Narration/Speech

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CHAPTER
15 Narration/Speech
The art of conveying the words of the speaker is called Narration. Narration is of two types viz. Direct Speech and Indirect Speech.
(1) Direct Speech – It is a kind of speech which is conveyed by some other person exactly in the words spoken by the speaker. In
this form, the actual words of the speaker are put in inverted commas.
Examples :
The President said, “We will become a developed nation in the coming ten years.” In this example, The President is the
conveyer/reporter, said is the reporting verb and “We will become a developed nation in the coming ten years.” is the reported
speech.
(2) Indirect Speech – It is a kind of speech in which some other person reports what the speaker said in his own words rather than
quoting the exact words, i.e., the actual words of the speaker are transformed and said in a simple manner by using certain
conjunctions in place of commas and making necessary changes in the verbs, pronouns etc., of the reported speech.
Examples :
Direct speech – Monika said, “I am suffering from fever’’.
Indirect speech – Monika said that she was suffering from fever.
IMPORTANT RULES TO CONVERT DIRECT SPEECH INTO INDIRECT SPEECH :
RULES OF CHANGING DIRECT INTO INDIRECT SPEECH
Rule 1: Changes in Tenses:
The past perfect and past perfect continuous tenses do not change.

Direct Speech Indirect Speech

Simple Present Changes To Simple Past "I always drink tea", he said He said that he always drank tea.

Present Continuous Changes To Past "I am reading a book", she said. She said that she was reading a book.
Continuous
Present Perfect Changes To Past Perfect She said, "He has finished his work" She said that he had finished his work.

Present Perfect Continuous Changes To "I have been to England", he told He told me that he had been to England.
Past Perfect Continuous me.
Simple Past Changes To Past Perfect "Bill arrived on Saturday", he said. He said that Bill had arrived on Saturday.

Past Perfect Changes To Past Perfect (No "I had just come back from work," He said that he had just come back from work.
Change In Tense) he said.
Past Continuous Changes To Past Perfect "We were living in Hong Kong", They told us that they had been living in Hong
Continuous they told us. Kong.
Future Changes To Present Conditional "I will be in Italy on Saturday", she She said that she would be in Italy on Saturday.
said
Future Continuous Changes To Conditional He said, "I'll be visiting mother He said that he would be visiting mother next
Continuous next Monday." Monday.

Exception to the above rule:

If the direct speech contains the Universal Truth, the tense of the direct speech remains unchanged even if the reporting verb is in
the past.
yyThe teacher said, “The sun rises in the East”. (Direct Speech)
yyThe teacher said that the sun rises in the East. (Indirect Speech)
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Rule 2: Words Expressing Nearness In Time Or Places Are Generally Changed Into Words Expressing Distance.
Direct Speech Indirect Speech
Here There
Today That day
This morning That morning
Yesterday The day before
Tomorrow The next day
Next week The following week
Next month The following month
Now Then
Ago Before
Thus So
Last Night The night before
This That
These Those
Hither Thither
Hence Thence
Come Go
Rule 3: Changes in Pronouns
The pronouns of the Direct Speech are changed where necessary, according to their relations with the reporter and his hearer, rather
than with the original speaker. This is the SON rule -Subject, Object, No change- of the PERSON of the pronoun.

Direct Speech Indirect Speech

The first person of the reported speech changes He says, "I am in fifth class." He says that he is in fifth class.
according to the subject of reporting speech.
The second person of reported speech changes He says to them, "You have completed He tells them that they have
according to the object of reporting speech. your job." completed their job.
The third person of the reported speech has no change. She says, "She is in ninth class." She says that she is in ninth class.
Rule 4: Changes in Modals
Direct Speech Indirect Speech
CAN changes into COULD He said, “I can touch the ceiling”. He said that he could touch the ceiling.
MAY changes into MIGHT He said, “I may buy a house”. He said that he might buy a house.
MUST changes into HAD TO He said, “I must resign from the job”. He said that he had to resign from the job.
These Modals Do Not Change: would, could, might, should, ought to.
Would She said, “She would apply for a visa”. She said that she would apply for a visa.
Could He said, “I could climb the ladder”. He said that he could climb the ladder.
Might Tom said, “I might help him”. Tom said that he might help him.
Should She said, “I should go to the pub”. She said that she should go to the pub.
Ought to She said to me, “You ought to wait for her”. She said to me that I ought to wait for her.
Rule 5: If the reported speech is an Assertive Sentence
yyRemove the quotation marks in the statement
yyUse the conjunction ‘that’ to connect the reporting clause with the reported speech.
yyChange the reporting verb ‘say to’ into ‘tell’
yyChange the reporting verb ‘said to’ into ‘told’
Note:
yyHe said that (correct)
yyHe told me that (correct)
yyHe told that (Incorrect)
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Examples:
1. “I will work hard to get first class”, said Amir. (Direct Speech)
Amir said he would work hard to get first class. (Indirect Speech)
2. “You can do this work”, said Nelson to John. (Direct Speech)
Nelson told John that he could do that work. (Indirect Speech)
3. He says, “I am glad to be here this evening”. (Direct Speech.)
He says that he is glad to be there that evening. (Indirect Speech)
4. “I’m going to the library now” said Neeta. (Direct Speech)
Neeta said that she was going to the library then. (Indirect Speech)
Rule 6: If the reported speech is an Imperative Sentence (Order, Advice or Request)
yyRemove the quotation mark.
yyDon’t use ‘that’.
yyUse ‘to’ if it is a positive sentence. (without don’t)
yyUse ‘not to’ if the sentence begins with don’t.
yyIf the direct speech contains a request or a command, change the reporting verb (said) into told, requested, ordered, commanded
etc., in its correct tense.
Examples:
1. “Don’t talk in the class”, said the teacher to the boys. (Direct Speech)
The teacher advised the boys not to talk in the class. (Indirect Speech)
2. “Please give me something to eat. I am hungry”, the old man said to them. (Direct Speech)
The old man requested them to give him something to eat and said that he was hungry. (Indirect Speech)
3. “Be careful”, said he to her. (Direct Speech)
He ordered her to be careful. (Indirect Speech)
4. “Bring me a cup of tea”, said Nelson to Andriya. (Direct Speech)
Nelson asked Andriya to bring him a cup of tea. (Indirect Speech)
Rule 7: If the reported speech is an Interrogative Sentence (Questions)
yyRemove the quotation marks and question mark.
yyDon’t use ‘that’.
yyUse ‘if’ or ‘whether’ if the reported speech begins with a helping verb (Auxiliary verb).
yyUse the given interrogative word (what, when, where, why, who, whom, whose, which, how etc.) as the connector if it does not
begin with a helping verb.
yyChanging the reporting verb (said) into ‘asked’ or ‘enquired’.
yyOmit helping verbs ‘do, does, did’ that started the interrogative speech. But don’t omit them when they are with ‘not’ (Example 4).
