Grammar: Direct and Indirect Speech - JSS2 English language Lesson Note

Direct Speech:

A direct speech sentence reports the exact words spoken by someone, without any alteration. It captures the speaker’s original utterance.
In direct speech, we use quotation marks to enclose the spoken words. For example:
“I am no longer a child,” he said.
“Tessy, get out of that place!” Aminu commanded.
“Can I have an apple, please?” Toyin requested.
Indirect Speech (Reported Speech):

Indirect speech, also known as reported speech, conveys the speaker’s words indirectly, without using quotation marks.
When converting direct speech to indirect speech, we make necessary changes to pronouns, tenses, and other elements. For example:
Direct: “He said, ‘I am no longer a child.’”
Indirect: He said that he was no longer a child.
Direct: “Aminu ordered Tessy, ‘Get out of the place!’”
Indirect: Aminu ordered Tessy to get out of the place.
Direct: “Toyin asked, ‘Can I have an apple, please?’”
Indirect: Toyin asked if she could have an apple.

Verb Tenses in Direct and Indirect Speech

Simple Tense:

Direct: “I work in a bank,” said Daniel.
Indirect: Daniel said that he worked in a bank.
Present Tense:

Direct: “I am working,” said Daniel.
Indirect: Daniel said that he was working.
Perfect Tense:

Direct: “I have worked,” said Daniel.
Indirect: Daniel said that he had worked.
Continuous Tense:

Direct: “I am going,” said Daniel.
Indirect: Daniel said that he was going.
In indirect speech, we often use a tense which is ‘further back’ in the past (e.g. worked) than the tense originally used (e.g. work). This is known as backshifting. However, backshifting is not always necessary, especially when the reported information is still true or relevant at the time of reporting