Direct speech
The direct speech ( latin oratio recta, oratio directa ) is a grammatical element in a language is reproduced in a speech or a thought directly in the text. In the script, the speech is placed in quotation marks . Usually the person who speaks is named in the so-called inquit formula (from the Latin inquit - he says). Sometimes the person giving the speech is clear from the context and is not specifically named.
In addition to direct speech, there is indirect speech and experienced speech .
Examples
- He shouted: "Look, it's snowing!"
- She said: "Look, it's snowing!"
- He said: "It's snowing."
- "Look, it's snowing!" He shouted.
- "Look, it's snowing!" She said.
- "It's snowing!" He said.
- "Put on your winter jacket," warned the father, "otherwise you will get cold."
- She said: "It's snowing and I'm cold." - "Have you put on your winter jacket?" He asked.
Commas in direct speech
If the preceding main clause ends with a direct speech, a comma is placed, even if this speech ends with an exclamation mark or question mark :
- She asked: "Will it stay nice today?", While she looked at the thermometer and put on her coat.
- I said, “Good evening!” But he didn't answer me.
If the direct speech with a point would end, this is omitted:
- "I'm going home," he said and opened the door.
- "Stay a little longer," she begged him.
Punctuation in interrupted direct speech
If the accompanying sentence interrupts a sentence of direct speech, the inserted accompanying sentence is enclosed with commas.
- "Up there," says Lello, "is already the villa."
If the direct speech contains a closed sentence before the accompanying sentence, the same rules apply as for simple direct speech.
- "I still remember how you got Nala," says Lilli. "You were really happy back then."
- “Do you remember how you got Nala?” Asks Lilli. "You were really happy back then."