2. No conjunction is used to introduce the Reported Speech if the question begins with (an interrogative) word ; such as—what, who, whose, which, when, where, why, how, whom etc.
3. If or whether is used to introduce the Reported Speech if the reported speech has no question word.
4. Change the questions into statements. Put full stop in place of mark of interrogation (?).
Examples (a) Questions beginning with a Helping Verb 1. Direct: He said to her, “Shall I accompany you to Agra ?” Indirect: He asked her if he would (should) accompany her to Agra. 2. Direct: She said to him, “Had I been absenting myself from school for a month ?” Indirect: She asked him if she had been absenting herself from school for a month. 3. Direct: He said to us, “Has she been spinning since yesterday ?” Indirect: He asked us if she had been spinning since the previous day. 4. Direct: They said to you, “Shall we be going on picnic tomorrow ?” Indirect: They asked you if they would be going on picnic the next day. 5. Direct: I said to her, “Will you have ironed your clothes ?” Indirect: I asked her if she would have ironed her clothes.
(b) Sentences having ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ 1. Direct: “Are there any more files ?” He asked. “Yes, sir,” said the peon. Indirect: He asked the peon if there were any more files. The peon replied respectfully in affirmative. 2. Direct: The teacher said to Lila. “Did you break the window pane ?” “No, sir.” said Lila, “I did not.” Indirect: The teacher asked Lila if she had broken the window pane. Lila replied respect¬fully and refused it (to have done it). 3. Direct: “If you find my answers satisfactory, will you give me five rupees ?” said the astrologer. “No.” replied the customer. Indirect: The astrologer asked the customer whether he would give him five rupees if he found his answers satisfactory. The customer replied in negative. 4. Direct: I said to him. “Do you want to go to Chandigarh ?” He said, “No, sir.” Indirect: I asked him if he wanted to go to Chandigarh and respectfully he replied in negative. 5. Direct: He said to me, “Does Mohan still play ?” I said, “Yes, sir.” Indirect: He asked me if Mohan still played and I replied in positive.
(c) Questions beginning with Interrogative Words 1. Direct: He said to me. “Whom does she want to contact ?” Indirect: He asked me whom she wanted to contact. 2. Direct: They said to her, “Whose house are you purchasing ?” Indirect: They asked her whose house she was purchasing. 3. Direct: You said to him “Why are you making mischief ?” Indirect: You asked him why he was making mischief. 4. Direct: They said to us, “How have you solved this sum ?” Indirect: They asked us how we had solved that sum. 5. Direct: We said to them, “Who has misguided you ?” Indirect: We asked them who had misguided them.
(d) Questions beginning with modal auxiliaries 1. Direct: I said to him, “May Sunita come in to discuss with you something ?” Indirect: I asked him if Sunita might come in to discuss with him something. 2. Direct: The traveller said to me, “Can you tell me the way to the nearest inn ?” Indirect: The traveller asked me if I could tell him the way to the nearest inn. 3. Direct: He said to me. “Must I leave for Mumbai tomorrow ?” Indirect: He asked me if he had to leave for Mumbai the next day. 4. Direct: I said to her, “Could you give me your notes ?” Indirect: I asked her if she could give me her notes. 5. Direct: I said to him, “Need I go to him ?” Indirect: I asked him if I had to go to him.
Exercise 1 (Solved)
Convert the following sentences into Indirect Speech : 1. He said to her. “Do you want to go home ?” 2. He said to you. “Where are you going ?“ 3. I said to him, “What brings you here ?” 4. You said to us, “How do you solve this sum ?” 5. She said to me, “How are you getting on with your studies ?” 6. I said to my friend, “Have you been to England ?”
Convert the following sentences into Indirect Speech : 1. She said to me, “Who taught you English ?” 2. He said to his mother, “Why did you not wash my school dress ?” 3. The mother said to the child, “Did you have your breakfast ?” 4. Anil said to his sister, “How did you fare in the interview ?” 5. The policeman asked me, “Had the thief stolen your watch ?” Answers: I. 1. He asked her if she wanted to go home. 2. He asked you where you were going. 3. I asked him what brought him there. 4. You asked us how we solved that sum. 5. She asked me how I was getting on with my studies. 6. I asked my friend if he had been to England.
II. 1. She asked me who had taught me English. 2. He asked his mother why tehe had not washed his school dress. 3. The mother asked the child if he had his breakfast. 4. Anil asked his sister how she had fared in the interview. 5. The policeman asked me if the thief had stolen my watch.
Exercise 2 (Solved)
Change the following into indirect speech : 1. He said to me, “I have often told you not to play with me.” 2. They wrote, “It is time we thought about settling this matter.” 3. The teacher promised. “If you come to school tomorrow, I will explain it.” 4. “What do you want ?” he said to her. 5. He said, “How’s your father ?” 6. “Don’t you know the way home ?” asked I. 7. “Do you really come from China ?” said the prince. 8. “Sit down, boys,” said the teacher. 9. “Run away, children,” said the mother. Answers: 1. He told me that he had often told me not to play with him. 2. They wrote that it was time they thought about settling the matter. 3. The teacher promised to me that he would explain it if I went to school the following day. 4. He asked her what she wanted. 5. He enquired about my father. 6. I asked if he did not know the way home. 7. The Prince asked him if he really came from China. 8. The teacher asked the boys to sit down. 9. The mother asked the children to run away.
Exercise 3 (Solved)
The following passage has not been edited. There is an error in each line. Write the error along with the correction. Do not forget to underline the error. Her mother said that you must go straight to (a) your grandmother. There was a wolf (b) _______ in the wood through which she are (c) _______ going. But if she keep the road, he (d) _______ will not do any harm. The mother (e) _______ asked her to do as she tells her. (f) _______ Answers: (a) you—she (b) your—her (c) are—was (d) keep—kept (e) will—would (f) tells—had told
Exercise 4 (For Practice)
Police told Maninder that he is entitled (a) _______ to have a solicitor present. He denies (b) _______ that he knows anyone by the name of (c) _______ Surinder. Maninder confirmed that he has been (d) _______ in the vicinity of the factory last Monday. (e) _______ However, he said that he is visiting his mother. (f) _______ He maintains that he is innocent. (g) _______
Exercise 5 (For Practice)
Exercise 6 (For Practice)
Each of the pair of sentences given below is a dialogue between a man and a woman. Change each pair into one simple sentence. Complete the answers. The first one has been done as an example. Question 1. “Shall we get married ?” “Yes, let us.” Answer: They decided to get married.
Question 2. “Please help me”. “O.K.” Answer: She agreed
Question 3. “May I help you ?” “No, thanks.” Answer: He offered
Question 4. “Let’s meet after the class.” “O.K. fine.” Answer: They arranged
Question 5. “What’s your name ?” “I won’t tell you”. Answer: She refused
Question 6. “I have stood first.” “Congratulations”. Answer: She congratulated
Multiple Choice Questions Exercise 1
Read the dialogues given below and then complete the report by choosing the correct options from the ones given below the dialogue : 1. Judge: Why don’t you speak the truth ? Witness: I have spoken only the truth. Judge: Were you really present at the scene ? Witness: Yes, sir.
The judge asked the witness (a) ……… the truth. The witness replied that (b) ……….. only the truth. At this the judge asked (c) ………….. at the scene. The witness replied in positive. (a) (i)why don’t you speak (ii) why didn’t he speak (iii) why you didn’t speak (iv) why he did not speak
(b) (i) he had spoken (ii) I have spoken (iii) I had spoken (iv) he has spoken
(c) (i) if you are really present (ii) that you were really present (iii) if he was really present (iv) that he was really present
2. Mother: What is the matter ? Son: Grandfather has shot a policeman. Mother: Why ? Son: He was a deserter. Mother asked the son (a) ………… The son replied (b) …………. a policeman. The mother demanded (c) ………… To this the son replied that he was a deserter. (a) (i) that what is the matter (ii) what is the matter (iii) what the matter was (iv) if what was the matter
(b) (i) that the grandfather has shot (ii) that Grandfather had shot (iii) if grandfather had shot (iv) why Grandfather had shot
(c) (i) why (ii) why Grandfather has shot (iii) that why grandfather had shot (iv) why Grandfather had shot
3. Merchant: How much have you collected ? Accountant: Twenty thousand in cash and the balance on paper. Merchant: Where have you deposited the cash ? The Merchant asked the accountant (a) …………. collected. The accountant replied (b) …………. and the balance on paper. Then the merchant wanted to know (c) …………. . (a) (i) how much you have (ii) how much have you (iii) how much had he (iv) how much he had
(b)(i) that I have collected twenty thousand in cash (ii) that he has collected twenty thousand in cash (iii) that he had collected twenty thousand in cash (iv) he had collected twenty thousand in cash
(c)(i) where have you deposited the cash (ii) where he had deposited the cash (iii) where had he deposited the cash (iv) where the cash had been deposited
4. Son: How are you feeling now? Father: Much better, son. Son: Are you taking the medicines regularly? Father: Yes, my dear. The son asked his father (a) …………. then. The father replied that (b) …………. much better. The son further asked (c) …………. the medicines regularly. The father replied in affirmative. (a) (i) that how he was feeling (ii) how he was feeling (iii) how you are feeling (iv) how was he feeling
(b) (i) I am feeling (ii) I was feeling (iii) he is feeling (iv) he was feeling
(c) (i) if you are taking (ii) if he is taking (iii) that he was taking (iv) if he was taking
5. Ram: Do you shave every day? Mohan: Yes. Don’t you? Ram: No. I shave only once a week Ram asked Mohan (a) …………. everyday. Mohan replied in positive and asked (b) …………. the same. Ram agreed that he didn’t and said (c) …………. only once a week. (a) (i) do you shave (ii) did he shave (iii) if he shaved (iv) that if he shaved
(b) (i) don’t you (ii) you don’t (iii) if you don’t (iv) if he didn’t
(c) (i) I shave (ii) that he shaved (iii) if he shaved (iv) if I shaved
6. Sue: What is it dear? Johnsy: The leaves. Sue: Are you counting the leaves? Johnsy: Yes. Sue asked Johnsy (a) …………. Johnsy replied that (b) …………. Sue further asked (c) …………. the leaves. Johnsy replied in positive. (a) (i) what it is (ii) what is it (iii) what is was (iv) what was it
(b) (i) that it was the leaves (ii) it is leaves (iii) that it are leaves (iv) that it had leaves
(c) (i) are you counting (ii) that she was counting (iii) was she counting (iv) if she was counting Answers: 1. (a) (iv) why he did not speak (b) (i) he had spoken (c)(iii) if he was really present 2. (a) (iii) what the matter was (b)(ii) that Grandfather had shot (c) (iv) why Grandfather had shot 3. (a) (iv) how much he had (b) (iii) that he had collected twenty thousand in cash (c) (ii) where he had deposited the cash 4. (a) (ii) how he was feeling (b) (iv) he was feeling (c) (iv) if he was taking 5. (a) (iii) if he shaved (b) (iv) if he didn’t (c) (ii) that he shaved 6. (a) (iii) what is was (b)(i) that it was the leaves (c) (iv) if she was counting
We hope the CBSE Class 8 English Grammar Reported Speech help you. If you have any query regarding CBSE Class 8 English Grammar Reported Speech, drop a comment below and we will get back to you at the earliest.
Reported speech is when we express or say things that have already been said by somebody else.
Looking for an easy way to Learning of new elementary english grammar and composition for class 8 answers, Solutions. You have to learn basic English Grammar topics like Tenses Verbs, Nouns, etc… In this article, we will review the best English Grammer Topics and compare them against each other.
When we say things that have been said, we use two ways of expressing it. The first is direct speech when we express what the speaker said as it is and the second is indirect speech where we express what was said in our words.
How do we use reported speech?
“I know quite a lot of people here.’ Robert said. | Present Simple | Simple Past | He said that he knew quite a lot of people there |
‘John is feeling much better ‘Paul said. | Present continuous | Past Continuous | He said that John was feeling much better. |
‘I enjoyed my holiday in the States’ David said. | Simple Past | Past Perfect | He said that he had enjoyed his holiday in the States. |
‘Jackie wasn’t feeling very well’ The teacher said. | Past Continuous | Past Perfect Continuous | He said that Jackie had been feeling very well. |
‘They’ve seen the Eiffel Tower’ john Said | Present Perfect | Past Perfect | He said that they had seen the Eiffel Tower. |
‘I have been waiting for ages ‘My father said. | Present Perfect Continuous | Past Perfect Continuous | He said that he had been waiting for ages. |
‘Nobody had warned them about the storm’ He said. | Present Perfect | Past Perfect | He said that had warned about the storm. |
‘She had been reading all ‘Brenda said. | Past Perfect Continuous | Past Perfect Continuous | She said that she had been reading all day. |
Reporting Questions We use a special form when we report questions:
WH – Questions : Where is + Tom’s house? He asked where Tom’s house + was. Where does Tom live? He asked where Tom lived,
Yes/No Questions: Does Tom live in Miami? She asked if Tom lived in Miami. Is Tom happy? She asked if Tom was happy.
Say vs. Tell Say something June : “I love English.” June said (that) she loved English.
Tell someone something June: “I love English.” June told me (that) she loved English.
Modal Verbs and Reported Speech Must, might, could, would, should, and ought to stay the same in reported speech. We usually change may to might.
They said, “we would apply for a visa” He said “I would start a business. She said, “I would appear in exam” | They said that they would apply for visa. He said that he would start a business. She said that she would appear in the exam. |
She said, “she could play the piano” They said, “we couldn’t learn the lesson” He said, “I could run faster | She said that she could play a violin. They said they couldn’t learn the lesson. He said that he could run faster. |
He said, “guest might come” She said, “it might rain” John said, “I might meet him” | He said that guest might come. She said that it might rain. John said that he might meet him. |
He said, “I should avail the opportunity,” She said, “I should help a him” They said, “we said take the exam” | He said that he should avail the opportunity. She said that she should help him. They said that they should take the exam. |
He said to me, “you ought to wait for him” She said, “I ought to learn method of study” They said, we ought to attend our classes” | He said to me that I ought to wait for him. She said that she ought to learn method of study. They said that they ought to attend their classes. |
Reported Requests There’s more! What if someone asks you to do something (in a polite way)?
For example:
All of these requests mean the same thing, so we don’t need to report every word when we tell another person about it. We simply use ‘ask me + to + infinitive’:
Direct Request | Reported Request |
Please help me. | She asked me to help her. |
Reported Orders And finally, how about if someone doesn’t ask so politely? We can call this an ‘order’ in English, when someone tells you very directly to do something.
Go to bed! | He told the child to go to bed. |
Don’t worry! | He told her not to worry. |
Be on time! | He told me to be on time. |
Don’t smoke! | He told us not to smoke. |
Changes in words showing proximity (time and place) Study the list given below to revise the changes in words showing the proximity of place and time when converting direct speech to indirect speech.
this becomes that these become those here becomes there now becomes then before becomes earlier/previously today becomes that day tomorrow becomes the next day yesterday becomes the previous day
A. Write the following sentences in indirect speech. The first one has been done for you.
1. He said, “I will meet you outside the post office at three tomorrow afternoon.” He said that he would meet me outside the post office at there the following afternoon .
2. The teacher told us, “The freezing point of water is 0°c.” _______________________________________ 3. “When I dropped the jug, it smashed to pieces,” my little brother says. _______________________________________ 4. The man said, “I have seen you somewhere before.” _______________________________________ 5. The mechanic said, “Your car was ready last night, but you did not come to get it.” _______________________________________ 7. He said, “I shall return your magazines tomorrow.” _______________________________________ 8. “My car broke down, and I had to walk two kilometers to get to a phone-booth,” the man said. _______________________________________ 9. “An English play is being held in the school hall now,” she told us. _______________________________________ 10. “The building burnt down many years before we moved here,” my father told me. _______________________________________
B. Write the following sentences into indirect speech.
1. “Don’t leave your bag out here, Tommy,” Kiren said. _______________________________________ 2. “Stand at attention!” the captain commanded his men. _______________________________________ 3. “Don’t touch it! Leave it alone!” I said _______________________________________ 4. “Please take me to the park, Father,” the little boy said. _______________________________________ 5. “Please tell me exactly what happened,” she said. _______________________________________ 6. “Speak up. I can’t hear you,” he said to the new boy. _______________________________________ 7. “Don’t shake the table while I am writing!” Pawan told his brother. _______________________________________ 8. “Please bring your own plates and spoons,” she told us. _______________________________________ 9. “Return to the ship immediately!” the officer ordered his men. _______________________________________ 10. “Open that drawer and bring me the scissors,” Deepak told his brother. _______________________________________
C. Write the following sentences in indirect speech.
1. “The Prince and Princess lived happily ever after,” the storyteller told the children. _______________________________________ 2. “Don’t push!” the conductor said to the passengers who were boarding the bus. _______________________________________ 3. “I’m sorry but I can’t join you for lunch,” he told his friend. _______________________________________ 4. “Do the exercises from pages sixty to sixty-two,” Miss Malhotra told the pupils. _______________________________________ 5. “Do you know how to operate a computer?” asked the personnel officer. _______________________________________ 6. “Help! Help! Help!” I heard someone shout. _______________________________________ 7. “Are you mad at me?” asked the elder sister. _______________________________________ 8. The cheerleaders shouted, “Hurray! Fight them! Show them all your might!” _______________________________________ 9. “Keep the change,” the rich man said to the waitress. _______________________________________ 10. I said to myself, “I will definitely beat him in the next event.” _______________________________________
D. Rewrite these sentences in direct speech. The first one has been done for you.
1. My mother asked me to buy a dozen eggs from the shop. “Can you buy me a dozen eggs from the shop?” asked my mother .
2. I told myself that I would finish painting the gate by that afternoon. _______________________________________ 3. The judge asked the defendant to speak louder. _______________________________________ 4. The engineer wanted the workers to complete the project by the following day. _______________________________________ 5. Anu reported to the police about her purse being snatched. _______________________________________
E. Use past tenses, present perfect or past perfect tenses to complete the sentences.
We _____________ in Bristol from January to March. (stay) Where is my wine? Someone _____________ my wine! (drink) When you _____________ you _____________ fast? (crash, drive) I’m sorry. Dad isn’t here. He _____________ our neighbour’s flat since the morning. (decorate) What a nice coat! Where _____________ you _____________ it? (buy) At 6 o’clock he _____________ there for three hours! (sit) I want to learn French. But I _____________ yet. (not start) We didn’t want to spend our holiday in Strobl because _____________ already _____________ there. (be) What _____________ ? You are so dirty! (do) Oh, no! I _____________ my way. What shall I do? (lose) Jim _____________ the dishes after dinner. The kitchen sink is full of plates. (not wash) She _____________ three clients since the morning. (contact) I couldn’t help you. I _____________ your problems. (not understand) Does he know about it? _____________ him yet? (tell) Bill admitted that he _____________ the catalogue to the agency. (not send) As soon as I _____________ the message, I _____________ my house (get, leave) While Maggie _____________ a new Jumper, Jill and I _____________ (knit, read) Here he is! He _____________ for me all the time, he _____________ for Ann! (not look, wait) _____________ you in your room at 5.30? Yes, I think I _____________ my suitcase. (be, pack) Nice to meet you! I _____________ uyou for 10 years. What _____________ you _____________ all this time? (not see, do) He _____________ but he’ll be back home today. The doctors ____________ to cure him. (die, manage) After we _____________ to the top of hill we had a great view of the bay. (elimb) The pigeon finally delivered the news after it _____________ for the whole day. (fly)
F. In the following sentences the speakers are all saying something different to what they told you before. Write replies to their statements as given in the example. Example:
1. “I haven’t finished my project.” I thought you said ________________ 2. “I’m better at tennis than golf.” But you told me ________________ 3. “I enjoy parties.” I remember you saying ________________ 4. “I’ve got a video recorder.” But you said yesterday ________________ 5. “I’m applying for the job.” I thought you told me ________________ 6. “I like Indian food more than Chinese.” But you said ________________ 7. “I prefer pop music to classical music.” You told me ________________
G. Change the following sentence to indirect speech.
1. Our teacher said, “Time is precious, so spend your free time in the best possible way.” ________________________________________________ 2. “Ugh! This toilet is so smelly,” Rita said. ________________________________________________ 3. Chetan said, “Please buy me a bar of chocolate.” ________________________________________________ 4. “Polish your boots,” the army officer said to his men. ________________________________________________ 5. “Get me a glass of water,” he said to her. ________________________________________________ 6. “What a beautiful car!” he remarked. ________________________________________________ 7. “Please spare me some money,” the beggar said. ________________________________________________ 8. “You must listen to me!” his mother cried. ________________________________________________ 9. “Pass me that salt, please,” the man said to her. ________________________________________________ 10. “Get out or I’ll call the police!” the lady said to him. ________________________________________________
H. Change the following to reported speech by completing the sentence.
1. She asked, “Have you been here before?” She asked me if _________________ 2. “Is your sister still asleep?” my mother asked. My mother asked _________________ 3. The policeman said, “Show me your license.” The policeman demanded _________________ 4. “Shall I open the windows for you?” he asked. He asked me whether _________________ He offered to _________________ 5. “Where will you be going for your holidays?” she asked. She wanted to know _________________ 6. “When will you be visiting the hospital? I want to come along,” she said. She wanted to know _________________ 7. “Is the ship leaving on Monday or Tuesday?” She inquired. She inquired whether _________________ 8. “What’s wrong with your cheek? Have you been fighting again?” my mother asked. My mother asked what _________________ 9. “Did you learn anything interesting at the seminar?” he inquired. He inquired _________________ 10. “The purpose of this project is to encourage teamwork and inculcate a sense of belonging,” he said. He said that _________________
I. Change these sentences from Direct to Indirect Speech. Example
She exclaimed in fright when she saw him and asked him why he had suddenly appeared like that.
1. “I am sorry,” she said to me, “but my brother won’t be back until late tonight.” ___________________________________________________ 2. The guard reported, “I heard some shots and ran out into the compound to investigate.” ___________________________________________________ 3. “When will he be back?” Sheela said. “I have something important to tell him.” ___________________________________________________ 4. “Did you go to the circus that’s performing here?” Jatin asked me. “It was a wonderful show.” ___________________________________________________ 5. “Good morning!” she said when she saw me. “How are you today? I heard you had been quite ill.” ___________________________________________________ 6. “Come here at once!” he ordered the frightened boy. “If you don’t, I shall give you a beating.” ___________________________________________________ 7. “Don’t do too much heavy work now,” the doctor advised Mrs. Birla. “Get as much rest as possible.” ___________________________________________________ 8. “Please come,” he said. “I want to show you my new fish. My father bought it yesterday.” ___________________________________________________ 9. “Are you going out now? If you are, see that you are back by ten,” my mother said to! me. ___________________________________________________ 10. “Yes, please do so,” I answered her. “I will wait here until you return.” ___________________________________________________
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Direct and indirect speech are ways to report what someone has said. Direct speech quotes the exact words spoken, while indirect speech paraphrases or summarises them. Knowing how to use both helps you accurately convey conversations and dialogue in writing. This guide covers the basics of direct and indirect speech, provides examples, and explains the rules for converting between them.
Aspect | Interesting Facts |
Direct Speech | 1. Historical Use: Direct speech has been used in literature for centuries to bring characters to and make dialogues vivid. 2. Literary Techniques: Authors often use direct speech to reveal character traits and emotions through their exact words. 3. Quotes: Famous quotes are often preserved in direct speech to maintain their original impact and meaning. |
Indirect Speech | 1. Flexibility: Indirect speech allows for more flexibility in integrating quotes into narratives or discussions without disrupting the flow. 2. Reporting : Indirect speech can vary in how it reports statements, allowing for summarisation and interpretation. 3. Cultural Differences: Different languages and cultures have varying rules for converting direct speech into indirect speech, reflecting diverse approaches to . |
The distinction between Direct and Indirect Speech may be confusing for some students. Often when we need to explain an incident or action, it involves quoting what someone said. A social situation, as well as a work email or presentation, are examples of such instances. There are two forms of Speech used to explain what other people say: Direct Speech and Indirect Speech (or reported Speech).
The same words spoken are quoted in Indirect Speech. If we use Direct Speech in writing, we bring the words spoken between quotation marks (" ") and leave them alone. We may be reporting something that is being said (for example, a phone conversation) or asking someone about a previous conversation later.
Nirmal said, "There's a dog outside the window."
Mahima says, "What time will you be home?"
Supriya said, "I don't know!"
When we use reported or Indirect Speech to speak about the past, we generally change the tense of the words we say. We use reporting verbs like 'say,' 'tell,' and 'ask,' and we can introduce the reported words with the word 'that.' There are no inverted commas in this sentence.
Mahima said that she had seen him.
Nirmal said he was looking forward to playing in the match on Saturday.
Children often mix up Direct and Indirect Speech. We need a way to say the difference between what someone claimed to have said and what they said when we're writing. What did she say if you asked her? You may respond in one of two ways:
“I don’t like pizza,” Siddi said. (Direct Speech)
Siddi says she doesn’t like pizza. (Indirect Speech)
Note how Speech marks (“...”) are used in Direct Speech to indicate precisely what was said. Speech labels are located at the beginning and end of the actual words spoken. The words 'Siddi said' are not in Speech marks because they were not spoken aloud; rather, they are a way for the writer to express who was speaking to the reader.
The past tense is often used in reported Speech . This is because the words have already been spoken, and the writer is simply reporting on what has already been saying. It's critical to think about what was said and convert it to the past tense.
Following are the steps to convert the Direct/Indirect Speech and also let’s discuss Direct and Indirect Speech tenses rules in detail.
Step 1: Write down the reporting verb that is used to determine the Indirect Speech's tense.
Step 2: Change the position and time to reflect the speaker's actual location and time.
Step 3: For both the object and the subject, use the correct pronoun.
Step 4: Make sure the sentence has the correct structure and word order.
Now we'll go through each of these measures in greater depth.
Case 1: Nirmal said, ‘I go to the gym every day.
Case 2: Nirmal says, ‘I go to the gym every day.’
The verb ‘say' is used in both of the instances above to express the action of speaking. In addition, the reporting verb say is used in the past tense in the first case – said. In case 2, however, the reporting verb is in the present tense.
As a consequence, all verbs must be in the relevant past tense here. If the reporting verb is in the past tense, this is often followed. Thus, Nirmal said, ‘I go to the class every day will change to Nirmal said that he went to the gym every day.
The second rule is that the tense is not changed whether the reporting verb is in the future or present tense. So, Nirmal says, ‘I go to the class every day will be changed to Nirmal says that he goes to the class every day.
The time or place specified in the sentence should be changed to match the current time or position.
On 21st, May 2015 : ‘I will come tomorrow,’ Sriram said.
On 21st, May 2015 , Sriram said that he would come the next day.
Case 1: Saurav will say to his friends, “I have started learning psychology” will change to Saurav will tell his friends that he has started learning psychology .
In this case, the speaker and the reporter are the same people. As a consequence, the pronoun should be the first person pronoun.
Case 2: Ma’am said to me, “I hope you will bring the geometry to my next class” will change to Ma’am hoped that I would bring the geometry to her next class.
The speaker is ma'am, and the reporter is the student. As a consequence, the ma'am pronoun should be in the third person. The reporter's pronoun should also be in the first person.
Remember that we do not change the tense of the reporting verb within the quotation marks when it is in the present or future tense.
Here are some exercises on Direct and Indirect Speech along with their answers:
Direct: She said, "I am going to the market."
Direct: He asked, "Do you want some coffee?"
Direct: "I have finished my assignment," John said.
Direct: The teacher said, "Please submit your homework by tomorrow."
Direct: "Where did you go last weekend?" she asked.
Indirect: She said that she was going to the market.
Indirect: He asked if I wanted some coffee.
Indirect: John said that he had finished his assignment.
Indirect: The teacher requested that we submit our homework by the next day.
Indirect: She asked where I had gone the previous weekend.
Indirect: He said that he would join us for dinner.
Indirect: She asked if I could help her with the project.
Indirect: They mentioned that they had seen the movie already.
Indirect: The doctor advised that I should take some rest.
Indirect: She inquired where the nearest station was.
Direct : He said, "I will join you for dinner."
Direct : She asked, "Can you help me with the project?"
Direct : They mentioned, "We have seen the movie already."
Direct : The doctor advised, "You should take some rest."
Direct : She inquired, "Where is the nearest station?"
These exercises and answers should help you practice converting between Direct and Indirect Speech effectively.
Here are some narration change exercises from Direct to Indirect Speech and vice versa. Each exercise includes sentences to be converted between the two forms.
Direct: She said, "I am studying for my exams."
Direct: He said, "I will call you tomorrow."
Direct: "Where have you been?" she asked him.
Direct: They said, "We have finished our homework."
Direct: The teacher asked, "Have you completed your project?"
Indirect : She said that she was studying for her exams.
Indirect : He said that he would call me the next day.
Indirect : She asked him where he had been.
Indirect : They said that they had finished their homework.
Indirect : The teacher asked if I had completed my project.
Indirect: She said that she was going to the library .
Indirect: He mentioned that he would be late for the meeting.
Indirect: She asked him where he had been.
Indirect: They said that they had already completed their homework.
Indirect: The teacher inquired if the students had finished their project.
Direct : She said, "I am going to the library."
Direct: He said, "I will be late for the meeting."
Direct : She asked, "Where have you been?"
Direct : They said, "We have already completed our homework."
Direct : The teacher asked, "Have you finished your project?"
Direct: She said, "I cannot attend the meeting today."
Direct: "Will you be available for a call later?" he asked.
Direct: "I need to finish my report by this evening," Alice said.
Direct: The coach said, "Run five laps around the field."
Direct: "Did you see the new movie?" he asked her.
Direct: Jessica said, "I am excited about the concert next month ."
Direct: "Please remember to lock the door when you leave," he said.
Direct: The manager said, "Submit your expense reports by Friday."
Direct: "What time does the train arrive?" she asked.
Direct: "I will help you with your project," he promised.
Indirect : She said that she could not attend the meeting that day.
Indirect : He asked if I would be available for a call later.
Indirect : Alice said that she needed to finish her report by that evening.
Indirect : The coach instructed us to run five laps around the field.
Indirect : He asked her if she had seen the new movie.
Indirect : Jessica said that she was excited about the concert the following month.
Indirect : He requested that I remember to lock the door when I left.
Indirect : The manager said to submit our expense reports by Friday.
Indirect : She asked what time the train arrived.
Indirect : He promised that he would help me with my project.
Indirect: She mentioned that she was planning a surprise party.
Indirect: He asked whether I had completed the assignment.
Indirect: They said they would visit us during the summer.
Indirect: The professor explained that the test would cover three chapters.
Indirect: She said that she had been studying all night.
Indirect: The waiter asked if we were ready to order.
Indirect: He said that he was feeling much better.
Indirect: They inquired if I wanted to join them for lunch.
Indirect: The child said that he had lost his toy.
Indirect: She suggested that we should meet for coffee next week.
Direct : She said, "I am planning a surprise party."
Direct : He asked, "Have you completed the assignment?"
Direct : They said, "We will visit you during the summer."
Direct : The professor explained, "The test will cover three chapters."
Direct : She said, "I have been studying all night."
Direct : The waiter asked, "Are you ready to order?"
Direct : He said, "I am feeling much better."
Direct : They asked, "Do you want to join us for lunch?"
Direct : The child said, "I have lost my toy."
Direct : She suggested, "We should meet for coffee next week."
These exercises offer further practice in converting between Direct and Indirect Speech.
Direct: "I will finish the project by Friday," he said.
Direct: She asked, "Have you completed your preparations?"
Direct: "You should see a doctor," he advised.
Direct: "Why are you late?" she inquired.
Direct: "We are going to the beach tomorrow," they said.
Direct: "Can you help me with this task?" he asked.
Direct: "I haven't seen that film yet," she said.
Direct: "Please close the window," he requested.
Direct: "Where will you be next week?" she asked.
Direct: "I am taking a break," he said.
Indirect : He said that he would finish the project by Friday.
Indirect : She asked if I had completed my preparations.
Indirect : He advised that I should see a doctor.
Indirect : She inquired why I was late.
Indirect : They said that they were going to the beach the next day.
Indirect : He asked if I could help him with that task.
Indirect : She said that she had not seen that film yet.
Indirect : He requested that I close the window.
Indirect : She asked where I would be the following week.
Indirect : He said that he was taking a break.
Direct Speech quotes exactly what someone said, using quotation marks around their words. Tenses and punctuation stay the same as in the original speech.
Indirect Speech reports what someone said without quoting their exact words. It doesn’t use quotation marks and often changes pronouns and tenses to fit the context.
Changing Direct to Indirect : Replace the quotation marks with reporting verbs like "said" or "asked," adjust tenses, and modify pronouns.
Changing Indirect to Direct : Use quotation marks and restore the exact wording and punctuation. Adjust pronouns and tenses to reflect the original speech.
When to Use : Use Direct Speech to quote exactly or show dialogue. Use Indirect Speech to summarize or integrate what was said into your text.
Practice : Regularly converting between Direct and Indirect Speech helps you get better at reporting speech accurately.
1. What are Direct and Indirect Speech exercises?
Direct and Indirect Speech exercises involve converting sentences from one form to another. These exercises help practice how to report speech accurately by changing the format while preserving the meaning.
2. Why are Direct and Indirect Speech exercises important?
These exercises are important for mastering how to quote someone's words exactly or report what was said without quoting directly. They help in improving clarity and accuracy in communication.
3. How do you convert Direct Speech to Indirect Speech?
To convert Direct Speech to Indirect Speech, replace quotation marks with reporting verbs, adjust tenses and pronouns, and remove the quotation marks.
4. How do you convert Indirect Speech to Direct Speech?
To convert Indirect Speech to Direct Speech, restore the exact wording within quotation marks, adjust pronouns and tenses to match the original context, and include appropriate punctuation.
5. Can you provide an example of a Direct to Indirect Speech exercise?
Direct to Indirect Speech example.
Convert: "I am going to the market," she said.
Answer: She said that she was going to the market.
6. Can you provide an example of an Indirect to Direct Speech exercise?
Indirect to Direct Speech example.
Convert: She said that she was going to the market.
Answer: "I am going to the market," she said.
7. What is a narration change exercise?
A narration change exercise involves converting sentences between Direct and Indirect Speech to practice reporting and quoting speech accurately.
8. How can I practice narration exercises effectively?
To practice effectively, regularly complete exercises, check your answers against correct conversions, and understand the rules for changing between Direct and Indirect Speech.
9. What are some common mistakes in narration exercises?
Common mistakes include incorrect tense shifts, wrong pronoun changes, and improper use of punctuation. Make sure to follow the rules for each form to avoid these errors.
10. How do narration exercises improve language skills?
Narration exercises enhance language skills by helping you understand how to report and quote speech accurately, improving both writing and comprehension abilities.
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English Grammar Lessons And Worksheets
by Manjusha Nambiar · October 4, 2022
Sentences are given in the direct speech. Change them into the indirect speech/ indirect speech.
1. ‘Do you know Rahul?’ Preeti asked.
2. ‘You should get that mole examined,’ said the doctor.
3. ‘It is time you went to bed,’ mother told her daughter.
4. ‘I have failed my test,’ the boy said.
5. ‘Do you know any shops where they sell carpets?’ the tourist asked the man.
6. ‘What were you doing in the morning?’ mother said to me.
7. ‘Does anyone know the answer?’ the teacher asked the students.
8. ‘We can’t wait any longer,’ he told us.
9. ‘You won’t get another chance.’ He said to me.
10. ‘Will you leave me alone?’ she asked me.
1. Preeti asked if I knew Rahul.
2. The doctor said that I should get that mole examined.
3. Mother told her daughter that it was time she went to bed.
4. The boy lamented that he had failed his test.
5. The tourist asked the man if/whether he knew any shops where they sold carpets.
6. Mother asked me what I was doing in the morning.
7. The teacher asked the students if / whether anyone knew the answer.
8. He told us that we couldn’t wait any longer.
9. He told me that I wouldn’t get another chance.
10. She asked me if I would leave her alone.
Tags: direct and indirect speech exercise direct and indirect speech worksheet reported speech worksheet reported speech worksheet for class 8
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Access and download a complimentary PDF of CBSE Class 8 English Direct and Indirect Speech Worksheet. Obtain printable English Class 8 Worksheets in PDF format. This worksheet aligns with the most recent syllabus and exam format provided by CBSE , NCERT, and KVS. Additionally, access free PDFs of English Class 8 Assignments to practice regularly, enhancing your performance in tests and exams. Class 8 teachers have developed these chapter-wise worksheets with answers, adhering to the latest examination structure.
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Target Exam ---
Direct Speech: “I love ice cream,” said Sarah. Indirect Speech: Sarah said that she loved ice cream.
Direct Speech: “I will finish my homework,” Tom promised. Indirect Speech: Tom promised that he would finish his homework.
Direct Speech: “I am going to the park,” exclaimed Lily. Indirect Speech: Lily exclaimed that she was going to the park.
Direct Speech: “I can swim,” bragged Jack. Indirect Speech: Jack bragged that he could swim.
Direct Speech: “I have a pet dog,” stated Emily. Indirect Speech: Emily stated that she had a pet dog.
Direct Speech: “I want to play outside,” pleaded Timmy. Indirect Speech: Timmy pleaded that he wanted to play outside.
Direct Speech: “I saw a shooting star last night,” exclaimed Anna excitedly. Indirect Speech: Anna excitedly exclaimed that she had seen a shooting star the previous night.
Direct Speech: “I will help you with your project,” offered Mike. Indirect Speech: Mike offered to help with the project.
Direct Speech: “I am tired,” complained Lucy. Indirect Speech: Lucy complained that she was tired.
Direct Speech: “I can’t wait for the party,” said David eagerly. Indirect Speech: David eagerly said that he couldn’t wait for the party.
Bonus: Rewrite the following indirect speech sentences as direct speech sentences.
Indirect Speech: She said that she was reading a book. Direct Speech: “I am reading a book,” she said.
Indirect Speech: He mentioned that he had visited Paris. Direct Speech: “I have visited Paris,” he mentioned.
Indirect Speech: They explained that they were going on vacation. Direct Speech: “We are going on vacation,” they explained.
Indirect Speech: She told me that she liked chocolate ice cream. Direct Speech: “I like chocolate ice cream,” she told me.
Indirect Speech: He admitted that he had made a mistake. Direct Speech: “I have made a mistake,” he admitted.
Answer Key:
Original Sentence: She said, “I love ice cream.”
Direct Speech: “I love ice cream,” she said.
Directions: Read the following sentences and rewrite them in indirect speech.
Example: Direct Speech: “I love chocolate,” said Sarah. Indirect Speech: Sarah said that she loved chocolate.
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by Manjusha · Published March 6, 2022 · Updated April 30, 2024
Sentences are given in the direct speech. Change them into indirect speech.
1. ‘I have lost my phone,’ said Rani.
2. ‘Do you know who I am?’ she asked me.
3. ‘I would like a cup of coffee,’ the woman said.
4. ‘Can I talk to the manager?’ the girl asked the receptionist.
5. ‘I want to get this document translated into Spanish,’ she said.
6. ‘I met with an accident in the morning,’ he said to his manager.
7. ‘The soup is too salty,’ the boy said.
8. ‘Have you seen my key?’ Rahim said to his mother.
9. ‘I have read that novel,’ she said.
10. ‘Where is my bag?’ she asked.
11. ‘You will pay for your action,’ she said.
12. ‘We do not permit smoking in the house,’ they said.
1. Rani said that she had lost her phone.
2. She asked me if / whether I knew who she was.
3. The woman said that she would like a cup of coffee.
4. The girl asked the receptionist if she could talk to the manager.
5. She said that she wanted to get that document translated into Spanish.
6. He told his manager that he had met with an accident that morning.
7. The boy complained that the soup was too salty.
8. Rahim asked his mother if she had seen his key.
9. She said that she had read t hat novel.
10. She asked where her bag was.
11. She threatened me that I would pay for my action.
12. They said that they do not / did not permit smoking in the house.
Tags: direct and indirect speech exercise for class 8 direct and indirect speech worksheet direct and indirect speech worksheet for class 7 indirect speech worksheet for class 7 reported speech worksheet
Non-defining relative clauses worksheet for class 8.
September 12, 2021
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by Meenu Saini | Jun 7, 2024 | General | 0 comments
Reported Speech – Reported speech refers to recording the speaker’s speech, whether it is done directly by recording the speaker’s words or indirectly by recording the speaker’s words but changing them.
For example Shyam said, “Taj Mahal was built by Shahjahan.” Shyam said is the reporting verb. “Taj Mahal was built by Shahjahan.” is the reported speech.
It refers to reporting the exact words spoken by the speaker. There is no change in the verb or the sentence.
Rules of Direct Speech
Let us look at some examples
It is the speech that tells what someone has said but it does not explain the actual words spoken by the person. It just conveys the basic narration of what is being said to the third person.
Rules of Indirect Speech
Changing direct speech into reported speech
Let us look at some examples using comic strips-
Convert the following sentences into reported speech.
Convert the dialogue in the comic strip into indirect speech-
Answers –
B Convert the following paragraph into reported speech.
Ans. Mother said to Rahul to drive slow. He replied that he always drives slow. Mother gave him a packed lunch and asked him to keep her updated about his whereabouts. Raghav hugged her goodbye and took off for Manali.
Ans Preeti asked Rama if she wanted to know something cool. Rama replied that why not. Preeti asked her whether she knew that “strengths” is the longest word in the English language with one vowel. Rama seemed surprised. Preeti said that according to the Guinness Book of World Records, “strengths” is the longest word in the English language with one vowel. The word contains nine letters, eight of them being consonants.
Ans She said to Raghav that he should eat his vegetables. Raghav replied that he did not like brinjal, he wanted to have fries. His mother told him that if he’d have his vegetables throughout the week then she would treat him with fries on the weekend.
Ans Robert asked Paul whether he was a potterhead. Paul excitedly replied that he was a big one. Robert asked whether he knew that actor Daniel Radcliffe went through nearly 70 wands and 160 pairs of glasses during the making of the Harry Potter films. Paul was amazed to know this.
Ans Vinay wished good afternoon to his boss and asked whether he could come in. His boss said yes and requested him to go in. Vinay said that he actually wanted to speak to him about something so could he please let him know when he was free. His boss replied yes and asked him to have a seat and to tell him what he had to say.
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July 29, 2021 by Prasanna
When we want to tell somebody else what another person said, we can use either direct speech and reported speech.
When we use direct speech, we use the same words but use quotation marks, For example: Scott said, “I am coming to work. I will be late because there is a lot of traffic now.”
When we use reported speech, we usually change the verbs, specific times, and pronouns. For example: Scott said that he was coming to work. He said that he would be late because there was a lot of traffic at that time.
This grammar section explains English Grammar in a clear and simple way. There are example sentences to show how the language is used. NCERT Solutions for Class 8 English will help you to write better answers in your Class 10 exams. Because the Solutions are solved by subject matter experts.
Fundamentals: The art of reporting the words of a speaker is called Narration. It is of two types:-
In narration a sentence has two parts:-
Rules of Changing Pronouns
Persons: There are three types of persons:-
Part-I (Assertive Sentences in Present or Future)
Rules 1. If Reporting Verb is in Present or Future Tense the tense of Reported speech is not changed. 2. (” “) inverted commas are replaced with the conjunction ‘that’. 3. Say to is replaced with tell, says to with tells and said to with told.
Part-II (Assertive Sentences in Past)
Rules:- 1. ‘said to’ is changed into ‘told’. 2. Use conjunction ‘that’ to connect 3. If Reporting Verb is in Past Tense the tense of the Reported Speech is changed according to the rules given below: –
In Reported Speech words showing nearness changes into words showing distance:-
Note: If Reported Speech has an explanation of Universal Truth, Habitual Fact or Historical Fact its Tense is not changed at all. Examples:-
Part-III (Interrogative Sentences) Rules: 1. In Interrogative sentences said or said to of reporting verb are replaced with asked or enquired. 2. If the interrogative (question) begins with Helping Verb or Modal (is, am, are, do, does, was, were, has, have, had, will, shall, would, can, could, should, may, might, must, etc.) the inverted commas (” “) are replaced with the conjunction if or whether. 3. If the interrogative (question) begins with WH-family (Why, what, which, when, whose, who, whom, how, etc.) the inverted commas (” “) are not replaced with any conjunction at all. 4. If there are no interrogatives (questions) in indirect speech we place helping verb or modal after the subject.
Interrogative Sentences in present or future:
Part-IV (Imperative Sentences) Rules: 1. In Imperative sentences said to is replaced with ordered, commanded, advised, suggested, proposed, persuaded, warned, etc. 2. Inverted commas (” “) are replaced with ‘to’. The first form of verb is applied after ‘to’. 3. In Negative sentences ‘said’ to is replaced with ‘forbade’ or ‘do’ is replaced with ‘not’.
PART-V (Exclamatory Sentences)
Rules: 1. Use conjunction ‘that’ to connect the speech with reporting verb. 2. Change tenses according to the rules learnt in PART-II. 3. ‘Said’ is mostly changed into ‘exclaimed’ (sometimes ‘applauded saying’) 4. Replace ‘what’ or ‘how’ with ‘very’ (sometimes ‘big’ or ‘great’). 5. Replace exclamatory words as follows: AH!, Alas!…. with sorrow; Aha!, Ha!, Hurrah! ….with joy; Oh with surprise; Pooh! ….with contempt; Sorry! with regret, Bravo! with applauded saying.
PART-VI (Optative Sentences)
Rules: 1. Such sentences indicate greeting & wishes (good morning, good noon, good day, would that, etc.), and prayer (may, may God). Therefore ‘said’ is mostly replaced with ‘wished’ or ‘prayed’. 2. In case of good bye, farewell, good night (when parting company) ‘said’ is replaced with ‘bade’. Examples:-
Indirect Speech of two or more sentences:
Question 1. Fill in the blanks (i) She looks pretty sick. I think she _____________ go to a doctor. (a) should (b) can Answer: (a) should
(ii) You’ve been driving all day. You _____________ be exhausted! (a) should (b) must Answer: (b) must
(iii) You _____________ smoke so much. It’s bad for your health. (a) can’t (b) shouldn’t Answer: (b) shouldn’t
(iv) Hey I’m lost _____________ you help me? (a) can (b) should Answer: (a) can
(v) You have such a beautiful voice. You _____________ sing for us! (a) should (b) can Answer: (a) should
(vi) I know he speaks five languages, but _____________ he speak Arabic? (a) should (b) can Answer: (b) can
(vii) That looks very expensive. It _____________ have cost a fortune! (a) should (b) must Answer: (b) must
(viii) I _____________ believe that you failed your test! (a) can’t (b) shouldn’t Answer: (a) can’t
(ix) I’m on my way. I _____________ be there in about 10 minutes. (a) should (b) can Answer: (a) should
(x) I _____________ afford that. (a) can’t (b) shouldn’t Answer: (a) can’t
Question 2. Complete the sentences. (i) Jacob: “I work in an office.” Jacob told me (that) _____________ worked in an office.
(ii) Ryan and Lucas: “We play football.” Ryan and Lucas told me (that) _____________ played football.
(iii) Victoria: “I like my cat.” Victoria told me (that) _____________ liked _____________ cat.
(iv) Henry: “Can you see me?” Henry asked me if _____________ could see
(v) Julian: “I will have to borrow your pencil.” Julian told me (that) _____________ would have to borrow
(vi) Melanie: “My father is Jamaican.” Melanie told me (that) _____________ father is Jamaican.
(vii) Emma and Doris: “Can we use your camera?” Emma and Doris asked me if _____________ could use _____________ camera.
(viii) Leah: “How is your journey?” Leah’ asked me how _____________ journey was.
(ix) Isabella and Ella: “We love our pets.” Isabella and Ella told me (that) _____________ loved _____________ pencil.
(x) Grandmother: “Please bring me a cup of my tea.” Grandmother told me to bring _____________ a cup of _____________ tea. Answer: (i) he (ii) they (iii) she, her (iv) I, him (v) he, my (vi) her (vii) they, my (viii) my (ix) they, their (x) her, her.
Question 3. Change the direct speech into reported speech. Choose the past simple of ‘ask’, ‘say’, or ‘tell: (i) “Don’t do it!” She _____________
(ii) “I’m leaving tomorrow” She _____________
(iii) “Please get me a cup of tea” She _____________
(iv) “She got married last year” She _____________
(v) “Be quick!” She _____________
(vi) “Could you explain number four, please?” She _____________
(vii) “Where do you live?” She _____________
(viii) “We went to the cinema and then to a Chinese restaurant” She _____________
(ix) “I’ll come and help you at twelve” She _____________
(x) “What are you doing tomorrow?” She _____________ Answer: When I used ‘said’ you can also use ‘told me’) (i) She told me to do it. (ii) She said (that) she was learning tomorrow. (the next day). (iii) She asked me to get her a cup of tea. (iv) She said (that) she got married last year. (v) She told me to be quick. (vi) She asked me to explain number four. (vii) She asked me where I lived. (viii) She said (that) they went (had been) to the cinema and then to a Chinese restaurant. (ix) She said (that) she would come and help me at twelve. (x) she asked me what I was doing tomorrow (the day after).
Question 1. Change the direct speech into reported speech. Choose the past simple of ‘ask’, ‘say, or “tell: (i) “Don’t go!”. She _____________
(ii) “Do you work in London?” She _____________
(iii) “Could you tell me where the post office is?” She _____________
(iv) “Come here!” She _____________
(v) “I’ve never been to Wales” She _____________
(vi) “Have you ever seen ‘Lord of the Rings?” She _____________
(vii) “I don’t like mushroom” She _____________
(viii) “Don’t be silly!” She _____________
(ix) “Would you mind waiting a moment please?” She _____________
(x) “How often do you play sport?” She _____________
Question 2. Write here, that day, the day before, the next day, the week before, according to the sentences.
1. Anita (a week ago): “Tanya and I are going to a concert tomorrow.” You (today): Anita said she and Tanya were going to a concert ________ 2. Jyoti (two days ago): “I’ve only been in England since yesterday.” You (today): Jyoti said he had only been in England since ________ 3. Nitin (a week ago): “I’m meeting my friend at the airport later today.” You (today): Nitin said he was meeting his friend at the airport later ________ 4. Mohan (in the street): “I’ll see you at the coffee bar.” You (at the coffee bar): Mohan said he would see me ________ 5. Pawan (a month ago): “The festival was in the last week.” You (today): Pawan told me the festival had been ________
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Direct and indirect speech exercises: Effective communication involves accurate reporting of the words of others. Direct and indirect speech are the tools that help us achieve this. They help in communicating information with accuracy and clarity. In this blog post, you will learn about reported speech and practice exercises to master the concept of direct and indirect speech.
What are direct speech and indirect speech, exercises 6.
Must Read: Reported Speech
Direct Speech
Direct Speech is the actual words spoken by the person. It is often enclosed within inverted commas, providing readers with deep insight into the speaker’s words.
For example: Rohit said, “ I will attend the office tomorrow.”
In the above example, the words enclosed in the commas depict the speaker’s actual words in the sentence.
Indirect Speech
On the other hand, indirect speech includes the reporting of the words of the speaker without quoting their exact words. While changing a sentence from direct speech to indirect speech there are a few changes that need to be kept in mind while changing. These changes include changes in the pronouns, verb tense, and the removal of quotation marks.
For example:
Direct Speech Rohit said, “ I will attend the office tomorrow.”
Indirect Speech Rohit said that he would attend the office the next day.
In Indirect Speech, there is a change in pronoun, verb tense, and the removal of quotation marks.
Also Read: Tenses Rules: Charts, Examples, Types [PDF Available]
We have compiled several exercises for you which will allow you to check your knowledge.
Instruction: Change the following sentences from direct to indirect speech.
Match the following answers with the solved exercise:
Must Read: Subject-Verb Agreement: Definition, 12 Rules & Examples
Instruction: Change the following sentences from indirect to direct speech.
Instruction: Convert the following sentences into indirect speech.
Must Read: Figures of Speech: Types, Usage & Examples [Download PDF]
Instruction: Fill in the following blanks with the appropriate words:
Instruction: Fill in the blanks.
Instruction : Rewrite the following dialogue using indirect speech:
Peter: “Have you seen my phone?”
Mary: “No, I haven’t. Did you check your backpack?”
Peter: “Yes, I did. I can’t seem to find it anywhere.”
Mary: “Don’t worry, I’m sure it will turn up. Maybe you left it in your car?”
Peter: “That’s possible. I’ll go and check my car.”
Instruction: Identify the following sentences whether they are Direct Speech or Indirect Speech. Write (DS) for Direct Speech and (IS) for Indirect Speech.
Instruction: Rewrite the following sentences in indirect speech.
Instruction: Change the following sentences into direct speech.
Instruction: Match the sentences.
When the actual words spoken by the person are written without making any changes, they are written in quotation marks to mark them as real words spoken by the speaker. For example: Rita said, ” I love to play Table-tennis”.
When the actual words are not written in the quoted form but are expressed in the form of narrative without changing the meaning of the words spoken by the speaker. It is called indirect narration. For example: Rita said that she loved to play Table-tennis.
The most common reporting verbs used in indirect speech are “said,” “told,” “asked,” “explained,” “mentioned,” and “suggested.” The choice of reporting verb influences the tone and meaning of the reported speech.
Learn More About Reported Speech
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Turn the following sentences into indirect speech.
1. John said, ‘I am very busy now.’ 2. He said, ‘The horse has been fed.’ 3. ‘I know her name and address,’ said John. 4. ‘German is easy to learn,’ she said. 5. He said, ‘I am writing letters.’ 6. ‘It is too late to go out,’ Alice said. 7. He said to me, ‘I don’t believe you.’ 8. He says, ‘I am glad to be here this evening.’ 9. He said to me, ‘What are you doing?’ 10. ‘Where is the post office?’ asked the stranger. 11. He said, ‘Will you listen to me?’ 12. John said to Peter, ‘Go away.’ 13. She said to me, ‘Please wait here till I return.’ 14. ‘Call the witness,’ said the judge. 15. The speaker said, ‘Be quiet and listen to my words.’
1. John said that he was very busy then. 2. He said that the horse had been fed. 3. John said that he knew/knows her name and address. (Note that the tenses may not change if the statement is still relevant or if it is a universal truth.) 4. She said that German is/was easy to learn. 5. He said that he was writing letters. 6. Alice said that it was too late to go out. 7. He told me that he didn’t believe me. OR He said he didn’t believe me. 8. He says that he is glad to be here this evening. (When the reporting verb is in the present tense, adverbs of time and place do not normally change in indirect speech.) 9. He asked me what I was doing. 10. The stranger asked where the post office is/was. 11. He asked me if I would listen to him. 12. John ordered Peter to go away. 13. She asked me to wait there till she returned. 14. The judge commanded them to call the first witness. 15. He urged them to be quiet and listen to them.
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Direct and indirect speech
English grammar books PDF
PDF book 1: English grammar exercises PDF
PDF book 2: English grammar rules PDF
Reported speech exercises PDF
Reported questions + commands exercises PDF
Online exercises with answers:
Direct - indirect speech exercise 1 Rewrite sentences in the reported speech.
Direct - indirect speech exercise 2 Report a short dialogue in the reported speech.
Direct - indirect speech exercise 3 Find and correct mistakes in the reported speech.
Direct - indirect speech exercise 4 Choose correct answers in a multiple choice test.
Indirect - direct speech exercise 5 Rewrite sentences from the reported speech to direct speech.
Reported questions, commands and requests:
Reported questions exercise 6 Change the reported questions and orders into direct questions and orders.
Reported questions exercise 7 Change direct questions into reported questions.
Reported commands exercise 8 Make reported commands and requests.
Grammar rules PDF:
Reported speech rules PDF Changes of tenses, pronouns, time and place in reported statements, questions and commands.
English grammar PDF All PDF rules with examples on e-grammar.org.
See also: Reported questions + commands
The direct and indirect speech are used to say what other people said, thought or felt. "I like it," he said. - He said that he liked it. "Dan will come," she hoped. - She hoped Dan would come.
The reported (indirect) speech is typically introduced by verbs such as say, tell, admit, complain, explain, remind, reply, think, hope, offer, refuse etc. in the past tense. He said (that) he didn't want it. She explained that she had been at the seaside.
If these verbs are in the past tense, we change the following: a) verb tenses and verb forms b) pronouns c) the adverbs of time and place
A) Verb tenses
We change the tenses in the following way:
As you can see, both the past tense and the present perfect change into the past perfect.
Notes 1. I shall, we shall usually become would . "I shall appreciate it," he said. - He said he would appreciate it. 2. I should, we should usually change into would . "We should be really glad," she told us. - She told us they would be really glad. 3. May becomes might . "I may write to him," she promised. - She promised that she might write to him.
The verb forms remain the same in the following cases:
B) Pronouns
We have to change the pronouns to keep the same meaning of a sentence. "We are the best students," he said. - He said they were the best students. "They called us," he said. - He said they had called them. "I like your jeans," she said. - She said she liked my jeans. "I can lend you my car," he said. - He said he could lend me his car.
Sometimes we have to use a noun instead of a pronoun, otherwise the new sentence is confusing. "He killed them," Kevin said. - Kevin said that the man had killed them. If we only make mechanical changes (Kevin said he had killed them) , the new sentence can have a different meaning - Kevin himself killed them.
This and these are usually substituted. "They will finish it this year," he said. - He said they would finish it that year. "I brought you this book," she said. - She said she had brought me the book. "We want these flowers," they said. - They said they wanted the flowers.
C) Time and place
Let's suppose that we talked to our friend Mary on Friday. And she said: "Greg came yesterday." It means that Greg came on Thursday. If we report Mary's sentence on Sunday, we have to do the following: Mary: "Greg came yesterday." - Mary said that Greg had come the day before. If we say: Mary said Greg had come yesterday , it is not correct, because it means that he came on Saturday.
The time expressions change as follows. now - then, today - that day, tomorrow - the next day/the following day, the day after tomorrow - in two days' time, yesterday - the day before, the day before yesterday - two days before, next week/month - the following week/month, last week/month - the previous week/month, a year ago - a year before/the previous year
Bill: "She will leave tomorrow." - Bill said she would leave the next day. Sam: "She arrived last week." - Sam said she had arrived the previous week. Julie: "He moved a year ago." - Julie said he had moved a year before.
Note If something is said and reported at the same time, the time expressions can remain the same. "I will go on holiday tomorrow," he told me today. - He told me today he would go on holiday tomorrow. "We painted the hall last weekend," she told me this week. - She told me this week they had painted the hall last weekend. On the other hand, if something is reported later, the time expressions are different in the indirect speech. Last week Jim said: "I'm playing next week." If we say his sentence a week later, we will say: Jim said he was playing this week.
Here usually becomes there . But sometimes we make different adjustments. At school: "I'll be here at 10 o'clock," he said. - He said he would be there at 10 o'clock. In Baker Street: "We'll meet here." - He said they would meet in Baker Street.
Explore numerous NCERT MCQ Questions for Class 8 English Grammar Reported Speech Pdf free download is available online for students. By taking help from MCQ Questions for Class 8 English with Answers during preparation, score maximum marks in the exam. Try maintaining a time limit while answering Reported Speech Class 8 MCQs Questions with Answers so that it would be useful in your actual exams. Download the Reported Speech Multiple Choice Questions PDF free of cost and get good scores in the board exams.
Enhance your subject knowledge through Reported Speech MCQ Online Test and lay a stronger foundation of your basics. Verify your answers with MCQ on Reported Speech provided and know where you went wrong. Use the Objective Questions of Class 8th Reported Speech MCQ with Answers provided below and understand all the concepts easily.
Change the following into indirect speech. Choose the correct alternative:
Question 1. He said to me, “When can you go to Ambala?” (a) He asked me when I could go to Ambala. (b) He told me that he could go to Ambala. (c) He asked me when I could go to Ambala. (d) He asked me if he could go to Ambala.
Answer: (c) He asked me when I could go to Ambala.
Question 2. The teacher said, “The earth moves around the sun.” (a) The teacher said that the earth moved around the sun. (b) The teacher said that the earth moves around the sun. (c) The teacher says that the earth moves around the sun. (d) The teacher tells that the earth moves around the sun.
Answer: (b) The teacher said that the earth moves around the sun.
Question 3. The lady said to him, “Why haven’t you paid the house rent ?” (a) The lady told him why he had not paid the house rent. (b) The lady asked him that he has not paid the house rent. (c) The lady asked him why he had not paid the house rent. (d) The lady asked him why he has not paid the house rent.
Answer: (c) The lady asked him why he had not paid the house rent.
Question 4. Pulkit said to Rashmi, “I am putting these papers in a file.” (a) Pulkit asked Rashmi that she is putting these papers in a file. (b) Pulkit told Rashmi that she is putting those papers in a file. (c) Pulkit told Rashmi that he was putting those papers in a file. (d) Pulkit told Rashmi that I am putting those papers in a file.
Answer: (c) Pulkit told Rashmi that he was putting those papers in a file.
Question 5. He said to me, “Are you in a mood to work?” (a) He asked me that I was in a mood to work. (b) He asked me if I was in a mood to work. (c) He asked me if are you in a mood to work. (d) He told me that he was in a mood to work.
Answer: (b) He asked me if I was in a mood to work.
Question 6. The teacher said to Ram, “When did the bus leave?” (a) The teacher asked Ram when did the bus leave. (b) The teacher told Ram when the but left. (c) The teacher said that when did the bus leave. (d) The teacher asked Ram when the bus had left.
Answer: (d) The teacher asked Ram when the bus had left.
Question 7. The boys say, “Honesty is the best policy.” (a) The boys say that honesty is the best policy. (b) The boys said that honesty is the best policy. (c) The boys will say that honesty is the best policy. (d) The boys say that honesty was the best policy.
Answer: (a) The boys say that honesty is the best policy.
Question 8. The man said to his son, “Can you go to the town now?” (a) The man asked his son if he can go to the town then. (b) The man told his son that he could go to the town now. (c) The man asked his son if he cannot go to the town then. (d) The man asked his son if he could go to the town then.
Answer: (d) The man asked his son if he could go to the town then.
Question 9. He said to me, “I am going to Chennai tomorrow.” (a) He said to me that he was going to Chennai tomorrow. (b) He told me that he is going to Chennai tomorrow. (c) He told me that he was going to Chennai the next day. (d) He asked me if he was going to Chennai tomorrow.
Answer: (c) He told me that he was going to Chennai the next day.
Question 10. He said to me, “What are you doing now?” (a) He told me what I was doing., (b) He asked me what I was doing then. (c) He asked me if what I was doing. (d) He said to me what I was doing.
Answer: (b) He asked me what I was doing then.
Question 11. Suntan said to Geeta, “I walked to the market yesterday.” (a) Suman asked Geeta that she walked to the market yesterday. (b) Suman told Geeta that she had walked to the market the previous day. (c) Suman told Geeta that she walked to the market the previous day. (d) Suman told Geeta that I had walked to the market the next day.
Answer: (b) Suman told Geeta that she had walked to the market the previous day.
Question 12. He said to me, “You will miss the train.” (a) He told me that I would miss the train. (b) He asked me if I would miss the train. (c) He said to me that I will miss the train. (d) He told me that 1 will miss the train.
Answer: (a) He told me that I would miss the train.
Question 13. Mohan says to me, “I am going to school.” (a) Mohan says that I am going to school. (b) Mohan says that he was going to school. (c) Mohan tells me if I was going to school. (d) Mohan tells me that he is going to school.
Answer: (d) Mohan tells me that he is going to school.
Question 14. They said to me, “Are the apples sweet?” (a) They told me if the apples were sweet. (b) They told me that the apples were sweet. (c) They asked me if the apples were sweet. (d) They asked me that the apples were sweet.
Answer: (c) They asked me if the apples were sweet.
Question 15. She said to me, “Who teaches you English?” (a) She asked me who taught me English. (b) She told me that who teaches you English. (c) She asked me if who teaches us English. (d) She asked me who taught us English.
Answer: (a) She asked me who taught me English.
The above furnished information regarding NCERT MCQ Questions for Class 8 English Grammar Reported Speech Pdf free download is true as far as our knowledge is concerned. If you have any doubts regarding CBSE Class 8 English Grammar Reported Speech MCQs Multiple Choice Questions with Answers, feel free to reach us via the comment section and we will reach you at the soonest possible.
Exercise- 6
Change the form of narration in the following sentences :
1.I said to Naman, “Look at the map.” a.why I asked Naman to look at the map. b.I asked Naman to look at the map. c.which are I asked Naman to look at the map. d.whom this I asked Naman to look at the map.
2.He said to me, “Help the poor.” a.He advised me to help the poor. b.He advised me the help the poor. c.He told me her help the poor. d.He said me on help to the poor.
3.The mother said to Sita, “Do not waste your time.” a.The mother advised Sita will not to waste her time. b.The mother advised Sita would not to waste her time. c.The mother advised Sita not to waste her time. d.The mother advised Sita should not to waste her time.
4.Radha said to Reeta, “Do what I say.” a.Radha asked Reeta to do where she said. b.Radha asked Reeta to do who she said. c.Radha asked Reeta to do which she said. d.Radha asked Recta to do what she said.
5.I said to my teacher, “Allow me to meet my unc le.” a.I requested my teacher will be to allow me to meet my uncle. b.I requested my teacher to allow me to meet my uncle. c.I requested my teacher ought to be allow me to meet my uncle. d.I requested my teacher should to be allow me to meet my uncle.
6.”Work hard if you want to pass,” said the teacher. a.The teacher advised the students to work hard if they wanted to pass. b.The teacher told the students to work hard if they wanted to pass. c.The teacher said that the students to work hard if they wanted to pass. d.The teacher told me that the students to work hard if they wanted to pass.
7.Father said to his son, “Do not waste time.” a.Father advised his son can not to waste time. b.Father advised his son should not to waste time. c.Father advised his son not to waste time. d.Father advised his son must not to waste time.
8.The beggar said to the traveller, “Give me some money, please.” a.The beggar requested the traveller to gave him some money. b.The beggar requested the traveller to should being give him some money. c.The beggar requested the traveller to give him some have been money. d.The beggar requested the traveller to give him some money.
9.Anil said, “How foolishly you acted!” a.Anil regretted that he have been acted very foolishly. b.Anil regretted that he had acted very foolishly. c.Anil regretted that he has been acted very foolishly. d.Anil regretted that he will have been acted very foolishly.
10.I said to Mohan. “What a powerful shot it is!” a.I told Mohan exclaiming with wonder that it was a very powerful shot. b.I told Mohan exclaiming with have been wonder that it was a very powerful shot. c.I told Mohan exclaiming with has been wonder that it was a very powerful shot. d.I told Mohan exclaiming with being wonder that it was a very powerful shot.
11.The Principal said to the peon, “Ring the bell.” a.The Principal ordered the peon to have a ring the bell. b.The Principal ordered the peon to ring the bell. c.The Principal ordered must be the peon to ring the bell. d.The Principal ordered the peon should have been to ring the bell.
12.The Headmaster said to the peon, “Ring the bell.” a.The Headmaster ordered the peon to ring the bell. b.The Headmaster ordered the peon should to ring the bell. c.The Headmaster ordered the peon must be to ring the bell. d.The Headmaster ordered the peon to have been ring the bell.
13.The hostess said, “Did you sleep well?” a.The hostess asked if he have been slept well. b.The hostess asked if he would have slept well. c.The hostess asked if he had slept well. d.The hostess asked if he should have slept well.
14.She said to the servant, “Open the door.” a.She ordered the servant to have been open the door. b.She ordered the servant to has been open the door. c.She ordered the servant ought to have open the door. d.She ordered the servant to open the door.
15.He said to his son, “Never tell a lie.” a.He advised his son never to tell a lie. b.He advised his son have been never to tell a lie. c.He advised his son should be never to tell a lie. d.He advised his son ought to never to tell a lie.
16.The captain said to the soldiers. “Fire at the enemy.” a.The captain ordered the soldiers to have been fire at the enemy. b.The captain ordered the soldiers to has been to fire at the enemy. c.The captain ordered the soldiers to fire at the enemy. d.The captain ordered the soldiers to fire should have been at the enemy.
17.Ram said to Mohan, “Listen to what I say.” a.Ram told Mohan to listen to what he said. b.Ram asked Mohan to listen to what he said. c.Ram asked Mohan to have been listen to what he said. d.Ram asked Mohan has been to listen to what he said.
18.The manager said to the servant, “Go and post this letter.” a.The manager ordered the servant to went and post that letter. b.The manager ordered the servant to gone and post that letter. c.The manager ordered the servant to going and post that letter. d.The manager ordered the servant to go and post that letter.
19.The teacher said to the students. “Work regularly.” a.The teacher advised the students to work regularly. b.The teacher advised the students to have been work regularly. c.The teacher advised the students ought to be work regularly. d.The teacher advised the students to must being work regularly.
20.Mother said to her son, “Do what you are told. “ a.Mother ordered her son to do where he was told. b.Mother ordered her son to do what have been he was told. c.Mother ordered her son to do what he was told. d.Mother ordered her son to do which he was told.
21.I said to him, “Let us play in the garden. “ a.I proposed to him that we would play in the garden. b.I proposed to him that we should play in the garden. c.I proposed to him that we could play in the garden. d.I proposed to him that we ought to play in the garden.
22.Mohan said to me, “Let us take tea.” a.Mohan proposed to me to take tea. b.Mohan proposed to me to have been take tea. c.Mohan proposed to me to could take tea. d.Mohan proposed to me to must be take tea.
23.I said to him, “Please let me come in.” a.I requested him to let me her came in. b.I requested him to let me his coming in. c.I requested him to let me come in. d.I requested him to let me has comes in.
24.I said to him, “Let the child sleep.” a.I asked him to let the has been child sleep. b.I asked him to let the child ought to sleep. c.I asked him to let the child her sleep. d.I asked him to let the child sleep.
25.She said to Mohan, “Let us go home.” a.She proposed to Mohan that they ought to went home. b.She proposed to Mohan that they should go home. c.She proposed to Mohan that they must to gone home. d.She proposed to Mohan that they could going to home.
26.I said. “Let us go out for a walk.” a.I proposed that we would go out for a walk. b.I proposed that we could go out for a walk. c.I proposed that we should go out for a walk. d.I proposed that we must went out for a walk.
27.Sita said, “Hurrah! I have topped the class.” a.Sita exclaimed with joy that she had been to topped the class. b.Sita exclaimed with joy that she had topped the class. c.Sita exclaimed with joy that she have been topped the class. d.Sita exclaimed with joy that she has being to topped the class.
28.My brother said. “Alas! My new pen has lost.” a.My brother exclaimed with sorrow that his new pen had lost. b.My brother exclaimed with sorrow that his new pen have not be lost. c.My brother exclaimed with sorrow that his new pen has not been lost. d.My brother exclaimed with sorrow that his new pen should be lost.
29.The commander said to the soldiers, “Bravo! March-forward.” a.The commander applauded the soldiers saying to have been march forward. b.The commander applauded the soldiers saying to must be march forward. c.The commander applauded the soldiers saying to might be march forward. d.The commander applauded the soldiers saying to march forward.
30.She said to me. “Thank you.” a.He had a thanked me. b.He thinking me. c.He thanked me. d.He was thanked me.
31.I said to my friend. “Congratulations.” a.I congratulated my friend. b.I congratulated to my friend. c.I congratulated has been my friend. d.I congratulated should be to my friend.
32.He said, “What a nice picture!” a.He said that it were a very nice picture. b.He said that it which a very nice picture. c.He said that it whom a very nice picture. d.He said that it was a very nice picture.
33.I said, “What a beautiful flower it is!” a.I exclaimed with wonder that it had a very beautiful flower. b.I exclaimed with wonder that it was a very beautiful flower. c.I exclaimed with wonder that it which has been a very beautiful flower. d.I exclaimed with wonder that it would have been a very beautiful flower.
34.He said to me, “Welcome.” a.He welcomed to the me. b.He welcomed can to me. c.He welcomed me. d.He was to welcomed me.
35.The crow will say, “I cannot sing so well.” a.The crow will say that it cannot sing so well. b.The crow ought to say that it cannot sing so well. c.The crow must be say that it could not sing so well. d.The crow might be say that it cannot sing so well.
36.Harish will say to me. “You have spoiled my pen.” a.Harish ought to tell me that I have spoiled his pen. b.Harish might be tell me that I have spoiled his pen. c.Harish should be tell me that I have spoiled his pen. d.Harish will tell me that I have spoiled his pen.
