Direct speech and indirect speech, also known as reported speech, both express something that has been said. Here we’ll look at direct and indirect speech rules with examples, and converting direct speech into indirect speech. DIRECT SPEECH Direct speech tells the  exact  words that someone spoke and these are contained within speech marks “ “, also called quotation marks. “I love dogs,” said Anne. Speech Marks Speech marks may be double “ “ or single ‘ ’ There is no difference between double and single speech marks, but use the same type for both the opening and closing speech mark, and be consistent throughout any one piece of writing.  Both these examples have the exact same meaning and effect “I love dogs,” said Anne. ‘I love dogs,’ said Anne. Reporting Clause The reporting clause –  said Anne –  attributes the words spoken to the person who spoke them. A comma separates the direct speech in the speech marks and the reporting clause. Note the positioning of the commas in these ex