indirect discourse
the reporting of what a speaker said consisting not of the speaker's exact words but of a version transformed for grammatical inclusion in a larger sentence, as in She said she was not at all hungry.
Origin of indirect discourse
1- Also called in·di·rect speech [in-di-rekt-speech], /ˈɪn dɪˈrɛkt ˈspitʃ/, re·port·ed speech [ri-pawr-tid speech] /rɪˈpɔr tɪd ˈspitʃ/ .
- Compare direct discourse.
Words Nearby indirect discourse
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use indirect discourse in a sentence
The subjunctive is due to the implied indirect discourse, and expresses the thought, not of the writer, but of Mettius subjects.
Selections from Viri Romae | Charles Franois L'Homondindirect discourse means reported speech,—the thoughts of a writer or speaker put in the words of the one reporting them.
An English Grammar | W. M. Baskervill and J. W. SewellFrom these illustrations will be readily seen the grammatical changes made in transferring from direct to indirect discourse.
An English Grammar | W. M. Baskervill and J. W. SewellI extract a few passages, the conversations being given in indirect discourse.
A Book of Exposition | Homer Heath NugentThose who have studied Latin will find the “indirect discourse” of Cicero a useful model.
Threads of Grey and Gold | Myrtle Reed
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