Direct discourse uses quotation marks to repeat a speaker's exact words, while indirect discourse paraphrases or summarizes a speaker's words without quotation marks. Writers should be careful not to shift between direct and indirect discourse within a sentence or question, as this can be confusing for readers. Direct questions use question marks, while indirect questions are statements using periods.

1. Direct and Indirect
Discourse

2. • The word discourse refers to
the verbal expression of ideas,
usually in conversation.
• Direct discourse is punctuated
with quotation marks and
repeats the exact words of a
speaker or writer.

3. Her father said,
"You must be home
no later than
midnight."

4. • Indirect discourse, which
does not use quotation
marks, paraphrases or
summarizes the words of
a speaker or writer.

5. Her father said that she
must be home no later
than midnight.

6. • Writers should take care
not to shift between direct
and indirect discourse
within a sentence.

7. When Jane finally ran out
of patience with the
children, she screamed that
I do not want to hear any
more whining from you.

8. • Questions can be
especially confusing when
writers shift between
direct and indirect
discourse.

9. The highway patrol officer
asked did I realize the
interstate speed limit
throughout the city is fifty-
five?

10. • Please note that direct
questions require question
marks, but indirect questions
are statements that require
periods as end marks.