1. “Won’t you help me to carry this box?” said I to my friend. (Direct Speech)
I asked my friend if he would not help me to carry that box. (Indirect Speech)
2. Mohan said to Stalin, “Why didn’t you attend the meeting yesterday”? (Direct Speech)
Mohan asked Stalin why he had not attended the meeting the day before. (Indirect Speech)
3. “How often do you go to the theatre?” said David to John. (Direct Speech)
David asked John how often he went to the theatre. (Indirect Speech)
4. Mohamed said to Sultan, “Do you like mangoes?” (Direct Speech)
Mohamed asked Sultan if he liked mangoes. (Indirect Speech)
Rule 8: If the reported speech is an Exclamatory Sentence
yyChange the exclamatory sentence into Assertive statement.
yyRemove the quotation marks and exclamatory mark.
yyUse the conjunction ‘that’.
yyOmit the interjections such as Oh, O, Alas, How, What, Hurrah.
yyAdd the word ‘very’ to the adjective or adverb if necessary.
yyIf the verb is not given, use ‘Be’ the verb (is, was, are, were, am) in its correct tense according to the subject.
yyChange the reporting verb (said) to ‘exclaimed’ with modifiers like joyfully, sorrowfully, etc., as the case may be.
1. “O, what a beautiful flower that is!” said she. (Direct Speech)
She exclaimed joyfully that that was a very beautiful flower. (Indirect Speech)
2. “What a horrible sight!” we all cried. (Direct Speech)
We all exclaimed that it was a very horrible sight. (Indirect Speech)
3. “Alas! I have broken my brother’s watch”, said he. (Direct Speech)
He exclaimed sorrowfully that he had broken his brother’s watch. (Indirect Speech)
4. “How beautiful she is!” said Boon. (Direct Speech)
Boon exclaimed joyfully that she was very beautiful. (Indirect Speech)
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EXERCISE
Directions (Qs. No.1-140): In the following questions, a 9. Rajesh said, “I bought a car yesterday.”
sentence has been given in Direct/Indirect Speech. Out of the (a) Rajesh said that I have bought a car the previous day.
four alternatives suggested, select the one which best expresses (b) Rajesh told that he had bought a car yesterday.
the same sentence in Indirect/Direct Speech. (c) Rajesh said that he had bought a car the previous day.
(d) Rajesh said that he bought a car the previous day.
1. He said to her, “Are you coming to the party’’? 10. The employer said to the workman, “I cannot pay you higher
(a) He asked her whether she was coming to the party. wages.”
(b) He told her if she was coming to the party. (a) The employer told the workman that he could not be
(c) He asked her if she will be coming to the party. paid higher wages.
(d) He asked her if she will be coming to the party. (b) The employer forbade the workman that he could not
2. The sage said, “God helps those who help themselves.” pay him higher wages.
(a) The sage said that God helps those who help themselves. (c) The employer forbade the workman to pay higher wages.
(b) The sage said that God helped those whose helped (d) The employer warned the workman that he cannot pay
themselves. him higher wages.
(c) The sage said that God helps those who helped 11. My cousin said, “My roommate snored throughout the
themselves. night.”
(d) The rage said God will help those who will help (a) My cousin said that her roommate had snored
themselves. throughout the night.
3. “Please don’t go away”, she said. (b) My cousin told me that her roommate snored throughout
(a) She said to please her and not go away. the right.
(b) She told me not to go away. (c) My cousin complained to me that her roommate is
(c) She begged that I not go away. snoring throughout the night.
(d) She begged me not to go away. (d) My cousin felt that her roommate may be snoring
4. He said, “I clean my teeth twice a day.” throughout the night.
(a) He said that he cleaned his teeth twice a day. 12. He asked his teacher, “Need I read this chapter?”
(b) He said that he cleans his teeth twice a day. (a) He asked his teacher whether there was a need to read
(c) He said that he used to clean his teeth twice a day. that chapter.
(d) He said that he is used to cleaning his teeth twice a day. (b) He asked his teacher whether he needed to read this chapter.
5. He said to them, “ Don’t make a noise”. (c) He asked his teacher if it was necessary to read this
(a) He told them that don’t make a noise. chapter.
(b) He told them not to make noise. (d) He asked his teacher if he had to read that chapter.
(c) He told them not to make a noise. 13. He said, “What a beautiful scene!”
(d) He asked them not to make a noise. (a) He said that what a beautiful scene it was.
6. The teacher said, ‘Be quiet, boys.” (b) He wondered that it was a beautiful scene.
(a) The teacher said that the boys should be quiet. (c) He exclaimed what a beautiful scene it was.
(b) The teacher called the boys and ordered them to the quiet. (d) He exclaimed that it was a very beautiful scene.
(c) The teacher urged the boys to be quiet. 14. He said, “I saw a book here.”
(d) The teacher commanded the boys that they be quiet. (a) He said that he saw a book here.
7. My friend said to me, “Has your father returned from (b) He said that he saw a book there.
Calcutta?” (c) He said that he had seen a book here.
(a) My friend said to me that my father has returned form (d) He said that he had seen a book there.
Calcutta. 15. He said to me, “What time do the offices close?”
(b) My friend asked me if my father had returned from (a) He wanted to know what time the offices close.
Calcutta. (b) He asked me what time did the offices close.
(c) My friend told me that his father has returned from (c) He asked me what time the offices close .
Calcutta. (d) He asked me what time the offices did close.
(d) My friend enquired me if his father has returned from 16. Pinki said to Gaurav, “Will you help me in my work just now.”
Calcutta. (a) Pinki asked Gaurav if he would help her in her work
8. He said, “Where shall I be this time next year?” just then.
(a) He asked that where should he be that time next year. (b) Pinki questioned to Gaurav that will you help me in my
(b) He wondered where he should be that time the following work just now.
year. (c) Pinki told Gaurav whether he will help her in her work
(c) He contemplated where shall he be that time the just now.
following year. (d) Pinki asked to Gaurav that will he help her in her work
(d) He wondered where he would be that time the following
just now.
year.
