What is Narration in English Grammar - Rules, Types, Examples

What is narration in grammar refers to the act of reporting the words of a speaker through either direct or indirect speech. It is a fundamental linguistic tool that allows us to convey conversations and information to others. By changing the mode of narration, you can shift between quoting exact words and paraphrasing the original message.

What is Narration in Grammar with Examples for Students

To truly understand what is narration in grammar, we must look at how we share stories and information daily. Narration is essentially the way we report what someone else has said.1 In our English curriculum, specifically for what is narration in grammar class 8 and what is narration in grammar class 9, this topic is often divided into two main categories: Direct Speech and Indirect Speech.

Direct speech involves quoting the speaker's exact words, usually enclosed in quotation marks.3 For instance, He said, "I am playing." On the other hand, indirect speech (also known as reported speech) conveys the same meaning without using the exact words or quotation marks, such as He said that he was playing. For those looking for what is narration in grammar, it is the study of "Kathan" or how we describe a statement. Mastery of what is narration in grammar with examples helps you communicate more effectively by allowing you to choose the most appropriate way to share information based on the context of your story.4

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The Two Types of Narration: Direct and Indirect Speech

Understanding the distinction between these two types is the first step toward grammatical accuracy. Each serves a specific purpose in writing and conversation.

1. Direct Speech

Direct speech is used when we want to repeat exactly what was said. This is very common in literature, plays, and news reporting to provide a sense of immediacy and authenticity.

• Feature: Uses inverted commas or quotation marks.

• Feature: Includes a reporting verb (like "said" or "asked"

• Example: She said, "I am going to the market."

2. Indirect Speech (Reported Speech)

Indirect speech is used when we report the substance of what someone said without necessarily using their exact words. This is often used in summaries or when the exact wording isn't as important as the message.

• Feature: No quotation marks are used.

• Feature: Often uses the conjunction "that" to connect the reporting verb with the reported message.

• Example: She said that she was going to the market.

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Rules for Changing Direct to Indirect Speech

Changing the mode of narration isn't just about removing quotation marks; it involves shifting tenses, pronouns, and time expressions. Here are the core rules found in what is narration in grammar class 9 materials:

Rule 1: Change of Tense

If the reporting verb is in the past tense, the tense of the verb in the direct speech changes to its corresponding past form.

• Simple Present becomes Simple Past: “I write,” he said → He said that he wrote.

• Present Continuous becomes Past Continuous: “I am writing,” he said → He said that he was writing.

• Present Perfect becomes Past Perfect: “I have written,” he said → He said that he had written.

• Simple Past becomes Past Perfect: “I wrote,” he said → He said that he had written.

Rule 2: Change of Pronouns

Pronouns change based on the person of the subject and object of the reporting verb.

• First Person (I, we) changes according to the subject of the reporting verb.

• Second Person (you) changes according to the object of the reporting verb.

• Third Person (he, she, it, they) generally does not change.

Rule 3: Change of Time and Place Expressions

Words that indicate nearness in time or place are changed into words indicating distance.

• Now becomes Then

• Today becomes That day

• Here becomes There

• Tomorrow becomes The next day

• Yesterday becomes The previous day

Read More - Subject in English Grammar – Definition, Uses, and Examples

Examples and Takeaways for Class 8 and 9

When you are practicing what is narration in grammar with examples, it is helpful to see these rules applied in various sentence types.

Assertive Sentences

• Direct: Ram said, "I am very busy now."

• Indirect: Ram said that he was very busy then.

Interrogative Sentences (Questions)

When reporting questions, the reporting verb "said" changes to "asked" or "enquired."18

• Direct: He said to me, "Where are you going?"

• Indirect: He asked me where I was going.

Imperative Sentences (Orders/Requests)

For commands or requests, the reporting verb is changed to "ordered," "requested," or "advised," and the infinitive (to + verb) is used.

• Direct: The teacher said to the boys, "Sit down."

• Indirect: The teacher ordered the boys to sit down.

Exclamatory Sentences

These sentences express strong emotions. "Said" is often replaced by "exclaimed with joy/sorrow."

• Direct: He said, "Alas! I am undone."

• Indirect: He exclaimed with sorrow that he was undone.

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