What is Narration in Grammar? Examples and Mixed Narration Exercise

Ever found yourself wondering how to recount someone’s exact words or narrate them differently? Welcome to the world of narration in grammar, a vital tool that helps us convey messages effectively. Whether quoting someone directly or paraphrasing them, narration bridges the gap between speaker and listener with precision and clarity.

In this post, we’ll explore narration, its types, and dive into a series of exercises to hone your skills. By the end, you’ll not only understand narration but also be ready to tackle any exercise on mixed narration with confidence.

What is Narration in Grammar?

Narration in grammar refers to the act of reporting someone’s speech or thoughts. There are two main types:

1. Direct Speech – The exact words of the speaker are quoted and placed within quotation marks.
   • Example: She said, “I love reading books.”
2. Indirect Speech – The speaker’s words are paraphrased without using their exact phrasing.
   • Example: She said that she loved reading books.

Both types of narration allow us to share what someone has said, but they serve different purposes in communication. Let’s break them down further.

Narration in Grammar

Types of Narration in Grammar

1. Direct Speech

Direct speech preserves the speaker’s original tone and emotions. It’s like quoting someone word-for-word.
Example:

• Direct: John said, “I am going to the park.”
• Indirect: John said that he was going to the park.

2. Indirect Speech

Indirect speech, also known as reported speech, rephrases the original words. It requires changes in pronouns, tenses, and adverbs to match the new context.
Example:

• Direct: Sarah said, “I will call you tomorrow.”
• Indirect: Sarah said that she would call me the next day.

Key Rules for Changing Narration

1. Pronoun Changes: Adapt pronouns to match the context.
   • She said, “I am happy.” → She said that she was happy.
2. Tense Changes: Move the tense back in time (present → past, past → past perfect).
   • He said, “I am watching TV.” → He said that he was watching TV.
3. Adverbs and Time Changes: Words like “today” and “tomorrow” need to be shifted to match the reporting context.
   • She said, “I will finish this today.” → She said that she would finish it that day.
4. Use of Reporting Verbs: Use appropriate reporting verbs like said, told, asked, exclaimed, ordered, or requested.

Mixed Narration Exercise

Exercise 1: Convert the sentences from Direct to Indirect Speech

1. She said, “I am feeling cold.”
2. The teacher said, “Read this chapter carefully.”
3. He asked, “Are you coming to the party tonight?”
4. Mother said, “Don’t touch that vase.”
5. The boy exclaimed, “What a beautiful day it is!”

Answers:

1. She said that she was feeling cold.
2. The teacher instructed to read that chapter carefully.
3. He asked if I was coming to the party that night.
4. Mother warned not to touch that vase.
5. The boy exclaimed with joy that it was a very beautiful day.

Exercise 2: Identify the Errors in Mixed Narration in Grammar

1. He said that “I am tired.”
2. She asked that why are you late.
3. The man ordered “to leave immediately.”
4. Sarah exclaimed “how wonderful it is!”
5. He said that he will come tomorrow.

Answers:

1. He said, “I am tired.” → Correct: He said that he was tired.
2. She asked, “Why are you late?” → Correct: She asked why I was late.
3. The man ordered, “Leave immediately.” → Correct: The man ordered to leave immediately.
4. Sarah exclaimed, “How wonderful it is!” → Correct: Sarah exclaimed how wonderful it was.
5. He said, “I will come tomorrow.” → Correct: He said that he would come the next day.

Exercise 3: Practice Sentences (Direct to Indirect and Vice Versa)

1. “I will help you with your homework,” said Tom.
2. The manager said, “We have completed the project successfully.”
3. The child exclaimed with joy, “I won the race!”
4. “Have you seen my keys?” asked the woman.
5. The officer said, “Follow the rules strictly.”

Answers:

1. Tom said that he would help me with my homework.
2. The manager said that they had completed the project successfully.
3. The child exclaimed with joy that he had won the race.
4. The woman asked if I had seen her keys.
5. The officer instructed to follow the rules strictly.

Recap and Final Thoughts

Narration is an essential skill for clear and effective communication. By understanding the rules and practicing regularly, you can master the art of switching between direct and indirect speech.

Remember, the key is to pay attention to changes in pronouns, tenses, and context. Practice the exercises provided above, and don’t hesitate to try your own examples.