Direct Speech

 Direct Speech

Direct speech refers to the reporting of someone's exact words by placing them within quotation marks. When using direct speech, the speaker's words are quoted verbatim, capturing the original wording, punctuation, and formatting as spoken by the person. Direct speech is commonly used in writing, dialogue in literature, and in journalistic reporting to convey statements made by individuals.

Here are a few key points about direct speech:

1. Punctuation:

• In direct speech, the quoted words are enclosed within quotation marks. The punctuation for the quoted speech is placed inside the quotation marks.
  • Example: She said, "I will be there at 3 o'clock."

2. Reporting Verbs:

• Direct speech is often introduced by reporting verbs such as "said," "asked," "shouted," etc., which indicate who is speaking.
  • Example: Mary asked, "What time is the meeting?"

3. Change of Speaker:

• When there is a change in the speaker, a new paragraph and a new set of quotation marks are used to indicate the change in dialogue.
  • Example: "I don't know," said John. "Why don't you ask Sarah?"

4. Punctuation within Quotation Marks:

• Punctuation marks (such as commas, periods, exclamation points, and question marks) occurring within the quotation are included inside the quotation marks.
  • Example: He exclaimed, "What a beautiful sunset!"

5. Indirect Speech vs. Direct Speech:

• Direct speech conveys the exact words spoken by a person. In contrast, indirect speech reports what someone has said without quoting their exact words and is often introduced by phrases like "He said that..." or "She asked if..."
  • Direct Speech: She said, "I am going to the store."
  • Indirect Speech: She said that she was going to the store.

Direct speech is widely used in literature, conversations, interviews, and other forms of communication to provide a sense of immediacy and authenticity by allowing the reader or listener to hear the speaker's words directly.