words introducing the direct speech

[englishhobby]

Is there a shorter term for 'words introducing the direct speech'. For example in 'I like it,' she said - 'I like it' is direct speech, it's what the girl actually said. And how should I call she said?
Perhaps, it should be called 'the author's words'?

 

[TheParser]

NOT A TEACHER


Here is some information that may interest you. (All emphases are mine.)

"You have until six o'clock tonight to make up your mind," he said brusquely.


"The parenthetical quoting expression he said brusquely may be disregarded in analyzing the statement You have until six o'clock tonight to make up your mind."



Source: Pence and Emery, A Grammar of Present-Day English (1947 and 1963), pages 142 - 143.

 

[teechar]

Is there a shorter term for "words introducing [STRIKE]the[/STRIKE] direct speech"? For example, in "'I like it,' she said", "I like it" is direct speech; it's what the girl actually said. [STRIKE]And how[/STRIKE] What should I call "she said"?
Perhaps, it should be called "the author's words".

You can say it's in the voice of the author.

 

[englishhobby]

Thank you/ I wonder why there are not many examples of this term on the Internet. Don't people who study English grammar need it? Anyway, could you please check this sentence I "created" and say if it's okay (and improve it if you can):

The direct speech consists of somebody’s words and a quoting expression: He thought (a quoting expression), ‘Wow! Thanks, Mum!’(the person’s words).

 

[teechar]

[STRIKE]The[/STRIKE] Direct speech consists of somebody’s words and a quoting expression

It needn't have a "quoting expression" as you call it.