Grammar -> Speech marks 3

Speech marks 3

Direct speech records exactly what a person has said.

IMAGE

Newspapers often use direct speech to quote the exact words used by somebody. This becomes very important when recording a speech or an address by a public figure. When direct speech is used in this way the authority or knowledge of the person being quoted is thus acknowledged. Direct speech also makes emotional statements very powerful. When we read the exact words spoken it is easier for us to put ourselves in the person's situation and to see what is happening to them from their viewpoint.

Examples:

Shortly after the earthquake had destroyed her village a young mother was heard to say, "It came out of nowhere. We were totally unprepared. At that moment in time I thought I would never see my children again."

"Until we make the issue of youth homelessness a priority we will continue to face a growing social crisis," said the Prime Minister.