indirect speech

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "indirect speech" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when discussing the reporting of someone's words without quoting them directly. An example is: She said that she was going to the store. Alternative expressions include "reported speech" and "indirect discourse."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Grammar: Direct and Indirect Speech.

Stanford University

Whether defined as direct or indirect speech, money is property.

The New York Times - Magazine

This simple worksheet from TeachitEnglish uses quotes from Northanger Abbey to explore the difference between direct speech, indirect speech and free indirect speech.

The Guardian

If you aren't sure of the exact wording, use indirect speech.

The Guardian

This is free indirect speech – the modernist tool of choice – at its boneless, yielding best.

The Guardian - Books

Just like African-American "signifying," you can say an awful lot through indirect speech.

The New Yorker

It isn't free indirect speech – a clearer indicator that we are privy to a character's thoughts.

The Guardian - Books

With each use of indirect speech, Benjamin and Crimp compel the listener to step back.

Independent

Nonetheless, pragmatic violations in the use of mitigation and indirect speech that adversely affected learners' arguments were not detected.

Journal of Pragmatics

The first is that he does a "Bob Woodward", reproducing "extrapolated" conversations, rather than putting the quotes in indirect speech.

The Economist

This is reported or indirect speech, "in which the same information is conveyed but the individuality of the character's voice is suppressed by the narrator's".

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When summarizing information from a source, use "indirect speech" to accurately convey the message without directly quoting the original speaker or text.

Common error

Avoid mistakenly using direct quotations when you intend to use "indirect speech". Ensure that you're not enclosing the reported speech within quotation marks, and that necessary tense and pronoun shifts are applied.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "indirect speech" is to act as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb like 'use', 'discuss', or 'define'. It refers to a method of reporting speech, as confirmed by Ludwig examples and the linguistic definition.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

32%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "indirect speech" is a frequently used and grammatically correct term for reporting what someone said without using their exact words. As Ludwig AI shows, it's common in news, science, and encyclopedic contexts. When using "indirect speech", remember to adjust verb tenses and pronouns accordingly. Alternatives include "reported speech" and "paraphrased speech". Avoid confusing it with direct speech, which involves quoting the speaker verbatim. Overall, mastering "indirect speech" is crucial for effective communication and accurate reporting.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reported speech

This term is often used interchangeably with "indirect speech", focusing on the act of reporting what someone said.

reported discourse

Similar to "reported speech", but emphasizes the extended nature of the communication being reported.

indirect quotation

Highlights the reporting of a quote without using the speaker's exact words.

paraphrased speech

Focuses on the act of rephrasing what was said, rather than a direct quotation.

oratio obliqua

A more formal, grammatical term for "indirect speech", often used in linguistic contexts.

embedded speech

Emphasizes how the original statement is integrated into a larger narrative or context.

secondary narration

Describes speech that's being reported by a narrator, not directly spoken.

free indirect discourse

A narrative technique where the thoughts and speech of a character are presented without explicit reporting clauses.

indirect communication

A broader term that involves getting a message across without explicitly stating it.

implicit speech

A subtle way of conveying meaning, implying rather than stating outright.

FAQs

How to use "indirect speech" in a sentence?

Use "indirect speech" to report what someone said without using their exact words. For example: "She said that she was tired" is "indirect speech", while "She said, 'I am tired'" is direct speech.

What is the difference between direct and "indirect speech"?

Direct speech reports the exact words someone used, enclosed in quotation marks. "Indirect speech", also known as reported speech, conveys the message in your own words, often changing verb tenses and pronouns.

What are some synonyms for "indirect speech"?

Synonyms for "indirect speech" include "reported speech", "reported discourse", and "paraphrased speech".

When is it appropriate to use "indirect speech" instead of direct speech?

Use "indirect speech" when summarizing information, avoiding lengthy quotations, or focusing on the content of a message rather than the exact wording. Choose direct speech when the original wording is important for emphasis or accuracy.