20 Examples of Direct and Indirect Speech

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Direct And Indirect Speech Examples

While using English, we use direct and indirect speeches quite often. If a sentence is expressed exactly as it came out of the mouth of the person who said it, it becomes a direct speech. However Indirect Speech (also called reported speech) refers to transmitting a sentence that someone has said. It is often used in daily language.

For example,

Susan told me she ate pizza yesterday. (Indirect Speech)

Susan said, “I ate pizza yesterday.”. (Direct Speech)

Mathilda told me she had to go out. (Indirect Speech)

Mathilda said: “I have to go out.”. (Direct Speech)

Julie asked if the train had left when she arrived at the ticket office. (Indirect Speech)

Julie asked: “Did the train leave?” (Direct Speech)

20 Examples of Direct and Indirect Speech

1	Direct	She says, “I am ill.”
	Indirect	She says that she is ill.
2	Direct	I will study”, Mary said.
	Indirect	I will study”, said Mary.
3	Direct	She said; “The exam is difficult.
	Indirect	She said the test was difficult.
4	Direct	I bought a car.
	Indirect	He said he bought a car.
5	Direct	My parents are very well.
	Indirect	Alex said that his parents were very well.
6	Direct	Please don’t be late.
	Indirect	He asked their not to be late.
7	Direct	I’m living in Texas now.
	Indirect	Her father said that he was living in London now.
8	Direct	I am living in Paris.
	Indirect	He said that he was living in Paris.
9	Direct	My mother isn’t very well.
	Indirect	She said that her mother wasn’t very well.
10	Direct	I need help with my work.
	Indirect	George said “I need help with my homework.”

11	Direct	I was walking along the Street.
	Indirect	He said he had been walking along the Street.
12	Direct	I haven’t seen George recently.
	Indirect	She said that she hadn’t seen George recently.
13	Direct	I would help, but…
	Indirect	He said he would help but…
14	Direct	I’m waiting for Michael, she said.
	Indirect	She said (that) she was waiting for Michael”.
15	Direct	They said, “They have taken exercise.”
	Indirect	They said that they had taken exercise.
16	Direct	I can speak perfect Spanish.
	Indirect	He said he could speak perfect Spanish.
17	Direct	I haven’t seen Mary.
	Indirect	He said he hadn’t seen Mary.
18	Direct	What is your name? she asked me.
	Indirect	She asked me what my name was.
19	Direct	I was sleeping when Mary called.
	Indirect	He said that he had been sleeping when Mary called.
20	Direct	Please help me!
	Indirect	He asked me to help his.