Differences between direct and indirect speech in English

Hello everybody and welcome.

In English, like in any language,

it’s a really important skill to be able to

tell somebody what somebody else said.

This is called indirect speech.

It can help you in so many everyday situations.

For example, like when you're telling a friend what a famous

sports star has said, or maybe when you're telling your boss

what a customer told you.

And it’s so important that I'm going to tell you all about it

in today's video.

But before I start, as ever, please don’t forget to

subscribe to the channel, if you haven't already.

That way you'll never miss out on any of our great videos.

And so, let’s begin today's great video.

How to use indirect speech in English.

The most important thing when using...

Excuse me.

I believe we have to cut to a newsflash.

Hello and welcome to this evening's Abington Village News.

Lots of exciting news for you today.

Later we’re going to be talking about the cat that was stuck in

a tree at the recreation ground, and a new person that has moved

into the village.

Hello.

But first, the incredible news that England international

football superstar, Johnny Flash has signed for Abington

United Football Club.

I believe we can now cut to an interview with Johnny himself.

How do you feel?

Oh, I mean, it’s a dream come true.

I'm feeling very happy right now to be an Abington United

football player.

And how did the transfer happen?

Talk us through it.

Well, it all happened really quickly, to be honest.

I mean, yesterday morning I woke up, and then while

I was eating breakfast, Abington called me and asked

me to sign.

And the question that everyone is asking,

it’s on everyone's lips, hot topic.

Why did you leave Manchester United for a village club?

I mean, why not?

I mean, I've played for Manchester United for years now,

and I needed a new challenge.

And even before Abington rang me, I had thought

about a transfer.

So, when they did call, I knew it was the right

thing for me.

Sorry, guys, I've got to go. Take care.

One more thing...

So, yes, the remarkable news that Johnny Flash is now an

Abington United football player.

Incredible.

Hello.

Have you heard? No.

What's that?

Johnny Flash has signed for Abington United.

You're joking.

No, I'm not. I promise you, I'm not.

He was just interviewed on the news.

What did he say?

Well...

So, Greg Number 1 is about to tell Greg Number 2 what

Johnny Flash said.

To begin, the most important thing to remember when changing

tenses into indirect speech is that you need to take

a step backwards.

What this means is that you need to change the tense into

its corresponding past tense.

Let me show you some examples.

Let's begin with the present tenses.

The present simple becomes the past simple.

And the present continuous becomes the past continuous.

So, in direct speech Johnny Flash said this.

It’s a dream come true.

I'm feeling very happy right now to be an Abington United

football player.

However, in indirect speech, Greg Number 1 will say this

to Greg Number 2.

Well, he started by saying it was a dream come true

and that he was feeling really happy to be an

Abington United football player.

Next, let’s look at the past tenses.

The past simple becomes the past perfect.

And the past continuous becomes the past perfect continuous.

So, in the interview Johnny Flash said

the direct speech form.

Well, it all happened really quickly, to be honest.

I mean, yesterday morning I woke up, and then while

I was eating breakfast, Abington called me

and asked me to sign.

But Greg Number 1 will use the indirect speech

form to Greg Number 2.

Well, he said it all happened very quickly.

He had woken up yesterday, and then, while he had been

having his breakfast, Abington had called him

and had asked him to sign.

And finally, let’s look at the perfect tenses.

The present perfect becomes the past perfect.

While the past perfect becomes nothing.

It stays exactly the same.

So, Johnny Flash uses the direct speech form.

I've played for Manchester United for years now,

and I needed a new challenge.

And even before Abington rang me, I had thought

about a transfer.

But Greg Number 1 will use the indirect speech

form to Greg Number 2.

Well, he said that he had played for Manchester United

for too long, really.

And that he had thought about a transfer even

before Abington called.

So, let's have a recap on how to change the present,

past and perfect tenses into indirect speech.

Some breaking news for you Abington villagers out there.

I can't confirm, but Johnny Flash

has left Abington United Football Club.

He has left the club after just one day.

And I believe we can now cut to a statement from Johnny.

Afternoon, everybody. Thank you.

Thank you for being here.

I hate to hurt all the fans with my comments,

but this club is a joke.

This afternoon we had a training session and no one came, no one.

So, as a result, I've decided to leave Abington United

Football Club immediately.

So, there you go.

Some really useful tips for you for next time you need to

tell somebody what someone else has said in English.

And, again, just another reminder to subscribe

to the channel, if you haven't done so already,

and also to please share and comment on this video.

And I'll see you next time for more language fun.

See you later.