Question

Say whether these sentences are direct or indirect.

1.I asked her whether she wanted to come. ( )
2.I asked, “Do you want to come.” ( )
3.The passenger enquired whether there was a later train.
4.What’s the matter with you.
5.I asked him what the matter was. (______________)
6.How late do the trains run. (______________)

Answer 1

Direct

Indirect

Direct

Direct

Indirect

Indirect

Answer 2

1. I asked her whether she wanted to come. (Indirect)

2. I asked, “Do you want to come.” (Direct)

3. The passenger enquired whether there was a later train. (Indirect)

4. What’s the matter with you. (Direct)

5. I asked him what the matter was. (Indirect)

6. How late do the trains run. (Direct)

Direct speech is basically a speech that quotes what the real person said.

Indirect speech is just like a summary of what the person would do or go.

The first two questions are good examples of that.