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17. Sarita said to me, “I will do it now or never.” 28. He said to her, “Don’t read so fast.”
(a) Sarita told me that I would do it then or never. (a) He told her not to read so fast.
(b) Sarita told me that she would do it now or never. (b) He advised her don’t read so fast.
(c) Sarita told me tht she will do that now or never. (c) He requested her not to read so fast.
(d) Sarita told me that she would do it then or never. (d) He ordered her not to read so fast.
18. She said to him, “Why don’t you go today?” 29. “I don’t know the way. Do you?” he asked.
(a) She said to him that why he don’t go today. (a) He said that he didn’t know the way and did I know it.
(b) She asked him if he was going that day.
(b) He told that he was not knowing the way, but wondered
(c) She asked him why he did not go today.
(d) She asked him why he did not go that day. if I knew.
19. Gavaskar said, “Bravo! Azhar, you have done well.” (c) He said that he didn’t know the way and asked me if I
(a) Gavaskar exclaimed with joy that Azhar had done well. did.
(b) Gavaskar called Azhar and exclaimed that he had done (d) He asked me if I knew the way which he didn’t.
well. 30. He said, “Will you listen to such a man?”
(c) Gavaskar congratulated Azhar, saying that he had done (a) He asked them will you listen to such a man.
well. (b) He asked them are you listening to such a man.
(d) Gavaskar praised Azhar for his having done well. (c) He asked them whether they would listen to such a man.
20. He said to me, “Where is the post office?” (d) He asked them whether they will listen to such a man.
(a) He wanted to know where the post office was. 31. Mary said to Robert, “Let him come, then we shall see.”
(b) He asked me that where the post office was. (a) Mary said to Robert that if he came, they would see
(c) He asked me where the post office was. him.
(d) He asked me where was the post office. (b) Mary told Robert that they shall see him if he came.
21. He said, “The mice will play, when the cat is away.”
(c) Mary told Robert that once he came, they would see
(a) He said that the mice will play when the cat is away.
(b) He said that the mice would play when the cat was away. him.
(c) He said that the mice would play when the cat would (d) Mary told Robert that they would see him if he might
be away. come.
(d) He said that the mice shall play, when the cat is away. 32. He said, “I have often told you not to waste your time.”
22. He said to his servant, “Why are you so lazy today?” (a) He said that he had often told not to waste your time.
(a) He asked his servant why he was so lazy that day. (b) He said that he had often told him not to waste his time.
(b) He asked his servant why he had been so lazy that day. (c) He said that he had often suggested to him not to waste
(c) He asked his servant why he was being so lazy that day. him time.
(d) He asked his servant why was he so lazy that day. (d) He told that he has often told him not to waste his time.
23. He said, “Can you sing?” And I said, “No”. 33. Rajan said, “O that I were a child again !”
(a) He asked me that could I sing and I refused. (a) Rajan exclaimed with wonder that he was a child again.
(b) He asked me if I could sing and I said that I couldn’t. (b) Rajan wondered that were be a child again.
(c) I denied, when he asked me if I could sing. (c) Rajan strongly wished that he had been a child again.
(d) He asked me if I could sing and I said no.
(d) Rajan prayed that he were a child again.
24. He said to her, “May you succeed!”
(a) He told her that she might succeed. 34. I said to my brother, “Let us go to some hill station for a
(b) He prayed to God that she may succeed. change.”
(c) He wished her success. (a) I asked my brother to go to some hill station for a
(d) He said to her that she might succeed. change.
25. He said, “May God grant peace to the departed soul.” (b) I asked my brother if he would go to some hill station
(a) He wished by God to grant peace to the departed soul. for a change.
(b) He wished that God may grant peace to the departed soul. (c) I permitted my brother to go to some hill station for a
(c) He prayed that might God grant peace to the departed change.
soul. (d) I suggested to my brother that we should go to some
(d) He prayed that God would grant peace to the departed hill station for a change.
soul. 35. The Manager said, “Well, what can I do for you?
26. “Are you alone, my son?” asked a soft voice close behind me. (a) The Manager asked what he could do for him.
(a) A soft voice from my back asked if I was alone. (b) The Manager wondered what he could do for him.
(b) A soft voice said to me are you alone son.
(c) The Manager wanted to know what he could do for him.
(c) A soft voice asked that what I was doing there alone.
(d) A soft voice behind me asked if I was alone. (d) The Manager said that he couldn’t do any for him.
27. He said, “I must go next week”. 36. He said to me, “I grew these carrots myself.”
(a) He said that he must go next week. (a) He told me that he had grown those carrots himself.
(b) He said that he must go the following week. (b) He told me that he grew those carrots himself.
(c) He said that he would have to go the following week. (c) He told me I grew these carrots myself.
(d) He said that he was to go the following week. (d) He told me that he grew these carrots himself.
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37. Mrs. Shankar said, “I know what it is to be depressed.” 47. Tania said to her friend, ‘Can you lend me an umbrella?’
(a) Mrs. Shankar is depressed she said. (a) Tania asked her friend to give her an umbrella.
(b) Mrs. Shankar said that she was knowing what it was (b) Tania requested her friend to lend her an umbrella.
to be depressed. (c) Please give me an umbrella Tania requested her friend.
(c) Mrs. Shankar said that she knew what it was to be (d) Will you lend me your umbrella, Tania asked her friend.
depressed. 48. He said, ‘If I had the tools I could mend the car.’
(d) Mrs. Shankar knows what it is to be depressed. (a) He said that if he had the tools he could mend the car.
38. “Who now,” they had asked, “Will listen to our troubles and (b) He tells that he had the tools he could mend the car.
protect us from the crocodiles ?”
(c) He told he could mend the car.
(a) They had wanted to know who will now listen to their
(d) He said I could mend the car if I have the tools.
troubles and protect them from the crocodiles.
(b) They wanted to know who will listen to their troubles 49. He said, ‘I was doing it.’
and protect them from the crocodiles. (a) He said that he did it.
(c) They had wanted to know who would listen to their (b) He said that he has done it.
troubles and protect them from the crocodiles. (c) He said that he had done it.
