Indirect Quotes In News: Examples & How-to Guide

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Indirect Quotes in News: Examples & How-to Guide

Hey guys, ever wondered how news articles report what people say without using their exact words? That's where indirect quotes come in! They're super important for journalists, and understanding them can really help you grasp what's going on in a news story. Let's dive into what indirect quotes are, why they matter, and how you can spot them in news articles.

What are Indirect Quotes?

Indirect quotes, also known as reported speech, are when a writer conveys the meaning of someone's statement without using their precise words. Instead of putting the words inside quotation marks, the writer summarizes or paraphrases what was said. This is different from direct quotes, where the exact words are placed in quotation marks.

Think of it like this: imagine your friend tells you, "I'm so excited to go to the beach tomorrow!" A direct quote would be writing, "My friend said, 'I'm so excited to go to the beach tomorrow!'" An indirect quote would be something like, "My friend said that she was excited to go to the beach the next day."

Why Use Indirect Quotes?

There are several reasons why journalists and writers use indirect quotes:

  • Clarity and Conciseness: Sometimes, a person's exact words might be rambling or unclear. Indirect quotes allow the writer to present the information in a more concise and understandable way.
  • Summarization: When someone gives a long speech or interview, it's not practical to include every single word. Indirect quotes help summarize the key points.
  • Avoiding Bias: By paraphrasing, a writer can sometimes avoid unintentionally including biased language or emotional tone that might be present in the original statement.
  • Grammatical Correctness: Sometimes, the original statement might contain grammatical errors or slang that wouldn't be appropriate for formal writing. Indirect quotes allow the writer to correct these issues while still conveying the meaning.
  • Maintaining Flow: Overusing direct quotes can make an article feel choppy. Indirect quotes help maintain a smoother flow of reading.

Spotting Indirect Quotes

Identifying indirect quotes is pretty straightforward. Here are some key things to look for:

  • No Quotation Marks: The most obvious sign is the absence of quotation marks around the statement.
  • Reporting Verbs: Indirect quotes are usually introduced by reporting verbs like said, stated, explained, mentioned, reported, or claimed. For example: "The president said that he would focus on economic recovery."
  • Changes in Pronouns and Verb Tenses: When converting a direct quote to an indirect quote, pronouns and verb tenses often change. For example, "I am going" becomes "He said he was going."
  • Use of 'That': Often, the word "that" is used to introduce the indirect quote. For example: "She explained that the project was on schedule."

Examples of Indirect Quotes in News Articles

Let's look at some examples to really nail down how indirect quotes work in news articles.

Example 1: Political News

Original Statement (Direct Quote):

"I believe that our new economic plan will create jobs and boost the economy," said the candidate.

Indirect Quote:

The candidate stated that he believed their new economic plan would create jobs and boost the economy.

Analysis:

Notice how the quotation marks are gone, and the verb tense shifts from "will create" to "would create." The reporting verb "stated" introduces the indirect quote. The core message remains the same, but the wording is slightly altered.

Example 2: Business News

Original Statement (Direct Quote):

"We are excited to announce record profits this quarter!" exclaimed the CEO.

Indirect Quote:

The CEO announced that the company was excited to report record profits for the quarter.

Analysis:

Again, no quotation marks. The reporting verb "announced" is used. The phrase "We are excited" changes to "the company was excited." The indirect quote summarizes the CEO's enthusiasm while presenting the information in a more formal tone.

Example 3: Sports News

Original Statement (Direct Quote):

"I'm really disappointed with my performance today. I need to train harder," said the athlete.

Indirect Quote:

The athlete said that they were disappointed with their performance and needed to train harder.

Analysis:

The verb tense changes from "I'm" to "they were." The reporting verb "said" is used. The indirect quote conveys the athlete's disappointment and commitment to improvement without using their exact words.

Example 4: Science News

Original Statement (Direct Quote):

"Our research shows that this new drug is effective in treating the disease," explained the lead scientist.

Indirect Quote:

The lead scientist explained that their research showed the new drug was effective in treating the disease.

Analysis:

Here, the reporting verb is "explained." The indirect quote summarizes the key finding of the research. The use of 'that' helps to introduce the reported information.

How to Write Indirect Quotes

Okay, so you understand what indirect quotes are and how to spot them. Now, let's talk about how to write them effectively.

  1. Listen Carefully or Read the Transcript:

    Whether you're conducting an interview or working from a written statement, make sure you fully understand the original message. Take notes on the key points the speaker is trying to convey.

  2. Identify the Main Idea:

    What's the most important thing the person said? Focus on conveying that main idea in your indirect quote.

  3. Choose an Appropriate Reporting Verb:

    The reporting verb you choose can subtly influence the meaning of the quote. For example:

    • Said is neutral.
    • Claimed suggests doubt.
    • Emphasized highlights importance.
    • Admitted implies something was previously hidden.

    Pick the verb that best reflects the speaker's intent and the context of the statement.

  4. Paraphrase and Summarize:

    Rewrite the statement in your own words. Focus on summarizing the key points and conveying the overall meaning. Don't just change a few words here and there; completely rephrase the sentence.

  5. Adjust Pronouns and Verb Tenses:

    Make sure to change pronouns and verb tenses as needed to reflect the shift from direct to indirect speech. For example:

    • "I am" becomes "He/She was"
    • "We will" becomes "They would"
    • "This is" becomes "That was"

  6. Maintain Accuracy:

    While you're paraphrasing, it's crucial to maintain the accuracy of the original statement. Don't distort the meaning or put words in the speaker's mouth. Double-check your indirect quote to ensure it accurately reflects what was said.

  7. Use 'That' (Optional):

    You can use the word "that" to introduce the indirect quote, but it's not always necessary. It often depends on the flow of the sentence. For example:

    • "She said she was tired." (Correct)
    • "She said that she was tired." (Also correct)

  8. Provide Context:

    Make sure to provide enough context so that the reader understands the significance of the indirect quote. Who is the speaker? Why are they saying this? What's the background of the issue?

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even experienced writers can sometimes make mistakes when using indirect quotes. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for:

  • Not Changing Verb Tenses: Forgetting to adjust the verb tenses is a common error. Make sure to shift the verb tense appropriately when converting from direct to indirect speech.
  • Using Direct Quotes Without Quotation Marks: This is a major no-no! If you're using the exact words of the speaker, you must use quotation marks.
  • Distorting the Meaning: The most important thing is to maintain accuracy. Don't twist the speaker's words to fit your own agenda.
  • Overusing Indirect Quotes: While indirect quotes are useful, overusing them can make your writing feel bland. Mix them up with direct quotes to add variety and impact.
  • Failing to Attribute the Quote: Always make it clear who is speaking. Use a reporting verb and identify the speaker by name and title.

Indirect Quotes vs. Paraphrasing

You might be wondering, what's the difference between an indirect quote and simply paraphrasing information? Good question!

  • Indirect Quote: Specifically reports what someone said. It's attributed to a particular speaker and uses a reporting verb.
  • Paraphrasing: Restates information from any source (a document, a study, an event) in your own words. It doesn't necessarily involve a specific speaker or a reporting verb. You're just explaining a concept or idea in a simpler way. Properly citing your sources is still crucial when paraphrasing, of course!

Conclusion

So, there you have it! Indirect quotes are a vital tool for journalists and writers. They allow you to accurately convey information, summarize key points, and maintain a clear and concise writing style. By understanding the rules and techniques for using indirect quotes, you can improve your writing skills and become a more effective communicator. Now go out there and report some news (or just ace your next writing assignment!).