Changing Statements into Direct and Indirect Speech Simply

Knowing how to switch between direct and indirect speech is a handy skill in English. Here’s how to do it right, focusing on some important grammar points like verb changes and how subjects and verbs match.

1. What Are Direct and Indirect Speech?

• Direct Speech: This means using someone's exact words.
  Example: She said, "I am going to the store."

• Indirect Speech: This means telling what someone said without using their exact words.
  Example: She said that she was going to the store.

2. Verb Changes

When changing from direct to indirect speech, watch out for verb tenses.

• Present Simple: "He says, 'I eat an apple.'" ➜ He says that he eats an apple.
• Past Simple: "He said, 'I ate an apple.'" ➜ He said that he had eaten an apple.
• Future Simple: "He will say, 'I will eat an apple.'" ➜ He will say that he will eat an apple.

3. Matching Subjects and Verbs

Make sure the subject (who is doing the action) and the verb (the action) match in both forms. If the subject is one person (singular), use a singular verb. If it's more than one (plural), use a plural verb.

• Correct: "She says that she enjoys music."
• Incorrect: "She say that she enjoy music."

4. Modal Verbs

When you use modal verbs, remember how they change:

• Can becomes could.
  Example: "She said, 'I can swim.'" ➜ She said that she could swim.

• May changes to might.
  Example: "He said, 'I may go out.'" ➜ He said that he might go out.

5. Active and Passive Voice

Keep the same voice when you convert:

• Active: "The teacher teaches the lesson." ➜ The teacher said that she taught the lesson. (Active stays Active)

• Passive: "The lesson is taught by the teacher." ➜ The teacher said that the lesson was taught by her. (Passive stays Passive)

Conclusion

Practice turning sentences between direct and indirect speech using these rules. Watch for verb tenses and how subjects and verbs match for correct changes. Keep practicing to get better at your English skills!