Direct and indirect speech
In this unit we have learned that we can report speech in two ways:
- Direct speech (also called quoted speech because we use quotatio marks); is often introduced by a reporting verb such as asked, claimed, said, stated, told, and wondered.
Ex:
George asked, “when was the graduation party?”
Andrea said, “the reporter`s claim is reasonable”.
- Indirect speech (also called reported speech because reports what a speaker said in a noun clause or phrase introduced by a reporting verb).
Ex:
Carlos asked, if I`m coming for dinner.
Yhadira said (that) she would like to come to Peru for the summer.
The verbs say and tell are the most common reporting verbs (they have similar meanings but they are used differently). We usually use the simple past form of these verbs in both, direct and indirect speech.
NOTE:
Don`t use tell when the listener is not mentioned.
Ex:
Andrew said, “Mònica, we have to be ready for the interview”.
Andrew told Mònica they had to be ready for the interview.
Mary told them to clean the galley.
Mary said to clean the galley.
Use if or whether (or not), not that, to introduce an indirect yes/no question.
We often use whether (or not) to emphasize alternatives or different possibilities.
Ex:
Frank asked, “Do you think we`ll pass the course?”
Frank asked if/whether (or not) I thought we would pass the course.
If the reporting verb is in the simple past, the verb in the noun clause often changes:
Simple present simple past
Marta said, “I earned more money in my last job”.
Marta said (that) she earned more money in her last job.
Present progressive past progressive
Marta asked, “David, are you applying for a better job in the company?”
Marta asked David if he was applying for a better job in the company.
Simple past past perfect
“I lost all my belongings”, Carlos noted.
Marta noted (that) he had lost all his belongings.
Present perfect past perfect
“David, have you ever tried eating Mexican food?”, Maria asked.
Maria asked David if he had tried eating Mexican food.
Certain modals often change in indirect speech.
Can could
May might
Must had to
Will would
Ex:
“Paulo, can you bring me the apron?” Anita asked.
Anita asked if Paulo could bring her the apron.
“Andrea, may I help you?” Rodrigo asked.
Rodrigo asked Andrea if he might help her.
“I won´t pass the course if I don´t pay attention”, replied Manuel.
Manuel replied that he wouldn´t pass the course if he doesn´t pay attention
I hope this would be ok.....if not I would try to practice more for improve my knowledge...byee teacher
