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       Speech in the English Language

In conversation and writing, dialogue may be either direct or indirect. Direct speech comes from the source, whether spoken aloud or written as a quotation. Indirect speech, also known as reported speech, is a second-hand account of something a person said. 

Using the Past Tense

Unlike direct speech, which occurs in the present tense, indirect speech usually occurs in the past tense. For example, the verbs "say" and "tell" are used to relate a conversation that you have had with someone. In this case, the verb that you are relating moves one step back into the past.

Using the Past Tense

Unlike direct speech, which occurs in the present tense, indirect speech usually occurs in the past tense. For example, the verbs "say" and "tell" are used to relate a conversation that you have had with someone. In this case, the verb that you are relating moves one step back into the past.

• Tom: I'm working hard these days.
• You: (relating this statement to a friend): Tom said he was working hard lately.
• Annie: We bought some truffles for a fancy dinner.
• You: (relating this statement to a friend): Annie told me they had bought some truffles for a fancy dinner.

Using the Present Tense

Indirect speech sometimes can be used in the present tense to report to someone who has not heard the original statement. When using "say" in the present tense, keep the tense the same as the original statement, but make sure to change the appropriate pronouns and helping verbs. For example:

• Direct speech: I am giving my opinion.
• Reported speech: He says he is giving his opinion.
• Direct speech: I moved back to my parents' house two years ago.
• Reported speech: Anna says she moved back to her parents' house two years ago.