Direct Speech
When we want to describe what someone said, one option is to use direct speech. We use direct speech when we simply repeat what someone says, putting the phrase between speech marks:
- Paul came in and said, “I’m really hungry.”
It is very common to see direct speech used in books or in a newspaper article. For example:
- The local MP said, “We plan to make this city a safer place for everyone.”
As you can see, with direct speech it is common to use the verb ‘to say’ (‘said’ in the past). But you can also find other verbs used to indicate direct speech such as ‘ask’, ‘reply’, and ‘shout’. For example:
- When Mrs Diaz opened the door, I asked, “Have you seen Lee?”
- She replied, “No, I haven’t seen him since lunchtime.”
- The boss was angry and shouted, “Why isn’t he here? He hasn’t finished that report yet!”