(d) They had wanted to know who then would listen to (d) He said that he had been doing it.
their troubles and protect them from the crocodiles. 50. Daman says, ‘Priya is working in Ahmedabad.’
39. Moti asked Gangu whether the latter was in his senses. (a) Daman says that Priya is working in Ahmedabad.
(a) “Gangu, are you in your senses?” asked Moti. (b) Daman say that Priya was working in Ahmedabad.
(b) “Are you senseless, Gangu?” asked Moti. (c) Daman said that Priya was working in Ahmedabad.
(c) “Hey Gangu, are you in your senses now?” asked Moti. (d) Daman said that Priya works in Ahmedabad.
(d) “Gangu, have you lost your senses?” asked Moti. 51. I said to him, ‘Will you go to Delhi?’
40. He said that we are all born to die. (a) I asked him will he go to Delhi.
(a) He said, “We are all born to die.” (b) I asked him if he would go to Delhi.
(b) He said, “We have all been born to die.” (c) I said to him would you go to Delhi.
(c) He exclaimed, “We were all born to die.”
(d) I said to him would he go to Delhi.
(d) He said, “We were all born to die.”
52. You will say, “I am ill.’
41. She said to the children, ‘You mustn’t play with fire.’
(a) She told the children they mustn’t play with fire. (a) You would say that you are ill.
(b) She told the children they are not to play with fire. (b) You would say that you were ill.
(c) She told the children they were not to play with fire. (c) You will say that you are ill.
(d) She told the children not to play with fire. (d) You will say that you were ill.
42. He bade his friends goodbye. 53. The old man said that he would soon be leaving the world.
(a) ‘I am bidding you Goodbye.’ (a) The old man said, ‘I am going to leave the world soon.’
(b) ‘Goodbye, my friends’, he was saying to them. (b) The old man said, ‘I shall soon be leaving the world.’
(c) ‘I will see you later’, he told his friends. (c) The old man said, ‘I would soon leave the world.’
(d) He said, ‘Goodbye, my friends’. (d) The old man said, ‘I am soon leaving the world.’
43. He exclaimed with joy that their team had won the tournament. 54. My friend requested me to bring him a sandwich.
(a) He exclaimed, ‘Hurrah! Our team has won the (a) ‘Please bring me a sandwich’, said my friend.
tournament!’ (b) He said, ‘My friend, please bring me a sandwich.’
(b) He said, ‘Our team has won the tournament.’ (c) ‘Please bring my friend a sandwich’, said he.
(c) He said, ‘Wow! Our team won the tournament.’ (d) My friend said, ‘Will you bring me a sandwich.’
(d) He said, ‘Our team won the tournament.’ 55. Anne said, ‘It is time to leave for the meeting.’
44. Iba said that she might go home the next day with her sister.
(a) Anne said that it was time to leave for the meeting.
(a) Iba said, ‘I can go home tomorrow with my sister.’
(b) Anne said its time to leave for the meeting.
(b) Iba said, ‘I may just go home tomorrow with my sister.’
(c) Iba said, ‘I could go home tomorrow with my sister.’ (c) Anne told that it is time to leave for the meeting.
(d) Iba said, ‘I will go home tomorrow with my sister.’ (d) Anne said that it was time for the meeting.
45. She asked me if I was going to college. 56. He said that he intended to leave for Surat that night.
(a) She asked to me, ‘Was I going to college?’ (a) ‘I intend to leave for Surat that night’, he said.
(b) She asked me, ‘Will you go to college?’ (b) ‘I intend to left for Surat that night’, he said.
(c) Said, ‘Am I going to college?’ (c) ‘I intended to leave for Surat tonight’, he said.
(d) She said to me, ‘Are you going to college? (d) ‘I intend to leave for Surat tonight”, he said.
46. I said, ‘Water is essential for life.’ 57. He said, ‘I have read this novel.’
(a) Water is essential for life was said by me. (a) He said that he had read that novel.
(b) I told that water was essential for life. (b) He said that he had read this novel.
(c) I exclaimed that water was essential for life. (c) He said that he read that novel.
(d) I said that water is essential for life. (d) He said that he has read this novel.
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58. Phila ordered her brother to turn down the television and let 68. He said, “Be quiet and listen to my words.”[AFCAT, 2015]
her work in peace. (a) He urged them to be quiet and listen to his words.
(a) Phila said to her brother, ‘Turned down the television (b) He urged them and said be quiet and listen to words.
and let me do my work in peace.’ (c) He said they should be quiet and listen to his words.
(b) Phila said to her brother, ‘Turn down the television to (d) He said you should be quiet and listen to my words.
let me do my work in peace.’ 69. He said to me, “I have often told you not to play with fire.”
(c) Phila said to her brother, ‘Turn down the television that [AFCAT, 2015]
let me do my work in peace.’ (a) He said that he has often been telling me not to play
(d) Phila said to her brother, ‘Turn down the television and with fire.
let me work in peace.’ (b) He told me that he had often told me not to play with
59. He said, ‘Honesty is the best policy.’ fire.
(a) He said that honesty has been the best policy. (c) He remained me that he had often told me not to play
(b) He said that honesty is the best policy. with fire.
(c) He said that honesty had been the best policy.
(d) He said to me that he often told me not to play with fire.
(d) He said that honesty was the best policy.
70. The Captain said to his men, “Stand at ease.”
60. The teacher said to him, ‘Is not poverty a curse?’
(a) The Captain urged his men to stand at ease.
(a) The teacher asked him was poverty not a curse.
(b) The Captain wanted his men to stand at ease.
(b) The teacher asked him whether poverty is not a curse.
(c) The teacher asked him is poverty not a curse (c) The Captain told his men that they should stand at ease.
(d) The teacher asked him if poverty was not a curse (d) The Captain commanded his men to stand at ease.
61. ‘Come home early’, said Mr Mathew to his clerk. 71. The poor examine said, “O God, take pity on me.”
(a) Mr Mathew asked his clerk to be home early. (a) The poor examinee prayed God to take pity on him.
(b) Mr Mathew told his clerk to come home as early as (b) The poor examinee, invoking God, improve him to take
possible. pity on him.
(c) Mr Mathew requested his clerk to come home a little (c) The poor examinee exclaimed that God take pity on
early. him.
(d) Mr Mathew ordered his clerk to come home early. (d) The poor examine asked God to take pity on him.
