The difference between direct and indirect speech

Direct speech is when we report what someone says by repeating the exact words. In writing, we use inverted commas:

David: I have to talk to you about something. (original statement)
"I have to talk to you about something," said David. (direct speech)

Michelle: I'll call them tomorrow. (original statement)
Michelle said, "I'll call them tomorrow." (direct speech)

Indirect speech (also called reported speech) is when we give the same meaning of what someone says without repeating the exact words. In this case, we do not use inverted commas and certain changes may be necessary:

David: I have to talk to you about something. (original statement)
David said he had to talk to me about something. (indirect speech)

Michelle: I'll call them tomorrow. (original statement)
Michelle promised she would call them the next day. (indirect speech)

We also use indirect speech when we report inner thoughts:

I had no idea where my keys were. (Where are my keys?)
She knew that the lock had been changed. (The lock has been changed.)