Understanding Direct and Indirect Speech: Changes in Punctuation, Pronouns, and Tenses, Summaries of English

Download Understanding Direct and Indirect Speech: Changes in Punctuation, Pronouns, and Tenses and more Summaries English in PDF only on Docsity! Direct and indirect / reported speech Direct speech Introductory clause John said + comma , + inverted commas “ + actual words that are spoken This cheese is delicious + appropriate punctuation mark ! + inverted commas ” Tense If the introductory clause is in the present tense, then we keep the reported speech in the present tense. Jill says, “I am feeling sick today.” Jill says that she is feeling sick today. BUT, if the introductory clause is in the past tense, then we must change the reported speech back one stage in tense. Jill said, “I am feeling sick today.” Jill said that she was feeling sick that day. Jill said, “I was feeling sick yesterday.” Jill said that she had been feeling sick the day before.