Enhancing your writing

Direct and Indirect Speech

Direct speech
When we use direct speech in our writing: The exact words spoken must be put inside speech marks. The first spoken word must have a capital letter. When a new speaker begins, we must start a new line.

Direct speech

Here are some examples of direct speech.

Direct Speech
Ive hurt my leg!

Ive hurt my leg! moaned the boy.

Direct speech
Can you take a deep breath?

Can you take a deep breath? asked the doctor.

Direct speech
I like this dress.

The woman said, I like this dress.

Direct Speech

Use the correct punctuation to write what is being said.

Ive caught three fish. The train will leave in ten minutes!

I love ice cream. I am a clever girl. Do you know what type of angle this is?

Indirect speech
This is sometimes called REPORTED SPEECH. When we use indirect speech in our writing: We dont use speech marks. We usually have to change pronouns and verb tenses. We dont have to start a new line when we report a new speakers words.

Indirect speech
Here are some examples of indirect speech.

Indirect Speech
Ive hurt my leg!

The boy moaned that he had hurt his leg.

Indirect speech
Can you take a deep breath?

The doctor asked the boy if he could take a deep breath.

Indirect speech
I like this dress.

The woman said that she liked the dress.

Indirect Speech

Use the correct punctuation to report what was said.

Ive caught three fish. The train will leave in ten minutes!

I love ice cream. I am a clever girl.

Do you know what type of angle this is?