Grammar: Review of Indirect Speech – Basic 6 English Lesson Note (First Term)

Direct vs Indirect Speech

Direct Speech uses the exact words spoken:

• John said, “I am hungry.”
• Mary asked, “Where is the book?”

Indirect Speech reports what was said without using exact words:

• John said that he was hungry.
• Mary asked where the book was.

Key Changes in Indirect Speech:

• Remove quotation marks
• Change pronouns (I → he/she, you → he/she)
• Change tenses (present → past)
• Use connecting words (that, if, whether)

Exercise E – Indirect Speech Practice

Change these to indirect speech:

1. Peter said, “I like football.” → Peter said that _________________
2. The teacher said, “Open your books.” → The teacher told the students _________________
3. Fatima asked, “Are you coming to the party?” → Fatima asked _________________
4. Mother said, “I will cook rice tonight.” → Mother said that _________________