Direct and Indirect Speech

Direct Speech
 In direct speech, the original speaker's speech, exact words are given and are indicated by quotation marks. "I don't know what to do," said Dean.

Indirect Speech
 In indirect speech, the exact meaning of speech, the speaker's words is given, but the exact words are not directly quoted. Dean said that he didn't know what to do.

 To convert direct speech into indirect speech :  If the main verb is past tense, present tense verbs in the that clause must also be changed to past tense. Dean said that he didn't know what to do .  First and second person pronouns must be changed to third person pronouns. Dean said that he didn't know what to do .  (The that can often be left out: Dean said he didn't know what to do )

Indirect Questions
 The same rules apply to indirect questions as to indirect statements. The difference is that a wh clause is used instead of a that clause  Direct question" :Did Marama's horse win a prize?" Owen asked. asked.  Indirect questions :Owen asked whether( or if) Marama's horse had won a prize. prize.  Direct question: "Why won't you marry me?" asked Donald.  Indirect question: Donald asked her why she wouldn't marry him.