62. Sita said, “I may go there.” 72. Ram says to me, “You are smart.”
(a) Sita said that she might go there. (a) Ram tells me that I am smart.
(b) Sita says that she may go there. (b) Ram tells me that he is smart.
(c) Sita said that she will go there. (c) Ram tells me that he was smart.
(d) Sita says that she is going there. (d) Ram tells me that I shall be smart.
63. His father said that it was time he visited his uncle. 73. He said, “May God grant her peace!”
(a) ‘It is time you visit your uncle’, said his father. (a) He prayed that God might grant her peace.
(b) ‘It was time you visited your uncle’, said his father. (b) He ordered that God might grant her peace.
(c) ‘It is time you visited my uncle’, said his father. (c) He prayed that God may grant me peace.
(d) ‘It is time you visited your uncle’, said his father. (d) He told that God may grant me peace.
64. The prisoner enquired if a lawyer had been arranged for him. 74. Mohan said to me, “Do not tell a lie.” [AFCAT, 2016]
(a) The prisoner enquired, ‘Had a lawyer been arranged for (a) Mohan forbade me not to tell a lie.
me?’ (b) Mohan advised me not to tell a lie.
(b) The prisoner asked, ‘Has a lawyer been arranged for me?’ (c) Mohan ordered me to tell a lie.
(c) The prisoner enquired, ‘Is there a lawyer for me?’ (d) Mohan advised me to tell a lie.
(d) The prisoner said, ‘Have you arranged a lawyer for me?’ 75. She said, “Goodbye Ramesh.” [AFCAT, 2016]
65. He says that he is very sorry.
(a) She bade Ramesh goodbye.
(a) He said, ‘He is very sorry’
(b) She bade to Ramesh goodbye.
(b) He told me, ‘I felt sorry’
(c) She bids Ramesh goodbye.
(c) He says, ‘I am very sorry’
(d) She had bade Ramesh goodbye.
(d) He said, ‘He was very sorry’
66. Everybody’ says, ‘How well she sings!’ 76. The student said, “Alas! I wasted my time last year.”
(a) Everybody comments that she sings well. [AFCAT, 2016]
(b) Everybody says that she sang well. (a) The student exclaimed with surprise that he had wasted
(c) Everybody says how well she sings. his time the previous year.
(d) Everybody tells that she sang very well. (b) The student exclaimed with sorrow that he had wasted
67. The lady asked me how my uncle was. [AFCAT, 2015] his time the previous year.
(a) The lady said to me, ‘How is your uncle?’ (c) The student exclaimed with joy that he had wasted his
(b) The lady said to me, ‘How was your uncle?’ time the previous year.
(c) The lady asked me, ‘How is your uncle doing?’ (d) The student exclaims with sorrow that he had wasted
(d) The lady asked me, ‘How has your uncle been?’ his time the previous year.
 9
77. I said to him, “Who teaches you English?”[AFCAT, 2016] 86. Ram said to his boss, “Let me go home.”
(a) I asked him who was taught him English. (a) Ram requested his boss to allow him to go home.
(b) I asked him who had taught him English. (b) Ram requested to his boss to allow him to go home.
(c) I asked him who taught me English. (c) Ram requested his boss that he should go home.
(d) I asked him who taught him English. (d) Ram requested his boss to allow him for going home.
78. I said to him, “Why are you working so hard?” 87. The officer said to the peon, “Let the man go in.”
(a) I asked him why was he working so hard. (a) The officer ordered to the peon to allow the man to come in.
(b) I asked him why he had been working so hard. (b) The officer ordered the peon to allow the man to come in.
(c) I asked him why he was working so hard. (c) The officer ordered the peon to let the man come in.
(d) I asked him why had he been working so hard. (d) The officer ordered the peon to allow him to come in.
79. Manna asked Rohan, “Have you sat in a trolley bus before?” 88. He said to Akash, “Don’t move”.
(a) Manna asked Rohan whether he had sat in a trolley bus
(a) He told Akash not to move.
earlier.
(b) He told Akash don’t move.
(b) Manna asked Rohan had he sat in a trolley bus before.
(c) Manna asked Rohan if he sat on a trolley bus before. (c) He said to Akash not to move.
(d) Manna asked Rohan if he has ever sat in a trolley bus. (d) He told Akash to not to move.
80. He said to the interviewer, “Could you please repeat the 89. He said to me, “Don’t go out.”
question?” (a) He forbade me to not to go out.
(a) He requested the interviewer if he could please repeat (b) He forbade me to go out.
the question. (c) He forbade me not to go out.
(b) He requested the interviewer to repeat the question. (d) He forbade me to not go out.
(c) He requested the interviewer to please repeat the 90. You said to your mother, “Stop working.”
question. [SSC Steno, 2016]
(d) He requested the interviewer the interviewer if he could (a) You prohibited your mother from working.
repeat the question. (b) You prohibited your mother to work.
81. She says, “Reema comes late”. (c) You prohibited your mother by asking to stop working.
(a) She said that Reema comes late. (d) You asked your mother to let the work stop.
(b) She says that Reema comes late. 91. He said, “I saw him here.” [SSC Steno, 2016]
(c) She says that Reema came late. (a) He said that he saw him there.
(d) She says that Reema was coming late. (b) He said that he has seen him there.
82. Pressed by his students, the Principal suddenly said, “I am (c) He said that he had seen him there.
in no way responsible for the quarrel.” (d) He said he had seen him there.
(a) Pressed by his students, the Principal suddenly said that 92. He said, “I had gone to New Delhi.” [SSC Steno, 2016]
he was in no way responsible for the quarrel. (a) He said that he had gone to New Delhi.
(b) Pressed by his students, the Principal suddenly told that
(b) He said that he had to go to New Delhi.
he was in no way responsible for the quarrel.
(c) He said that he was gone to New Delhi.
(c) The Principal suddenly said he was in no way
(d) He said that he had been going to New Delhi.
responsible for the quarrel, pressed by his students.
(d) Pressed by his students, the Principal suddenly said that 93. He said to me, “I have often told you not to play with fire.”
he is in no way responsible for the quarrel. [SSC Steno, 2016]
83. Deepak said to Mona, “You are punctual.” (a) He said that he has often been telling me not to play
(a) Deepak told Mona that she is punctual. with fire.
