me where Bob lived. Tom told us that Jane had not ...
Direct and Indirect Speech: Useful Rules and Examples
Differences between Direct and Indirect Speech. Change of Pronouns. Change of Tenses. Change of Time and Place References. Converting Direct Speech Into Indirect Speech. Step 1: Remove the Quotation Marks. Step 2: Use a Reporting Verb and a Linker. Step 3: Change the Tense of the Verb. Step 4: Change the Pronouns.
Direct and Indirect Speech Exercises
Mastery of direct and indirect speech is essential in understanding and effectively communicating in English. It not only provides clarity when conveying messages but also adds depth to our language use, especially when relaying past conversations or reports. In today's lesson, we will delve into exercises designed to enhance your grasp of ...
PDF Direct & Reported Speech Grammar Practice Worksheets ESL Library
A. Direct Speech cont. Position of Quoted Speech. Instructions. Examples. split by the subject and the verb. Begin with the first set of quotation marks. Capitalize the first letter of the sentence. At the end of the first part of the quote, place a comma and quotation marks. Insert the subject and reporting verb, and follow the verb with a comma.
50 Examples of Direct and Indirect Speech Exercises [PDF Available]
50 Examples of Direct and Indirect Speech Exercises [PDF ...
Direct and Indirect Speech Worksheets
Direct and Indirect Speech Worksheets. Fend off any errors that might creep into your speech with our free, printable direct and indirect speech worksheets! We use direct speech to quote the exact same words that someone utters. The indirect speech is used to report someone's speech, often with words slightly changed.
Direct and Indirect speech, Rules, Chart and Exercises
Direct and Indirect speech, Rules, Chart and Exercises
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Direct and Indirect Speech Exercises with Answers
Direct and indirect speech exercise
Direct and indirect speech exercise. October 26, 2013 -. A sentence has been given in direct speech. Out of the four alternatives, select the one which best expresses the same sentence in indirect speech. 1. Rahul asked me, 'Did you see the cricket match on TV last night?'. Rahul asked me if I had seen the cricket match on TV the previous ...
Direct And Indirect Speech Exercise
Direct And Indirect Speech Exercise
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Direct and Indirect Speech Exercise

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Direct and Indirect Speech Exercises and Answers (2024)

Understanding Direct Speech in English

English Indirect Speech examples

Change of Tenses : Direct and Indirect Speech Exercises and Answers

Exercise 1:

Exercise 2:

Exercise 3:

Change of Pronouns in Direct and Indirect Speech: Exercises and Answers

Exercise 4:

Exercise 5:

Time and Place Expressions in Direct and Indirect Speech: Exercises and Answers

Exercise 6:

Exercise 7:

Direct and Indirect Speech Exercises and Answers of Assertive Sentences

Exercise 8:

Exercise 9:

Exercise 10:

Interrogative Sentences Direct and Indirect Speech Exercises and Answers

Exercise 11:

Exercise 12:

Exercise 13:

Imperative Sentences Direct and Indirect Speech Exercises and Answers

Exercise 14:

Exercise 15:

Exercise 16:

Direct and indirect speech Exercises and Answers with “Let”

Exercise 17:

Exercise 18:

Exercise 19:

Direct and Indirect Speech Exercises and Answers of Optative Sentences

Exercise 20:

Exercise 21:

Exercise 22:

Direct and Indirect Speech Exercises of Exclamatory Sentences

Exercise 23:

Exercise 24:

Exercise 25:

Unsolved Worksheets for Direct and Indirect Speech

D. Complete the sentences in the reported speech.

E. Complete the sentence in the reported speech.

F. Complete the sentence in the reported speech.

G. Read the dialogue and complete the following passage.

H. Read the following conversation and complete the passage that follows.

Direct and Indirect Speech Answers Key

D. Complete the sentences in reported speech.

F. Complete the sentence in reported speech.

G. Read the dialogue and complete the following passage

FAQs on Direct and Indirect Speech Exercises and Answers

Conclusion:

Related Posts:

Direct and Indirect Speech Exercises

Direct and Indirect Speech Exercises with Answers

Exercise 1: Change into indirect speech

Answers –

Convert the following into Direct Speech

Frequently Asked Questions

What is indirect speech?

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Direct vs. Indirect Speech Quiz

Understanding Direct and Indirect Speech: Exercises, Examples, and Rules

Some Interesting Facts about Direct and Indirect Speech

What is Direct and Indirect Speech?

Direct Speech

Indirect Speech

For Example,

Direct and Indirect Speech

Direct and Indirect Narration Rules

Step 1: Choosing the Verb's Tense and Conversion

Step 2: Changes are Made to the Word That Communicates Place, Time, and Connection.

Step 3: The Subject and Object Pronouns are Chosen Separately.

Direct Indirect Speech Exercises with Answers

Exercise 1: Convert Direct Speech to Indirect Speech

Exercise 2: Convert Indirect Speech to Direct Speech

Narration Exercise with Answers

Exercise 1: Direct to Indirect Speech

Exercise 2: Indirect to Direct Speech

Some More Direct and Indirect Speech Exercises: