UP Board Solutions Class 9 English Chapter 11 Indirect or Reported Speech

Solved Exercises Based On Text Book

Reported Speech Exercise For Class 9 Exercise : 1

Change The Following Sentences Into Indirect Speech :

UP Board Class 9 English Book Solution Questions.

Question 1. Himani said, “My friend is weeping.”
Answer: Himani said that her friend was weeping.
In simple words: This sentence converts direct speech into indirect speech by replacing the quotation marks with 'that' and adjusting the verb tense if necessary, though here 'is weeping' becomes 'was weeping' as per standard rules.

🎯 Exam Tip: Pay attention to changes in pronouns and tense when converting direct speech to indirect speech, especially for statements.

Question 2. John said to Alice, “Nirmala will help you.”
Answer: John told Alice that Nirmala would help her.
In simple words: The direct speech is transformed by changing 'said to' to 'told', using 'that' as a conjunction, and altering 'will' to 'would' for past tense consistency.

🎯 Exam Tip: 'Said to' usually changes to 'told' when there's an object (like 'Alice'). 'Will' becomes 'would' in indirect speech.

Question 3. Anil said to Sunil, “My brother will have reached Mumbai today.”
Answer: Anil told Sunil that his brother would have reached Mumbai that day.
In simple words: Here, 'said to' becomes 'told', 'will have reached' changes to 'would have reached' in the past perfect tense, and 'today' becomes 'that day' for time reference.

🎯 Exam Tip: Adverbs of time like 'today', 'tomorrow', 'yesterday' typically change to 'that day', 'the next day', 'the previous day' respectively in indirect speech.

Question 4. The teacher said, “Sheela, you can answer this question easily.”
Answer: The teacher told her that she could answer that question easily.
In simple words: The teacher's direct command or statement is converted by using 'told', 'that' as a conjunction, 'can' changing to 'could', and 'this' to 'that'.

🎯 Exam Tip: Modals like 'can' usually change to 'could' in indirect speech. Demonstrative adjectives like 'this' change to 'that'.

Question 5. The Principal said to the peon, “The Inspector of Schools will be coming any time."
Answer: The Principal told the peon that the Inspector of Schools would be coming any time.
In simple words: This converts a direct statement into indirect speech by replacing 'said to' with 'told', using 'that', and changing 'will be coming' to 'would be coming'.

🎯 Exam Tip: The future continuous tense ('will be coming') transforms into the conditional continuous tense ('would be coming') in reported speech.

Question 6. The father said, “The weather is stormy and the way is long."
Answer: The father said that the weather was stormy and the way was long.
In simple words: The direct statement is converted by adding 'that' and changing the present tense 'is' to past tense 'was' to reflect the reported context.

🎯 Exam Tip: When the reporting verb is in the past tense, the simple present tense in direct speech changes to simple past tense in indirect speech.

Question 7. “Geeta will not help you”, the mother said to me.
Answer: The mother told me that Geeta would not help me.
In simple words: This sentence converts a direct quote into indirect speech by reversing the order, changing 'said to' to 'told', using 'that', and converting 'will' to 'would'.

🎯 Exam Tip: When the reporting clause comes after the direct speech, it is usually moved to the beginning of the indirect speech, and pronouns are adjusted.

Question 8. "Sister, your friend has come”, Ravina said to me.
Answer: Addressing me as sister Ravina told me that my friend had come.
In simple words: This complex conversion uses 'addressing me as sister' to convey the direct address, then 'told me that' for the reporting, and 'has come' changes to 'had come' (present perfect to past perfect).

🎯 Exam Tip: For direct addresses like 'sister', 'friend', or 'sir', use phrases like 'addressing as' or 'calling' to incorporate them into indirect speech. Present perfect becomes past perfect.

Question 9. Gopal said to Govind, “Your father has sent a beautiful gift for you.”
Answer: Gopal told Govind that his father had sent a beautiful gift for him.
In simple words: The direct statement is changed to indirect speech by converting 'said to' to 'told', using 'that', changing 'your' to 'his', 'has sent' to 'had sent', and 'you' to 'him'.

🎯 Exam Tip: Pronoun changes are crucial in indirect speech; 'your' changes to 'his/her', and 'you' changes to 'him/her' depending on the context of the reported speech.

Question 10. The Principal said to the teacher, “You did not come to school yesterday.”
Answer: The Principal cautioned the teacher that he had not come to school the previous day.
In simple words: 'Said to' becomes 'cautioned' to reflect the Principal's tone, 'that' connects the clauses, 'you' becomes 'he', 'did not come' (simple past) becomes 'had not come' (past perfect), and 'yesterday' becomes 'the previous day'.

🎯 Exam Tip: Simple past tense in direct speech typically converts to past perfect tense in indirect speech. Words like 'yesterday' become 'the previous day'.

Question 11. He said to me, “Man is mortal.”
Answer: He told me that man is mortal.
In simple words: This is a universal truth, so only 'said to' changes to 'told' and 'that' is added; the tense of 'is mortal' remains unchanged.

🎯 Exam Tip: Universal truths, proverbs, or habitual facts do not change their tense in indirect speech, even if the reporting verb is in the past tense.

Question 12. You said to me, “You are cruel to me.”
Answer: You told me that I was cruel to you.
In simple words: 'Said to' becomes 'told', 'that' is used, the first 'you' becomes 'I', 'are' becomes 'was', and the second 'me' remains 'you' to reflect the original speaker's perspective.

🎯 Exam Tip: Carefully identify who 'you' and 'me' refer to in the direct speech to correctly change them to 'I', 'he', 'she', 'him', 'her' in indirect speech.

Question 13. He said to her, "Man is the finest creation of God."
Answer: He told her that man is the finest creation of God.
In simple words: Similar to universal truths, this statement of general fact retains its present tense ('is') in indirect speech, only changing 'said to' to 'told' and adding 'that'.

🎯 Exam Tip: General truths or widely accepted facts retain their original tense when converted to indirect speech.

Question 14. I said to her, “I do not take tea.”
Answer: I told her that I did not take tea.
In simple words: 'Said to' changes to 'told', 'that' is added, and 'do not take' (simple present) becomes 'did not take' (simple past) to match the past reporting verb.

🎯 Exam Tip: Simple present negative sentences in direct speech change to simple past negative in indirect speech when the reporting verb is in the past.

Question 15. He said, "You are a fool if you think Ram is a good boy.”
Answer: He told (you) that you were a fool if you thought Ram was a good boy.
In simple words: This complex sentence changes 'said' to 'told', adds 'that', 'are' to 'were', and 'think' to 'thought' to maintain tense consistency in indirect speech. The 'you' is retained in parentheses as it refers to an unspecified listener.

🎯 Exam Tip: For conditional sentences within direct speech, both parts (main clause and if-clause) usually undergo tense changes according to the general rules of indirect speech.

Excellent General English Class 9 Exercise : 2

Change The Following Sentences Into Indirect Speech :

UP Board Solution Class 9 Questions.

Question 1. He said, "Nobody can be perfectly happy in this world.”
Answer: He said that nobody could be perfectly happy in the world.
In simple words: The direct statement is converted by adding 'that' and changing the modal 'can' to 'could' to reflect the past tense reporting.

🎯 Exam Tip: Modals like 'can' change to 'could', 'may' to 'might', and 'shall/will' to 'should/would' in indirect speech.

Question 2. I said, "Ram does not play football.
Answer: I said that Ram did not play football.
In simple words: The sentence changes from simple present negative to simple past negative by changing 'does not play' to 'did not play', connected by 'that'.

🎯 Exam Tip: When the reporting verb is in the past, simple present tense verbs generally change to simple past tense in indirect speech.

Question 3. She has said, “I did not go to the hospital."
Answer: She has said that she did not go to the hospital.
In simple words: Since the reporting verb 'has said' is in the present perfect tense, the tense of the reported speech ('did not go') remains unchanged.

🎯 Exam Tip: If the reporting verb is in the present or future tense (e.g., 'says', 'will say', 'has said'), the tense of the verb in the indirect speech usually does not change.

Question 4. Roma said to her friend, “Reena, We cannot live for ever."
Answer: Roma told her friend Reena that she cannot live for ever.
In simple words: The statement, being a general truth, maintains its present tense 'cannot live' in indirect speech, with 'said to' becoming 'told' and 'that' used as a conjunction.

🎯 Exam Tip: General truths or timeless statements retain their original tense in indirect speech, regardless of the reporting verb's tense.

Question 5. Abdul said, “Naina is trying his best to get first divison in the Board Examination.”
Answer: Abdul said that Naina was trying his best to get first division in the Board Examination.
In simple words: The present continuous tense 'is trying' changes to past continuous 'was trying' because the reporting verb 'said' is in the past tense.

🎯 Exam Tip: Present continuous tense changes to past continuous tense in indirect speech when the reporting verb is in the past.

Question 6. He said to them, “You have played well.”
Answer: He told them that they had played well.
In simple words: 'Said to' becomes 'told', 'you' changes to 'they', and 'have played' (present perfect) becomes 'had played' (past perfect).

🎯 Exam Tip: Present perfect tense changes to past perfect tense in indirect speech when the reporting verb is in the past tense.

Question 7. He said to me, “Your brother has been playing for two hours.”
Answer: He told me that my brother had been playing for two hours.
In simple words: 'Said to' changes to 'told', 'your' becomes 'my', and 'has been playing' (present perfect continuous) becomes 'had been playing' (past perfect continuous).

🎯 Exam Tip: Present perfect continuous tense changes to past perfect continuous tense in indirect speech when the reporting verb is in the past.

Question 8. “I had already locked the class-rooms”, the peon said to the Principal.
Answer: The peon told the Principal that he had already locked the classroom.
In simple words: The order is reversed, 'said to' becomes 'told', 'I' becomes 'he', and the past perfect tense 'had already locked' remains unchanged in indirect speech.

🎯 Exam Tip: Past perfect tense (and past perfect continuous) usually does not change in indirect speech.

Question 9. The man said, “I was waiting for the guests.”
Answer: The man said that he had been waiting for the guests.
In simple words: 'I was waiting' (past continuous) changes to 'he had been waiting' (past perfect continuous) to reflect the shift in reporting.

🎯 Exam Tip: Past continuous tense usually changes to past perfect continuous tense in indirect speech.

Question 10. The teacher said to the boys, “Pandit Nehru liked the company of the children.”
Answer: The teacher told the boys that Pandit Nehru had liked the company of the children.
In simple words: 'Said to' changes to 'told', and 'liked' (simple past) becomes 'had liked' (past perfect) in indirect speech.

🎯 Exam Tip: Simple past tense changes to past perfect tense in indirect speech when the reporting verb is in the past.

Question 11. The man said to the girl, “I know Sohan very well."
Answer: The man told the girl that he knew Sohan very well.
In simple words: 'Said to' becomes 'told', 'I know' (simple present) changes to 'he knew' (simple past) in the reported speech.

🎯 Exam Tip: Ensure proper pronoun changes and convert simple present tense to simple past tense in indirect speech.

Question 12. Hamid said, “Shahid was working hard for the examination.”
Answer: Hamid said that Shahid had been working hard for the examination.
In simple words: 'Was working' (past continuous) changes to 'had been working' (past perfect continuous) in the reported speech.

🎯 Exam Tip: Past continuous tense typically converts to past perfect continuous tense in indirect speech.

Question 13. "Mohan and Sohan helped me a lot”, said Santosh.
Answer: Santosh said that Mohan and Sohan had helped him a lot.
In simple words: The sentence order is reversed, 'said' remains, 'helped' (simple past) becomes 'had helped' (past perfect), and 'me' changes to 'him'.

🎯 Exam Tip: Always adjust pronouns to match the new perspective in indirect speech, and simple past becomes past perfect.

Question 14. He said, “I lived many years in Dubai.”
Answer: He said that he had lived many years in Dubai.
In simple words: 'I lived' (simple past) becomes 'he had lived' (past perfect) in the indirect statement, connected by 'that'.

🎯 Exam Tip: The simple past tense changes to the past perfect tense in indirect speech, assuming the reporting verb is in the past.

Question 15. He said to her, “Surekha had not bathed before 7 O'clock."
Answer: He told her that Surekha had not bathed before 7 O'clock.
In simple words: 'Said to' changes to 'told', 'that' is added, and 'had not bathed' (past perfect) remains unchanged in indirect speech.

🎯 Exam Tip: Past perfect tense remains the same in indirect speech, regardless of the reporting verb's tense.

Direct And Indirect Exercises For Class 9 Exercise : 3

Change The Following Sentences Into Indirect Speech :

Miscellaneous Exercise Of Direct And Indirect Speech Questions.

Question 1. He said, "You must work hard.”
Answer: He said that you must work hard.
In simple words: The modal 'must' often remains unchanged in indirect speech, especially when expressing an obligation or necessity that is still relevant.

🎯 Exam Tip: 'Must' typically remains 'must' in indirect speech if it conveys a permanent obligation, or it can change to 'had to' for past obligations or 'would have to' for future ones.

Question 2. My father said to me, “You can do this question.”
Answer: My father told me that I could do that question.
In simple words: 'Said to' becomes 'told', 'you' becomes 'I', 'can' becomes 'could', and 'this' becomes 'that' to reflect the indirect narration.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember to change modals like 'can' to 'could' and demonstratives like 'this' to 'that' in indirect speech.

Question 3. Your sister said, “Mira could help me."
Answer: Your sister said that Mira could help me.
In simple words: The modal 'could' generally remains unchanged in indirect speech, so only 'that' is added.

🎯 Exam Tip: Modals like 'could', 'would', 'should', 'might', and 'ought to' generally do not change in indirect speech.

Question 4. He said to his friend, “Rajeev might complain to the Principal."
Answer: He told his friend that Rajeev might complain to the Principal.
In simple words: 'Said to' changes to 'told', 'that' is added, and the modal 'might' remains the same as it is already in its past form.

🎯 Exam Tip: 'Might' is already a past form of 'may', so it typically does not change in indirect speech.

Question 5. Sheela said to Kiran, “We should work hard to stand first in the examination."
Answer: Sheela told Kiran that they should work hard to stand first in the examination.
In simple words: 'Said to' changes to 'told', 'we' becomes 'they', and the modal 'should' remains unchanged in indirect speech.

🎯 Exam Tip: 'Should' remains 'should' in indirect speech, as it is already a modal indicating advice or obligation.

Question 6. Mohan said, “Grandmother would tell the stories at night."
Answer: Mohan said that grandmother would tell the stories at night.
In simple words: The modal 'would' remains unchanged in indirect speech, so only 'that' is added to connect the clauses.

🎯 Exam Tip: 'Would' is a past form of 'will' and typically does not change in indirect speech, just like 'could', 'should', and 'might'.

Question 7. The teacher said, “Tagore could write poems at a very early age.”
Answer: The teacher said that Tagore could write poems at a very early age.
In simple words: The modal 'could' does not change in indirect speech, and 'that' is used to report the statement.

🎯 Exam Tip: Modals expressing ability or possibility in the past, such as 'could', generally do not change in indirect speech.

Question 8. Vimla said to Kamla, “This is my doll. I cannot give it to you."
Answer: Vimla told Kamla that was her doll and she could not give it to her.
In simple words: 'Said to' becomes 'told', 'this is' changes to 'that was', 'my' to 'her', 'I' to 'she', and 'cannot' to 'could not', with 'you' changing to 'her'.

🎯 Exam Tip: In complex sentences, apply the rules for tense and pronoun changes consistently to all clauses within the direct speech.

Question 9. Mother said, “It might not rain today.”
Answer: Mother said that it might not rain that day.
In simple words: The modal 'might' remains unchanged, and 'today' is changed to 'that day' in the indirect speech.

🎯 Exam Tip: 'Might' does not change in indirect speech. Adverbs of time like 'today' change to 'that day'.

Question 10. The old lady said, "Peacocks dance with joy when it is about to rain.”
Answer: The old lady said that peacocks danced with joy when it was about to rain.
In simple words: The simple present tense 'dance' changes to 'danced' (simple past), and 'is' changes to 'was', as the reporting verb is in the past.

🎯 Exam Tip: When the reporting verb is in the past, simple present tense usually changes to simple past tense in indirect speech.

Question 11. Rekha said, “Sometimes, the teacher would get angry.”
Answer: Rekha said that sometimes the teacher would get angry.
In simple words: The modal 'would' remains unchanged in indirect speech, and 'that' is added to connect the clauses.

🎯 Exam Tip: 'Would' typically does not change in indirect speech, as it is already a past form of 'will'.

Question 12. The hawker said, “I shall sell all these articles here."
Answer: The hawker said that he would sell all those articles there.
In simple words: 'I' changes to 'he', 'shall' changes to 'would', 'these' changes to 'those', and 'here' changes to 'there' in the indirect speech.

🎯 Exam Tip: 'Shall' often changes to 'would' (or sometimes 'should' for obligation/advice) in indirect speech. Adverbs of place like 'here' change to 'there'.

Question 13. We said to him, “You must go to Lucknow.”
Answer: We told him that he must go to Lucknow.
In simple words: 'Said to' changes to 'told', 'you' becomes 'he', and 'must' remains unchanged, indicating a continuing obligation.

🎯 Exam Tip: 'Must' can remain unchanged or change to 'had to' depending on whether the obligation is still current or a past necessity.

Question 14. The clerk said to me, “I may not attend the office after 2 p.m."
Answer: The clerk told me that I might not attend the office after 2 p.m.
In simple words: 'Said to' changes to 'told', 'I' remains 'I' (as the reporting speaker is me), and 'may' changes to 'might' in indirect speech.

🎯 Exam Tip: The modal 'may' changes to 'might' in indirect speech when the reporting verb is in the past tense.

Question 15. The teacher said to the student, “I could not correct your exercise.”
Answer: The teacher told the student that he could not correct his exercise.
In simple words: 'Said to' becomes 'told', 'I' changes to 'he', 'could not' remains, and 'your' changes to 'his' for pronoun consistency.

🎯 Exam Tip: The modal 'could not' remains unchanged in indirect speech, as 'could' is already the past form of 'can'.

English Class 9 UP Board Exercise : 4

Change The Following Sentences Into Indirect Speech :

English Syllabus Class 9 UP Board Questions.

Question 1. The mother said to her son, “Have you done your home-work?”
Answer: The mother asked her son if he had done his home-work.
In simple words: For a yes/no question, 'said to' changes to 'asked', and 'if' or 'whether' is used, followed by the statement form with tense changes ('have done' to 'had done').

🎯 Exam Tip: In indirect interrogative sentences, 'said to' changes to 'asked', 'enquired', or 'demanded'. If it's a yes/no question, use 'if' or 'whether'.

Question 2. The father said, “Did you go to school today?"
Answer: The father asked (you) whether you had gone to school that day.
In simple words: 'Said' changes to 'asked', 'whether' introduces the reported question, 'did you go' (simple past) becomes 'you had gone' (past perfect), and 'today' becomes 'that day'.

🎯 Exam Tip: Simple past questions become past perfect statements in indirect speech, preceded by 'if' or 'whether' and with pronouns and time adverbs adjusted.

Question 3. Satish said to Irphan, “Are you reading English these days."
Answer: Satish asked Irphan whether he was reading English those days.
In simple words: 'Said to' becomes 'asked', 'whether' is used, 'are you reading' (present continuous) becomes 'he was reading' (past continuous), and 'these days' changes to 'those days'.

🎯 Exam Tip: Present continuous questions change to past continuous statements in indirect speech, using 'if' or 'whether', and 'these' changes to 'those'.

Question 4. He said, “Will you go to Delhi tomorrow?”
Answer: He enquired of if you would go to Delhi next day.
In simple words: 'Said' changes to 'enquired of', 'if' introduces the clause, 'will you go' becomes 'you would go', and 'tomorrow' changes to 'next day'.

🎯 Exam Tip: For future tense questions, 'will' changes to 'would', and future time references like 'tomorrow' change to 'the next day' or 'the following day'.

Question 5. She said, “Do you get up early in the morning?"
Answer: She asked whether you got up early in the morning.
In simple words: 'Said' changes to 'asked', 'whether' introduces the question, and 'Do you get up' (simple present) becomes 'you got up' (simple past statement).

🎯 Exam Tip: Simple present questions using 'do/does' are converted to simple past statements in indirect speech, dropping 'do/does'.

Question 6. Rakesh said, “Are you playing football match this evening?"
Answer: Rakesh asked whether you were playing football match that evening.
In simple words: 'Said' becomes 'asked', 'whether' is used, 'Are you playing' (present continuous) becomes 'you were playing' (past continuous), and 'this evening' becomes 'that evening'.

🎯 Exam Tip: Present continuous questions in direct speech transform into past continuous statements in indirect speech, with appropriate changes to time expressions.

Question 7. Binu will say, “Do you do nothing these days?"
Answer: Binu will ask whether you do nothing those days.
In simple words: Since the reporting verb 'will say' is in the future tense, the tense of the reported question ('do you do') remains unchanged, only 'these days' becomes 'those days'.

🎯 Exam Tip: If the reporting verb is in the future tense, the tense within the reported speech typically does not change, but adverbs of time/place still adjust.

Question 8. Prema said, “Will you go to see the exhibition?"
Answer: Prema asked whether you would got see the exhibition.
In simple words: 'Said' changes to 'asked', 'whether' is used, and 'Will you go' becomes 'you would go' for the indirect question.

🎯 Exam Tip: 'Will' changes to 'would' in indirect questions when the reporting verb is in the past tense.

Question 9. He said to his sister, “Is Gandhi not a good film?”
Answer: He asked his sister whether Gandhi was not a good film.
In simple words: 'Said to' becomes 'asked', 'whether' is used, and 'Is Gandhi' (present tense) changes to 'Gandhi was' (past tense) in the reported clause.

🎯 Exam Tip: When forming indirect questions, convert the question into a statement format while applying tense and pronoun changes.

Question 10. Hussain said, “May I take this book for a day?”
Answer: Hussain asked if he might take that book for a day.
In simple words: 'Said' changes to 'asked', 'if' introduces the clause, 'I' becomes 'he', 'may' changes to 'might', and 'this' changes to 'that'.

🎯 Exam Tip: The modal 'may' indicating permission or possibility changes to 'might' in indirect speech, and demonstratives like 'this' change to 'that'.

Question 11. Radha said, “Should a young man behave like this?”
Answer: Radha enquired of whether a young man should behave like that.
In simple words: 'Said' changes to 'enquired of', 'whether' is used, the modal 'should' remains unchanged, and 'this' changes to 'that'.

🎯 Exam Tip: The modal 'should' does not change in indirect speech. Also, convert demonstratives like 'this' to 'that'.

Question 12. John said, “Will you never help me?"
Answer: John asked whether you would never help him.
In simple words: 'Said' changes to 'asked', 'whether' is used, 'Will you' becomes 'you would', and 'me' changes to 'him' to reflect John.

🎯 Exam Tip: Always pay close attention to pronoun shifts (e.g., 'me' to 'him/her') and convert 'will' to 'would' in indirect questions.

Question 13. Shyam said to Mubarak, “Has your father gone to Mucca on Haj?"
Answer: Shyam asked Mubarak if his father had gone to Mucca on Haj.
In simple words: 'Said to' becomes 'asked', 'if' is used, 'your father' becomes 'his father', and 'Has gone' (present perfect) changes to 'had gone' (past perfect).

🎯 Exam Tip: Present perfect questions change to past perfect statements in indirect speech, with 'if' or 'whether' as the conjunction.

Question 14. Negi said, “Sir! Did you like our cultural programme?”
Answer: Negi asked (you) respectfully whether you had liked their cultural programme.
In simple words: The address 'Sir' implies 'respectfully', 'said' becomes 'asked', 'whether' introduces the question, 'Did you like' (simple past) becomes 'you had liked' (past perfect), and 'our' changes to 'their'.

🎯 Exam Tip: Expressions like 'Sir/Madam' are often incorporated by adding 'respectfully' or 'politely' to the reporting verb. Simple past questions become past perfect statements.

Question 15. Ali said, “Am I not a fool to trust you?"
Answer: Ali asked (you) whether he was not a fool to trust you.
In simple words: 'Said' changes to 'asked', 'whether' is used, 'Am I' changes to 'he was' (present to past, first person to third person), and 'you' remains 'you' as it refers to the listener.

🎯 Exam Tip: Convert present tense 'am/is/are' to past tense 'was/were' in indirect speech, along with appropriate pronoun changes.

Direct Indirect Exercise For Class 9 Exercise : 5

Change The Following Sentences Into Indirect Speech :

Reported Speech Exercises For Class 9 Questions.

Question 1. Rupa said to Rekha, “Will you participate in the college cultural programme?"
Answer: Rupa asked Rekha if she would participate in the college cultural programme.
In simple words: 'Said to' becomes 'asked', 'if' introduces the question, 'you' changes to 'she', and 'will' changes to 'would' in indirect speech.

🎯 Exam Tip: For yes/no questions, use 'if' or 'whether'. Change 'will' to 'would' and adjust pronouns accordingly.

Question 2. Neeraj said, “Friends! Is not an empty mind a devil's workshop?"
Answer: Neeraj asked her friends whether an empty mind was not a devil's workshop.
In simple words: 'Said' becomes 'asked', 'Friends!' indicates the address, 'whether' is used, and 'Is' changes to 'was' as the reporting verb is past tense.

🎯 Exam Tip: Direct address terms like 'Friends!' can be incorporated by stating "Neeraj addressed his friends and asked...". Treat a general truth as a statement, changing tense if the reporting verb is past.

Question 3. Deepa said to Surekha, “Do you not take bath daily?"
Answer: Deepa asked Surekha if she did not take bath daily.
In simple words: 'Said to' becomes 'asked', 'if' is used, 'Do you not take' (simple present negative question) changes to 'she did not take' (simple past negative statement).

🎯 Exam Tip: 'Do/does' questions convert to statements, with 'do/does' removed and the main verb changed to its past tense form if the reporting verb is past.

Question 4. The lion said to the deer, “Could you run faster than horse?”
Answer: The lion asked the deer whether it could run faster than horse.
In simple words: 'Said to' becomes 'asked', 'whether' introduces the question, 'you' changes to 'it' (referring to the deer), and 'could' remains unchanged.

🎯 Exam Tip: The modal 'could' (and 'would', 'should', 'might') does not change in indirect speech. Ensure correct pronoun reference for animals or objects.

Question 5. Edward said, “Can I ever repay your kindness?”
Answer: Edward asked (you) if he could ever repay your kindness.
In simple words: 'Said' becomes 'asked', 'if' is used, 'I' changes to 'he', and 'can' changes to 'could' to reflect the past tense reporting.

🎯 Exam Tip: Convert 'can' to 'could' in indirect interrogative sentences. Remember to adjust pronouns correctly based on who is speaking to whom.

Question 6. The doctor said to the young man, “Do you smoke?"
Answer: The doctor asked the young man whether he smoked.
In simple words: 'Said to' becomes 'asked', 'whether' is used, 'Do you smoke' (simple present question) changes to 'he smoked' (simple past statement).

🎯 Exam Tip: In yes/no questions with 'Do/Does', remove 'Do/Does' and change the main verb to its past form in indirect speech, preceded by 'if' or 'whether'.

Question 7. Shiva said to Manish, “Are you a vegetarian?" '
Answer: Shiva enquired Manish if he was a vegetarian.
In simple words: 'Said to' changes to 'enquired', 'if' is used, 'Are you' (present tense) changes to 'he was' (past tense, third person).

🎯 Exam Tip: Questions starting with 'Am/Is/Are' change to a 'subject + was/were' statement in indirect speech, linked by 'if' or 'whether'.

Question 8. Sheela said to Rekha, “Have you ever been to Mumbai?"
Answer: Sheela asked Rekha whether she had ever been to Mumbai.
In simple words: 'Said to' becomes 'asked', 'whether' is used, and 'Have you been' (present perfect) changes to 'she had been' (past perfect).

🎯 Exam Tip: Present perfect questions are converted to past perfect statements in indirect speech.

Question 9. The Principal said to the teacher, “Does Madan not study properly?”
Answer: The Principal asked the teacher whether Madam did not study properly.
In simple words: 'Said to' becomes 'asked', 'whether' is used, and 'Does Madan not study' (simple present negative question) changes to 'Madan did not study' (simple past negative statement).

🎯 Exam Tip: 'Does not' in a direct question becomes 'did not' in the indirect statement, and the question structure changes to a declarative one.

Question 10. Raman said to Mohan, “Do you not read any paper daily?"
Answer: Raman asked Mohan whether he did not read the daily.
In simple words: 'Said to' becomes 'asked', 'whether' is used, and 'Do you not read' (simple present negative question) changes to 'he did not read' (simple past negative statement).

🎯 Exam Tip: When converting negative simple present questions, 'Do you not...' becomes 'subject + did not + verb' in indirect speech.

Question 11. I said to Meetu, “Do you know where Mr. Gupta lives?”
Answer: I asked Meetu if he knew where Mr. Gupta lived.
In simple words: 'Said to' becomes 'asked', 'if' is used, 'Do you know' (simple present) changes to 'he knew' (simple past), and 'lives' becomes 'lived' (present to past).

🎯 Exam Tip: For embedded questions or questions starting with 'wh-' words, the 'wh-' word acts as the conjunction, and the clause becomes a statement with appropriate tense changes.

Question 12. "Is this way to Sangam?” the pilgrim asked the policeman.
Answer: The pilgrim asked the policeman whether that was the way to Sangam.
In simple words: The sentence order is reversed, 'asked' is used, 'whether' introduces the question, 'this' changes to 'that', and 'Is' changes to 'was'.

🎯 Exam Tip: When the reporting clause is at the end of the sentence, bring it to the beginning in indirect speech. Change 'this' to 'that' and 'is' to 'was'.

Question 13. The Manager of the team said to the captain, “Will you play the match tomorrow?"
Answer: The Manager of the team asked the captain if he would play the match next day.
In simple words: 'Said to' becomes 'asked', 'if' is used, 'you' changes to 'he', 'will' changes to 'would', and 'tomorrow' changes to 'next day'.

🎯 Exam Tip: 'Will' changes to 'would' and 'tomorrow' to 'the next day/the following day' in indirect speech.

Question 14. "Won't you have dinner with us, Raju?" Hari asked.
Answer: Hari asked Raju if he won't have dinner with them.
In simple words: Hari asks Raju if he will not have dinner with them, converting the direct question into an indirect statement while changing pronouns and time/place references.

🎯 Exam Tip: Be mindful of negative questions; 'Won't you...' becomes 'if subject wouldn't...' or 'if subject won't...' (if the reporting verb allows, though 'wouldn't' is more common for past reporting).

Question 15. Alice said to Edward, “Is it not a surprise to meet you here today?"
Answer: Alice asked Edward whether it was not a surprise to meet him there that day.
In simple words: 'Said to' changes to 'asked', 'whether' is used, 'Is it not' changes to 'it was not', 'you' to 'him', 'here' to 'there', and 'today' to 'that day'.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember to change 'here' to 'there' and 'today' to 'that day' in indirect speech, along with verb tense and pronoun adjustments.

UP Board Solution Class 9 English Exercise : 6

Change The Following Sentences Into Indirect Speech :

Class 9 English UP Board Questions.

Question 1. I said to Vishnu, “How did you cross the river yesterday?"
Answer: I asked Vishnu how he had crossed the river the previous day.
In simple words: 'Said to' becomes 'asked', 'how' acts as the conjunction, 'did you cross' (simple past) becomes 'he had crossed' (past perfect), and 'yesterday' changes to 'the previous day'.

🎯 Exam Tip: For Wh-questions, the 'wh-' word itself becomes the conjunction. Simple past tense questions convert to past perfect statements.

Question 2. Baby said, “What are you doing here?"
Answer: Baby asked what you were doing there.
In simple words: 'Said' becomes 'asked', 'what' is the conjunction, 'are you doing' (present continuous) becomes 'you were doing' (past continuous), and 'here' changes to 'there'.

🎯 Exam Tip: Present continuous tense changes to past continuous tense in indirect speech, and 'here' changes to 'there'.

Question 3. The mother said, “Who shall drink milk and take five toffees from me?"
Answer: The mother asked who should drink milk and take five toffees from her.
In simple words: 'Said' becomes 'asked', 'who' is the conjunction, 'shall' changes to 'should' (indicating a suggestion or possibility), and 'me' changes to 'her'.

🎯 Exam Tip: 'Shall' often changes to 'should' in indirect questions for suggestions. Remember to adjust pronouns correctly.

Question 4. The child said, “Who can take me to the fairy land?"
Answer: The child asked who could take him to the fairy land.
In simple words: 'Said' becomes 'asked', 'who' is the conjunction, 'can' changes to 'could', and 'me' changes to 'him'.

🎯 Exam Tip: 'Can' changes to 'could' in indirect speech, and pronouns like 'me' change to 'him/her' depending on the speaker.

Question 5. The Preacher said, “Whose son was Hanuman?"
Answer: The Preacher asked whose son had been Hanuman.
In simple words: 'Said' becomes 'asked', 'whose' is the conjunction, and 'was' (simple past) changes to 'had been' (past perfect).

🎯 Exam Tip: Simple past tense in a Wh-question converts to past perfect tense in indirect speech.

Question 6. Rony said to her mother, “When will my brother come back to Bareilly from Kanpur?”
Answer: Rony asked her mother when her brother would to Bareilly from Kanpur.
In simple words: 'Said to' becomes 'asked', 'when' is the conjunction, 'will' changes to 'would', and 'my brother' changes to 'her brother'.

🎯 Exam Tip: 'Will' changes to 'would' in indirect questions, and possessive pronouns like 'my' change to 'his/her'.

Question 7. The woman said, “Where is Avinash?"
Answer: The woman asked where Avinash was.
In simple words: 'Said' becomes 'asked', 'where' is the conjunction, and 'is' changes to 'was' to reflect the past tense reporting.

🎯 Exam Tip: In Wh-questions, the verb after the Wh-word (which acts as a conjunction) shifts to a declarative structure with tense changes.

Question 8. The lamb said to the wolf, “How can I make the water dirty?"
Answer: The lamb asked the wolf how he could make the water dirty.
In simple words: 'Said to' becomes 'asked', 'how' is the conjunction, 'I' changes to 'he', and 'can' changes to 'could'.

🎯 Exam Tip: 'Can' changes to 'could' and pronouns are adjusted according to the speaker and listener.

Question 9. "Who will bell the cat?" asked an old mouse.
Answer: An old mouse asked who would bell the cat.
In simple words: The reporting clause is moved, 'asked' is used, 'who' is the conjunction, and 'will' changes to 'would' for the indirect question.

🎯 Exam Tip: When the direct speech is a question, the reporting verb changes to 'asked', 'enquired', etc., and the 'will' of the question becomes 'would'.

Question 10. The child said to his mother, “How many birds are there in the nest?”
Answer: The child asked his mother how many birds were there in the nest.
In simple words: 'Said to' becomes 'asked', 'how many' is the conjunction phrase, and 'are' changes to 'were' to match the past tense reporting.

🎯 Exam Tip: Quantifying 'wh-' phrases like 'how many' act as conjunctions, and the verb tense within the reported clause changes accordingly.

Question 11. The servant said to his master, “When do you intend to pay me?”
Answer: The servant asked his master when he intended to pay him.
In simple words: 'Said to' becomes 'asked', 'when' is the conjunction, 'do you intend' (simple present question) becomes 'he intended' (simple past statement), and 'me' changes to 'him'.

🎯 Exam Tip: In Wh-questions, 'do/does' is dropped, and the main verb is converted to its past tense in indirect speech, with pronouns adjusted.

Question 12. The traveller said to me, “What is the shortest way to the station?"
Answer: The traveller asked me what the shortest way to the station was.
In simple words: 'Said to' becomes 'asked', 'what' is the conjunction, and 'is' changes to 'was' to reflect the past tense reporting verb.

🎯 Exam Tip: When reporting general inquiries, convert the direct question into a statement format in indirect speech, applying tense changes.

Question 13. The man was angry with his servant and said, “Why have you again disturbed me in my sleep?"
Answer: Being angry with the servant the man asked him why he had disturbed him in his sleep.
In simple words: The introductory phrase 'being angry' captures the tone, 'said' becomes 'asked', 'why' is the conjunction, 'have you disturbed' (present perfect) becomes 'he had disturbed' (past perfect), and 'me' changes to 'him'.

🎯 Exam Tip: Descriptive phrases indicating emotion can be used at the beginning of the indirect speech. Present perfect tense changes to past perfect tense in indirect speech.

Question 14. The patient said, “Doctor, will you save me or not?”
Answer: The patient asked the doctor whether he would save him or not.
In simple words: The address 'Doctor' is implicit in 'asked the doctor', 'whether' is used for the yes/no question, 'will you save' becomes 'he would save', and 'me' changes to 'him'.

🎯 Exam Tip: For 'or not' questions, 'whether' is often preferred over 'if'. Remember to change 'will' to 'would' and pronouns.

Question 15. “Do you write a good hand?” asked the Principal.
Answer: The Principal asked him whether he wrote a good hand.
In simple words: The reporting clause is moved, 'asked' is used, 'whether' introduces the question, and 'Do you write' (simple present) becomes 'he wrote' (simple past statement).

🎯 Exam Tip: Convert simple present 'Do/Does' questions to simple past statements in indirect speech, omitting 'Do/Does'.

UP Board Class 9 English Exercise : 7

Change The Following Sentences Into Indirect Speech :

Class 9 English Book UP Board Questions.

Question 1. He said to the boy, “Give me your book.”
Answer: He ordered the boy to give him his book.
In simple words: For an imperative sentence, 'said to' changes to 'ordered' (or requested/advised depending on tone), and the infinitive 'to give' replaces the direct command. Pronouns 'me' and 'your' change to 'him' and 'his'.

🎯 Exam Tip: Imperative sentences in direct speech are usually reported using 'to' + infinitive. The reporting verb changes to 'ordered', 'requested', 'advised', 'forbade', etc., based on context.

Question 2. The teacher said to the boy, “Remain standing."
Answer: The teacher ordered the boy to remain standing.
In simple words: 'Said to' changes to 'ordered', and the command is reported using 'to remain standing'.

🎯 Exam Tip: Commands or instructions are typically converted to indirect speech using an infinitive construction after a suitable reporting verb.

Question 3. The thirsty man said to the child, “Please, give me a glass of water."
Answer: The thirsty man requested the child to give him a glass of water.
In simple words: 'Please' indicates a request, so 'said to' changes to 'requested', and the command is reported with 'to give' and 'me' changing to 'him'.

🎯 Exam Tip: Words like 'please' indicate a request, so the reporting verb should be 'requested'.

Question 4. He said, "Please, listen to me."
Answer: He requested the person to listen to him.
In simple words: 'Please' implies a request, so 'said' changes to 'requested', and 'listen to me' becomes 'to listen to him'.

🎯 Exam Tip: When the addressee is not specified, you can infer 'the person' or 'me' or 'him' based on context, or use a general 'to listen'.

Question 5. Ram said, “Mamma, please, walk slowly.”
Answer: Ram requested Mamma to walk slowly.
In simple words: 'Please' shows a request, so 'said' changes to 'requested', and 'walk slowly' becomes 'to walk slowly'.

🎯 Exam Tip: In imperatives with a direct address (like Mamma), keep the address as the object of the reporting verb ('requested Mamma').

Question 6. He said to her, “Mind your own business. Do not disturb me."
Answer: He asked her to mind her own business and not to disturb him.
In simple words: 'Said to' becomes 'asked' (or advised), 'mind your own business' becomes 'to mind her own business', and 'Do not disturb me' becomes 'not to disturb him'.

🎯 Exam Tip: Negative imperatives use 'not to' + infinitive. Ensure 'your' and 'me' change to 'her' and 'him' respectively.

Question 7. The blind man said to the boy, “Kindly, lead me to the right way."
Answer: The blind man requested the boy to lead him to the right way.
In simple words: 'Kindly' implies a request, so 'said to' changes to 'requested', and 'lead me' becomes 'to lead him'.

🎯 Exam Tip: Words like 'kindly' indicate a polite request, which translates to 'requested' in indirect speech.

Question 8. The father said to his son, “Face difficulties with courage."
Answer: The father advised his son to face difficulties with courage.
In simple words: This is advice, so 'said to' changes to 'advised', and 'face difficulties' becomes 'to face difficulties'.

🎯 Exam Tip: When the direct speech is advice, the reporting verb changes to 'advised'.

Question 9. Subhash cried, “Give me blood and I will give you freedom.”
Answer: Subhash urged the people to give him blood and he would give them freedom.
In simple words: 'Cried' implies 'urged', the command 'Give me blood' becomes 'to give him blood', and the promise 'I will give' becomes 'he would give' with 'you' changing to 'them'.