(b) Deepak told Mona that she was punctual. (b) He told me that he had often told me not to play with
(c) Deepak said to Mona that she was punctual. fire.
(d) Deepak told that Mona was punctual. (c) The reminded me that he had often told me not to play
84. I said to him, “Let us go out for a walk.” with fire.
(a) I proposed to him to go out for a walk. (d) He said to me that he often told me not to play with fire.
(b) I proposed to him that let’s go out for a walk. 94. He said, “I clean my teeth twice a day.”
(c) I proposed him that we should go out for a walk. (a) He said that he cleaned his teeth twice a day.
(d) I proposed to him that we should go out for a walk. (b) He said that he cleans his teeth twice a day.
85. I said to the villagers, “Let’s help the injured men.” (c) He said that he was to clean his teeth twice a day.
(a) I suggested to the villagers we should help the injured (d) He said he cleans his teeth twice a day.
men. 95. The boys said, “Hurrah! we have won the match.”
(b) I suggested to the villagers that we should help the (a) The boys exclaimed with joy that they won the match.
injured men. (b) The boys exclaimed with joy that had to win the match.
(c) I suggested to the villagers that the injured men should (c) The boys exclaimed with shock that they had won the
be helped. match.
(d) I suggested the villagers that we should help the injured (d) The boys exclaimed with joy that they had won the match.
men.
 10
96. Socrates said, “Virtue is its own reward.” (b) I said to her, “I can no longer tolerate your coming late.”
(a) Socrates said that virtue had its own rewards. (c) I said to her, “He can no longer tolerate her coming
(b) Socrates says that virtue is its own reward. late.”
(c) Socrates said that virtue is its own reward. (d) I said to her, “I can no longer tolerate she coming late.”
(d) Socrates said that virtue was its own reward. 104. I said to my mother, “I will certainly take you to Bangalore
97. He said to the interviewer, “Could you please repeat the this week.”
question?” (a) I told my mother he would certainly take her to
(a) He requested the interviewer if he could please repeat Bangalore that week.
the question. (b) I told my mother that I would certainly take her to
(b) He requested the interviewer to please repeat the Bangalore that week.
question. (c) I told my mother that she would certainly take her to
(c) He requested the interviewer to repeat the question. Bangalore that week.
(d) He requested the interviewer if he could repeat the (d) I told to my mother that I would take you to Bangalore
question. that week.
98. He said, “It used to be a lovely, quiet street.” 105. “How long does the journey take?” My co-passenger asked me.
(a) He said that it used to be a lovely, quiet street. (a) My co-passenger asked me how long does the journey
(b) He pointed out that it had used to be a lovely, quiet take.
street. (b) I asked my co-passenger how long the journey would
(c) He said that there used to be a lovely, quiet street. take.
(d) He inquired whether there was a lovely, quiet street. (c) My co-passenger wanted to know how long the journey
99. The Prime Minister said that no one would be allowed to would take.
disturb the peace. (d) My co-passenger asked me how long the journey did
take.
(a) The Prime Minister said, “We shall not allow anyone
106. “What did you eat for breakfast today ?” The doctor asked
to disturb the peace.”
the patient.  [SSC CGL, 2017]
(b) The Prime Minister said, “We would not allow no one
(a) The doctor asked the patient whether he had eaten
to disturb the peace.”
breakfast that day.
(c) The Prime Minister said, “No one will disturb the
(b) The doctor asked the patient what he had eaten for
peace.” breakfast that day.
(d) The Prime Minister said, “No one can disturb the peace.” (c) The doctor asked the patient whether he has eaten
100. The spectators said, “Bravo! Well done, players.” breakfast that day.
(a) The spectators shouted that the players were doing very (d) The doctor asked the patient whether he was eaten
well. breakfast that day.
(b) The spectators exclaimed with joy that the players were 107. The employer said to him, “I shall pay your wages
doing very well. tomorrow.” [SSC CGL, 2017]
(c) The spectators applauded the players saying that they (a) The employer said that he shall pay your wages the next
had done well. day.
(d) The spectators applauded the players joyfully to do well. (b) The employer told him that he would pay his wages the
101. I said to my friend, “Good Morning. Let us go for a picnic next day.
today.” (c) The employer said that I shall pay my wages the next day.
(a) I told good morning to my friend, and asked to go for (d) The employer said that he shall pay his wages the next
a picnic that day. day.
(b) I wished my friend good morning and proposed that we 108. “Why are you looking through the key hole ?” I said.
should go for a picnic that day. [SSC CGL, 2017]
(c) I wished my friend good morning and proposed that (a) I asked him why he was looking through the key hole.
should go for a picnic that day. (b) I said to him why he is looking through the key hole.
(d) I told good morning to my friend and suggested to go (c) I said to him that way he was looking through the key
for a picnic today. hole.
102. The new student asked the old one, “Do you know my (d) I asked you why you are looking through the key hole.
name?” 109. “How cruel the boss is!” said the clerk.  [SSC CGL, 2017]
(a) The new student asked the old one if he knew his name. (a) The clerk said that the boss was very cruel.
(b) The new student asked the old one that whether he knew (b) The clerk said that the boss is very cruel.
his name. (c) The clerk exclaimed that the boss was very cruel.
(c) The new student asked the old one did he know his (d) The clerk exclaimed that the boss is very cruel.
name. 110. My husband said to me, “Wait for me outside.”
(d) The new student asked the old one if he knows his name. (a) My husband told me to wait for him outside.
103. I warned her that I could no longer tolerate her coming late. (b) My husband said that I have to wait for him outside.
(a) I said to her, “You can no longer tolerate my coming (c) My husband wanted me to wait for him only outside.
late.” (d) My husband angrily asked me to wait outside.
 11
111. “Please could you tell me the way ?” he said. 121. He said, “My parents are arriving tomorrow.”
(a) He asked me please could I tell him the way. (a) He said that his parents are arriving the next day.
(b) He asked me to please tell him the way. (b) He said that his parents were arriving the next day.
(c) He requested me to tell him the way, please. (c) He said that his parents are arriving tomorrow.
(d) He requested me to tell him the way. (d) He said that his parents have arrived the next day.
112. They said to him, “We will destroy your homestead.” 122. He said, “How cruel of him!”
(a) They said to him they will destroy his homestead. (a) He remarked that it was very cruel of him.
(b) They told him they would destroy their homestead. (b) He remarked on his great cruelty.
