0
Tenacious Learner Posted 14 years ago
Grammar

Why 'said' instead of 'ask'. Direct Speech.

Hi teachers,
Which is the reason to use the verb 'said' and not 'asked' in the following direct speech sentence?
“Good evening officer. Can I help you?” Coke said.
Though 'Good evening officer.' is not a question.

Thanks in advance.
  

Top answer

In novels, I often read said used in place of asked , even when the quotation is completely interrogative. Either asked or said works here.

— RandomGuy

  • In novels, I often read said used in place of asked , even when the quotation is completely interrogative.
  • Either asked or said works here.
Free · every Monday

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

New words, one handy idiom, and a 2-minute quiz — delivered to your inbox to keep your streak alive.

6 Answers
0
In novels, I often read said used in place of asked, even when the quotation is completely interrogative. Either asked or said works here.
0
0
Aspara GusIn novels, I often read said used in place of asked, even when the quotation is completely interrogative. Either asked or said works here.
Hi Aspara Gus,
Thank you for your reply. Though if I change the sentence to reported speech I have to use, 'asked' right?
Coke said good evening officer and asked if he could help him. Right?

TS
0
0
Hi, Spain,

Yes, that's right.

… and said if he could help him. Emotion: zip it!
0
0
Hi Aspara Gus,
Thank you for your reply.
So we can say:
"Can I help you?" Coke asked / said.
Coke asked if he could help him.
0
0
Thinking SpainSo we can say:
"Can I help you?" Coke asked / said.
Coke asked if he could help him
Yes.
0
0
Hi Aspara Gus,
Thank you for all your help and replies in this matter.

TS
0

Related Questions