Page 2 - Mind Map - Notes

Direct and Indirect Speech Rules

Rules for converting Direct into Indirect speech
To change a sentence of direct speech into indirect speech there are various factors that are
considered, such as reporting verbs, modals, time, place, pronouns, tenses, etc. We will discuss each
of these factors one by one.

Rule 1 – Direct To Indirect Speech Conversion – Reporting Verb

1. When the reporting verb of direct speech is in past tense then all the present tenses are
changed to the corresponding past tense in indirect speech.

Direct to indirect speech example:

Direct : She said, ‘I am happy’.

Indirect : She said (that) she was happy.

1. In indirect speech, tenses do not change if the words used within the quotes (‘’) talk of a
habitual action or universal truth.
Direct to indirect speech example:

Direct: He said, ‘We cannot live without air’.

Indirect: He said that we cannot live without air.