(c) They told him that they can destroy his homestead. (c) He remark that it was very cruel of him.
(d) They told him that they would destroy his homestead. (d) He remarked that it is very cruel of him.
113. “You can phone from my office,” he said. 123. “How did it get here?” She wanted to know.
(a) He said that he could phone from his office. (a) She wanted to know how did it gel here.
(b) He said you could phone from his office. (b) She wanted to know how it had got there.
(c) He said that I can phone from your office. (c) She wanted to know how did it got there.
(d) He said I can phone from my office. (d) She wanted to know how it get there.
114. I said to him, “Do you definitely need the suit next week?” 124. “You are one of Pinkerton’s men, I presume,” he said.
 [SSC CHSL, 2015] (a) He said that he presumed me one of Pinkerton’s men.
(a) I asked him if he definitely needed the suit the following (b) He said that he presumed that I was one of Pinkerton’s men.
week. (c) He said that he presumed me as one of Pinkerton’s men.
(b) I asked him if he needed the suit the next week. (d) He said that he presumes that I am one of Pinkerton’s men.
(c) I asked him if he definitely need the suit the following 125. “Away !” She said to the man, “Do not trouble your family
week. any more”.
(d) I asked him if definitely he needed he suit the next (a) She asked the man to go away and not trouble the family
week. any more.
115. Keats wrote “A thing of beauty is a joy forever”. (b) She asked the man not to trouble the family that was
(a) Keats wrote that a thing of beauty is a joy forever. away, any more.
(b) Keats wrote that a thing of beauty was a joy forever.
(c) She asked the man not to trouble your family any more
(c) A thing of beauty was a joy forever is written by Keats.
and go away.
(d) Keats has written that a beautiful thing is always joyful.
(d) She asked the man to go away and not trouble his family
116. Nandita said to Nitin, “Can you solve this sum?”
any more.
(a) Nandita asked Nitin if could he solve this sum.
126. He said, “Alas! I am undone!” [SSC CHSL, 2017]
(b) Nandita asked Nitin if could he solve that sum.
(a) He said that it was his undoing.
(c) Nandita asked Nitin if he could solve this sum.
(b) He exclaimed pathetically that he was undone.
(d) Nandita asked Nitin if he could solve that sum.
(c) He stated that he was undone.
117. He said, “How lovely the scene is!”
(d) He cried that he was being undone.
(a) He exclaimed that the scene is very lovely.
127. “I shall unlock the secrets of their success,” he said.
(b) He exclaimed that how the scene was lovely.
(c) He exclaimed that the scene was very lovely. [SSC CHSL, 2017]
(d) He exclaimed that the scene is indeed lovely. (a) He said that he shall unlock the secrets of their success.
118. Bill said, “I am here to help you all.” (b) He said that he should unlock the secrets of their success.
(a) Bill said that he is here to help you all. (c) He said that he will unlock the secrets of their success.
(b) Bill said that he was there to help us all. (d) He said that he will unlock the secrets of their success.
(c) Bill said that he was here to help us all. 128. “I wonder what he wants of us,” said Quint.
(d) Bill said that he is there to help us all. [SSC CHSL, 2017]
119. The kids yelled in a loud voice, “We love our family.” (a) Quint said that he was wondering what he wanted of them.
(a) The kids yelled loudly that they love our family. (b) Quint said that he wondered what he wanted of us.
(b) The kids yelled in a loud voice that they loved their (c) Quint said he wondered what he wants of them.
family. (d) Quint said that he wondered what he wanted of them.
(c) The kids yelled in aloud voice that they loved our family. 129. Dinesh said, “I want to eat a good mango one of these days.”
(d) The kids were shouting loudly that they loved their (a) Dinesh said he wants to eat a good one of these days.
family. (b) Dinesh said that he wanted to eat a good mango one of
120. He said to me, “Please visit my company tomorrow.” those days.
(a) He said to me to visit his company tomorrow. (c) Dinesh said that he wants to eat a good mango one of
(b) He requested me to visit his company tomorrow. those days.
(c) He requested me to visit his company the next day. (d) Dinesh said that he wanted to eat a good mango one of
(d) He said to me to visit his company the next day. these days.
 12
130. He said, “I intend to leave for Delhi tonight.” 135. He said,”Let us wait for him at the restaurant.”
(a) He said that he will intend to leave for Delhi tonight.  [SSC Steno, 2017]
(b) He said that he should intend to leave for Delhi that night. (a) He ordered that they should wait for him at the
(c) He said that he intended to leave for Delhi that night. restaurant.
(d) He said that his intention is to leave for Delhi tonight. (b) He said that they should wait for him at the restaurant
131. “What time does the train arrive?” she asked. (c) He proposed that they should wait for him at the
 [SSC Steno, 2017] restaurant.
(a) She enquired at what time the train arrived (d) They should wait for him at the restaurant he ordered.
(b) She asked about train 136. He said to Rama,”Come with me.”
(a) He asked Rama to go with him.
(c) When will the train arrive she asked
(b) He pleaded Rama to go with him.
(d) She said when does the train arrive
(c) He said Rama to come with him.
132. He said,”I must work hard.” [SSC Steno, 2017]
(d) Rama come with me he said.
(a) He told him to work hard
137. He said,”I am going to fetch a cot.”
(b) He was going to work hard. (a) He requested that he was going to fetch a cot.
(c) He said that he had to work hard. (b) He will fetch a cot he said.
(d) He said I must be working hard. (c) He said that he was going to fetch a cot.
133. He said,”My sister is writing letter to my uncle.” (d) He will be fetching a cot he said.
 [SSC Steno, 2017] 138. Rohit said,”I came here yesterday”.
(a) He said that his sister was writing letter to his uncle. (a) Rohit said that he went that place
(b) He said that her sister is writing a letter to uncle. (b) Rohit said that he went there yesterday
(c) He told that his sister is writing letter to his uncle. (c) Rohit said that he went there the previous day
(d) He said to me that his sister is writing a letter (d) Rohit said that he was there the previous day
134. He said to me,”I have told you not to touch any electrical 139. Ajay said,”Suman must go tomorrow”.
switches with wet hand.” [SSC Steno, 2017] (a) Ajay said that Suman would have to go the following
(a) He reprimanded me that he had told me not to touch day.
any electrical switches with wet hand. (b) Ajay said that Suman would have to go tomorrow.