37.The teacher said, “The G a nga rises from the Himalayas.” a.The teacher said that the Ganga rises from the Himalayas. b.The teacher said that the Ganga was to rises from the Himalayas. c.The teacher said that the Ganga when to rises from the Himalayas. d.The teacher said that the Ganga should not be rises from the Himalayas.
38.The teacher said. “The Himalaya stands in the north of India. “ a.The teacher said that the Himalayas should be stand in the north of India. b.The teacher said that the Himalayas must be stand in the north of India. c.The teacher said that the Himalayas might be stand in the north of India. d.The teacher said that the Himalayas stand in the north of India.
39.John said to me, “I hope to win this prize.” a.John told me that he hopping ought to win that prize. b.John told me that he hoped to win that prize. c.John told me that he hopes would to win that prize. d.John told me that he hoped must to being win that prize.
40.Rahul said to me. “I posted your letter.” a.Rahul told me that he had posted my letter. b.Rahul told me that he had ought to posted my letter. c.Rahul told me that he have been to posted my letter. d.Rahul told me that he has will be posted my letter.
1.b. I asked Naman to look at the map. 2.a. He advised me to help the poor. 3.c. The mother advised Sita not to waste her time. 4.d. Radha asked Recta to do what she said. 5.b. I requested my teacher to allow me to meet my uncle. 6.a. The teacher advised the students to work hard if they wanted to pass. 7.c. Father advised his son not to waste time. 8.d. The beggar requested the traveller to give him some money. 9.b. Anil regretted that he had acted very foolishly. 10.a. I told Mohan exclaiming with wonder that it was a very powerful shot. 11.b.The Principal ordered the peon to ring the bell. 12.a. The Headmaster ordered the peon to ring the bell. 13.c. The hostess asked if he had slept well. 14.d. She ordered the servant to open the door. 15.a. He advised his son never to tell a lie. 16.c. The captain ordered the soldiers to fire at the enemy. 17.b. Ram asked Mohan to listen to what he said. 18.d. The manager ordered the servant to go and post that letter. 19.a. The teacher advised the students to work regularly. 20.c. Mother ordered her son to do what he was told. 21.b. I proposed to him that we should play in the garden. 22.a. Mohan proposed to me to take tea. 23.c. I requested him to let me come in. 24.d. I asked him to let the child sleep. 25.b. She proposed to Mohan that they should go home. 26.c. I proposed that we should go out for a walk. 27.b. Sita exclaimed with joy that she had topped the class. 28.a. My brother exclaimed with sorrow that his new pen had lost. 29.d. The commander applauded the soldiers saying to march forward. 30.c. He thanked me. 31.a. I congratulated my friend. 32.He said that it was a very nice picture. 33.b. I exclaimed with wonder that it was a very beautiful flower. 34.c. He welcomed me. 35.a. The crow will say that it cannot sing so well. 36.d. Harish will tell me that I have spoiled his pen. 37.a. The teacher said that the Ganga rises from the Himalayas. 38.d. The teacher said that the Himalayas stand in the north of India. 39.b. John told me that he hoped to win that prize. 40.a. Rahul told me that he had posted my letter.
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Learn how to change Exclamatory sentences into indirect speech. We are giving here rules of as well as some practice exercises to help learners master the direct and indirect transformation of sentences. watch the video tutorials also to learn how to change a direct speech exclamation into its indirect speech exclamation.
New exercises are added from time to time, so keep coming here .
Click here for rules of Reported Speech
Click here for more English Grammar Topics.
Exclamatory sentences:.
Sentences which express some sudden feelings ( such as pleasure, anger, surprise ) about something which has been said or done, are called Exclamatory sentences.
Exclamatory sentences or expressions take a mark of exclamation (!) at their end.
Q. Change the following sentences into Indirect narration.
Modals: class 10 practice exercises, determiners – grammar notes class 10 cbse, analytical paragraph practice questions class 10 english grammar, subject verb concord – english grammar for cbse & icse schools, this post has 7 comments.
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2. When the Reporting Verb is in Past Tense. When the reporting verb is past tense, the change of reported speech takes place as shown below. Read the following examples. Direct The man said to the boy, " You are not serious about your studies.". Indirect The man told the boy that he was not serious about his studies.
Direct and Indirect Speech Exercises with Answers. When converting direct speech to indirect speech or vice-versa, you will have to take care to convert the verb, pronoun and the adverb appropriately. Go through the following exercises and try them out. Answers are given below each exercise; refer to them to see if your answers are right.
Exercise 2: Switch the narrative style from direct speech to indirect speech. (1) He said to me, "I can't recall your name.". Ans: He told me that he could not recall my name. (2) Poulami says, "I am fine.". Ans: Poulomi says that she is fine. (3) He said, "I did it.". Ans: He said that he had done it.
Exercise - 1. Transform these sentences into indirect speech. Harsh said, "I am hungry for knowledge.". Geeta cried, "I want those biscuits". Indrajeet said, "My dress is getting wet.". Jagjeevan said to his mother, "Please, buy me a new dress for the party.". Kuldeep said to the police, "Keep my bag and baggage safe.".
Direct and Indirect Speech Exercise 1. Convert the following sentences from direct to indirect speech. Direct: He said, "I am going to the park.". Direct: "I have completed my homework," said Marie. Direct: "It's raining outside," she said. Direct: "We will visit the church tomorrow," they told us. Direct: "I love waffles ...
The direct and indirect speech exercises for Class 8 with answers PDF should include simple and relatable examples like the ones stated above. Interesting Facts about Direct and Indirect Speech for Class 8 Students. While changing a sentence from direct to indirect speech, we use the conjunction 'that.'
She said that she was doing her homework. 3. She said that she had eaten an apple in the morning. 4. Ram said that he had posted the letter. 5. Suma said that she would pass the test. 6. Rahim asked where he could find a cobbler.
on October 25, 2023, 5:50 AM. Class 8 English Grammar Chapter 16 Direct and Indirect Speech. When we use the actual words of the speaker, we use Direct Speech but when we report what he said in our own words, we use Indirect Speech. The actual words of the speaker are called Reported Speech and the verb introducing the Reported Speech is called ...
clause should be used at the end of the sentence.At. tence full stop should be placed.Indirect SpeechImage: Indirect Speech It is the speech that tells what someone has said but it does. not explain the actual words spoken by the person. It just conveys the basic n. rration of what is being said to the third p.
Direct and indirect speech exercise for class 8. 1. The man said, 'I am waiting for the bus.'. 2. Suma said, 'Last week, I attended a seminar on the harmful consequences of global warming.'. 3. Julia said, 'I will be delighted to help.'. 4. The plumber said, 'I have fixed the leakage in the bathroom.'.
Here are some distinctive points regarding the Direct Speech and Indirect Speech : In the Direct Speech. 1. The Reported Speech is put within Reported (Inverted) Commas. 2. The Reported Speech and the Reporting Verb are separated by a Comma. 3. The first word of the Reported Speech begins with a capital letter.
Reported Speech Practice Exercises for Class 8 CBSE. A. Write the following sentences in indirect speech. The first one has been done for you. 1. He said, "I will meet you outside the post office at three tomorrow afternoon.". He said that he would meet me outside the post office at there the following afternoon.
3.3 Direct and Indirect Speech. 3.4 Direct and Indirect Narration Rules. 3.5 Step 1: Choosing the Verb's Tense and Conversion. 3.6 Step 2: Changes are Made to the Word That Communicates Place, Time, and Connection. 3.7 Step 3: The Subject and Object Pronouns are Chosen Separately. 4.
Mother told her daughter that it was time she went to bed. 4. The boy lamented that he had failed his test. 5. The tourist asked the man if/whether he knew any shops where they sold carpets. 6. Mother asked me what I was doing in the morning. 7. The teacher asked the students if / whether anyone knew the answer.
Access and download a complimentary PDF of CBSE Class 8 English Direct and Indirect Speech Worksheet. Obtain printable English Class 8 Worksheets in PDF format. This worksheet aligns with the most recent syllabus and exam format provided by CBSE, NCERT, and KVS.Additionally, access free PDFs of English Class 8 Assignments to practice regularly, enhancing your performance in tests and exams.
The girl asked the receptionist if she could talk to the manager. 5. She said that she wanted to get that document translated into Spanish. 6. He told his manager that he had met with an accident that morning. 7. The boy complained that the soup was too salty. 8. Rahim asked his mother if she had seen his key.
Class 8 English Grammar Reported Speech (Direct and Indirect) Exercise with Answer. Reported Speech - Reported speech refers to recording the speaker's speech, whether it is done directly by recording the speaker's words or indirectly by recording the speaker's words but changing them. For example. Shyam said, "Taj Mahal was built by ...
Reported Speech Exercises for Class 8 CBSE With Answers. When we want to tell somebody else what another person said, we can use either direct speech and reported speech. When we use direct speech, we use the same words but use quotation marks, For example: Scott said, "I am coming to work. I will be late because there is a lot of traffic now
Instruction:Change the following sentences from direct to indirect speech. She said, " I live in Noida". He said," I am going out". Sita said," I have done my homework.". Rohan said, " I have finished". They said," We are going to the market". She said, " The concert starts at 7 pm". She said," I ate an apple.".
The speaker said, 'Be quiet and listen to my words.'. Answers. 1. John said that he was very busy then. 2. He said that the horse had been fed. 3. John said that he knew/knows her name and address. (Note that the tenses may not change if the statement is still relevant or if it is a universal truth.)
Reported questions + commands exercises PDF. Practise the difference between the direct and indirect speech in questions, commands and requests. Online exercises with answers: Direct - indirect speech exercise 1 Rewrite sentences in the reported speech. Direct - indirect speech exercise 2 Report a short dialogue in the reported speech.
Explore numerous NCERT MCQ Questions for Class 8 English Grammar Reported Speech Pdf free download is available online for students. By taking help from MCQ Questions for Class 8 English with Answers during preparation, score maximum marks in the exam. Try maintaining a time limit while answering Reported Speech Class 8 MCQs Questions with Answers so that it would be useful in your actual exams.
Exercise- 6. Change the form of narration in the following sentences : 1.I said to Naman, "Look at the map.". a.why I asked Naman to look at the map. b.I asked Naman to look at the map. c.which are I asked Naman to look at the map. d.whom this I asked Naman to look at the map. 2.He said to me, "Help the poor.". a.He advised me to help ...
Use 'wish' and 'pray to God' in sentences involving wish and prayer. Convert the exclamatory sentence to a statement i.e. end with a full stop dot (.) Examples. Direct: Kohli said, "Hurrah! We won the match.". Indirect: Kohli exclaimed with joy that they had won the match. Direct: Reena said, "Alas! Sheela's mother is suffering ...