(b) He asked me not to touch any electrical switches with (c) Ajay said that Suman must go yesterday.
wet hand. (d) Ajay said that Suman is going tomorrow.
(c) He told me not to touch any electrical switches with 140. Manu said,”I am very busy now”.
wet hand. (a) Manu says that he is very busy then.
(d) He reminded me that he had told me not to touch any (b) Manu said that he is very busy now.
electrical switches with wet hand. (c) Manu said that he was very busy then.
(d) Manu said that he was very busy now.

ANSWERS & EXPLANATIONS

1. (a) 2. (a) 3. (d) 4. (b) 5. (d) also changes with respect to the time period of the speech.
6. (c) 7. (b) 8. (d) 9. (d) 10. (b) 39. (a) While converting a sentence from indirect speech to direct
11. (a) 12. (d) 13. (d) 14. (d) 15. (c) speech, certain changes have to be made as we use inverted
16. (a) 17. (d) 18. (d) 19. (c) 20. (c) commas to mark off the exact words of the speaker and the
21. (a) 22. (a) 23. (b) 24. (c) 25. (d) speech is addressed in first person and second person mode.
26. (d) 27. (c) 28. (a) 29. (c) 30. (c) 40. (a) Omit ‘that’ from the direct speech.
31. (d) 32. (b) 33. (c) 34. (d) 35. (c) 41. (a) 42. (d) 43. (a) 44. (b)
36. (a) When the sentence is converted from direct speech to indirect 45. (d) 46. (d) 47. (b) 48. (a)
speech, the pronoun ‘I’ is converted to ‘he’ and the simple 49. (d) 50. (a) 51. (b) 52. (b)
past tense gets itself converted into past perfect tense. 53. (b) 54. (a) 55. (a) 56. (d)
57. (a) 58. (d) 59. (b) 60. (d)
37. (c) The pronoun ‘I’ of the sentence is converted to ‘she’ and the
61. (d) 62. (a) 63. (d) 64. (b)
direct speech which is in present tense gets converted into
65. (c) 66. (c) 67. (a) 68. (a)
past tense.
69. (b) 70. (d) 71. (a) 72. (a)
38. (d) While converting a direct speech into indirect speech the
73. (a) 74. (b) 75. (a) 76. (b)
adverb ‘now’ is changed to ‘then’ and the tense of the sentence
 13
77. (d) 78. (c) 79. (a) 80. (d) 92. (a) Reported Speech in Past Perfect Tense in Direct Speech
81. (b) If reporting verb is in Present Tense, then there will be no remains same in Indirect Speech (i.e., the tense of the verb
change in the tense of verb of the Reported Speech. Therefore, doesn’t change)
‘says’ will remain ‘says’ with the addition of ‘that’ in Indirect 93. (c)
Narration. Hence option B is the correct option. 94. (b) The tense of the verb in the reported speech of direct speech
82. (a) Reporting verb ‘said’ in Direct Speech change to Reporting remains same in indirect speech, if the reported speech is a
verb ‘said that’ in Indirect Speech. Reported Speech in Present universal truth or a habitual action.
Indefinite Tense in Direct Speech change to Reported Speech Hence, option (b) fits in the context.
in Past Indefinite Tense in Indirect Speech.
95. (d)
Hence, option A fits in the context.
96. (c) 97. (c) 98. (a) 99. (a) 100. ( c )
83. (b) Reporting verb ‘said to’ in Direct Speech change to Reporting
101. (b) 102. (a) 103. (b) 104. (b) 105. ( c )
verb ‘told’ in Indirect Speech and Reported Speech in Present
106. (b) 107. (b) 108. (a) 109. (c) 110. ( a )
Indefinite Tense in Direct Speech change to Reported Speech
111. (b) 112. (d) 113. (a) 114. (a) 115. ( a )
in Past Indefinite Tense in Indirect Speech.
116. (d) 117. (c) 118. (b) 119. (b) 120. ( c )
84. (d) When Reported Speech begins with ‘Let’ in sense of a suggestion
121. (b) 122. (a) 123. (b) 124. (b) 125. ( d )
in Direct Speech, then Reporting verb ‘said’ in Direct Speech
126. (b) 127. (b) 128. (d) 129. (b) 130. (c)
→ Reporting verb ‘proposed’/‘suggested’ in Indirect Speech.
131. (a) The given statement is in direct speech. Its indirect form
Conversion Rule is Sub + propose/suggest + to +
is - She enquired at what time the train arrived.
object + that + Sub + should + V₁ (1st from) + …… .
132. (c) The given statement is in direct speech. Its indirect form
Hence, options ‘D’ fits in the context.
is - He said that he had to work hard.
85. (b)
133. (a) The given statement is in direct speech. Its indirect form
86. (a) When ‘Let’ is used to allow in Reported Speech of Direct is - He said that his sister was writing letter to his uncle.
Narration. Then Conversion Rule is: Sub + requested/ordered
134. (d) The given statement is in direct speech. Its indirect form
+ object + to allow + Sub + to + V₁ + object + …
is - He reminded me that he had told me not to touch any
87. (b) electrical switches with wet hand.
88. (a) This is the case of Negative command of Imperative sentence. 135. (c) The given statement is in direct speech. Its indirect form is -
Conversion rule: Sub + asked/told + object + not + to + V₁ He proposed that they should wait for him at the restaurant.
(1st form). Hence, option A fits in the context. 136. (a) The given statement is in direct speech. Its indirect form
89. (b) Conversion Rule is: Sub + forbade/forbid + object + to + V₁. is - He asked Rama to go with him.
Note: ‘forbid’ will never take negative words ‘no’, ‘not’ ahead 137. (c) The given statement is in direct speech. Its indirect form
of it. Hence option b fits in the context. is - He said that he was going to fetch a cot.
90. (a) Conversion Rule is: (Sub + prohibited/prevented + object + 138. (c) The given statement is in direct speech. Its indirect form
from + V +ing). Hence, option a fits in the context. is - Rohit said that he went there the previous day
91. (c) Reported speech in Past Indefinite Tense in Direct Speech → 139. (a) The given statement is in direct speech. Its indirect form is
Reported Speech in Past Perfect Tense in Indirect Speech. - Ajay said that Suman would have to go the following day.
Hence, option c fits in the context. 140. (c) The given statement is in direct speech. Its indirect form
is - Manu said that he was very busy then.