🎯 Exam Tip: Strong emotional statements often use reporting verbs like 'urged', 'exclaimed', 'begged'. A combination of imperative and declarative rules may apply.

Question 10. The doctor said to the patient, “Be very particular about your diet."
Answer: The doctor advised the patient to be very particular about his diet.
In simple words: This is advice, so 'said to' changes to 'advised', and the imperative 'Be' becomes 'to be', with 'your' changing to 'his'.

🎯 Exam Tip: Recommendations or advice are reported using 'advised' and the 'to' + infinitive structure.

Question 11. I said to him, “Please, let me work."
Answer: I requested him to let me work.
In simple words: 'Please' indicates a request, so 'said to' changes to 'requested', and 'let me work' becomes 'to let me work'.

🎯 Exam Tip: Commands starting with 'Let' often change to 'to let' or 'that subject might be allowed to' depending on the exact nuance.

Question 12. My teacher said, “Amita, leave the room."
Answer: My teacher ordered Amita to leave the room.
In simple words: 'Said' changes to 'ordered' for the command, and 'leave' becomes 'to leave', with Amita as the direct object.

🎯 Exam Tip: When there's a direct address in a command, make the addressed person the object of the reporting verb (e.g., 'ordered Amita').

Question 13. My friend said to me, “Work hard as examination is near.”
Answer: My friend advised me to work hard as examination was near.
In simple words: This is advice, so 'said to' changes to 'advised', and 'Work hard' becomes 'to work hard', while 'is near' changes to 'was near'.

🎯 Exam Tip: Combine imperative rules with declarative rules where a reason is given. 'Is' usually changes to 'was' if the reporting verb is past.

Question 14. The captain said to the army, “March forward."
Answer: The captain commanded the army to march forward.
In simple words: 'Said to' changes to 'commanded' for a military order, and 'March forward' becomes 'to march forward'.

🎯 Exam Tip: For military orders, 'commanded' is the most appropriate reporting verb.

Question 15. The teacher said to the boys, “Don't write on both sides of your answer book.”
Answer: The teacher asked the boys not to write on both sides of their answer books.
In simple words: 'Said to' changes to 'asked' (or instructed/advised), and the negative imperative 'Don't write' becomes 'not to write', with 'your' changing to 'their'.

🎯 Exam Tip: Negative imperatives ('Don't...') are converted using 'not to' + infinitive in indirect speech. Always adjust possessive pronouns.

Exercise : 8

Change The Following Sentences Into Indirect Speech :

Questions.

Question 1. He said to me, “Let him go now.”
Answer: He requested me to let him go then.
In simple words: 'Said to' changes to 'requested' as it implies permission, 'let him go' becomes 'to let him go', and 'now' changes to 'then'.

🎯 Exam Tip: 'Let' sentences can express permission (use 'requested to let') or suggestion (use 'proposed/suggested that...should'). 'Now' changes to 'then'.

Question 2. The monitor said, "Let us not make a noise in the class-room."
Answer: The monitor proposed that they should not make a noise in the classroom.
In simple words: 'Let us' implies a suggestion, so 'said' changes to 'proposed that', 'us' becomes 'they', and 'should not make a noise' replaces the direct command.

🎯 Exam Tip: Sentences beginning with 'Let us' are often converted using 'proposed/suggested that + subject + should' or 'proposed/suggested that they be allowed to'.

Question 3. The captain said, “Let us move forward and attack the army first."
Answer: The captain ordered that they should move forward and attack the army first.
In simple words: 'Let us' here implies a command or instruction from a leader, so 'said' changes to 'ordered that', and 'us' becomes 'they should move and attack'.

🎯 Exam Tip: The interpretation of 'Let us' depends on the speaker and context; a captain's 'Let us' is often a command rather than a mere suggestion.

Question 4. Amar said to him, “Let me do my work."
Answer: Amar requested him to let him do his work.
In simple words: 'Said to' changes to 'requested' for permission, 'let me do' becomes 'to let him do', and 'my' changes to 'his'.

🎯 Exam Tip: 'Let me...' usually implies a request for permission, converting to 'requested to let him/her'.

Question 5. He said, “Let us hope for the better."
Answer: He suggested that they should hope for the better.
In simple words: 'Let us' here is a suggestion, so 'said' changes to 'suggested that', and 'us hope' becomes 'they should hope'.

🎯 Exam Tip: If 'Let us' expresses a suggestion, use 'suggested that' followed by 'subject + should + verb'.

Question 6. Dr. Rama said to his son, “Let your friend go now.”
Answer: Dr. Rama suggested his son to let his friend go then.
In simple words: 'Said to' changes to 'suggested' or 'advised', 'your friend' becomes 'his friend', and 'now' changes to 'then'.

🎯 Exam Tip: Ensure proper shifts of possessive pronouns like 'your' to 'his/her' and temporal adverbs like 'now' to 'then'.

Question 7. The Principal said to the guardian, “Let your son appear at the final examination.”
Answer: The Principal advised the guardian to let his son appear at the final examination.
In simple words: 'Said to' changes to 'advised', and the permission or instruction 'Let your son appear' becomes 'to let his son appear', with 'your' changing to 'his'.

🎯 Exam Tip: For 'Let' expressing permission or instruction from authority, use 'advised to let' or 'ordered to let'.

Question 8. The teacher said, “Let the child learn his lesson himself."
Answer: The teacher suggested that the child should learn his lesson himself.
In simple words: 'Said' changes to 'suggested that', and 'Let the child learn' becomes 'the child should learn' to express the suggestion.

🎯 Exam Tip: 'Let' for suggestions about a third person usually converts to 'suggested that + subject + should + verb'.

Question 9. The prisoner said, “Let me meet death like a man.”
Answer: The prisoner requested that he should ineet death like a man.
In simple words: 'Said' changes to 'requested that', and 'Let me meet' becomes 'he should ineet' (or 'he be allowed to meet') to convey the prisoner's wish.

🎯 Exam Tip: 'Let me' can imply a request for permission or a wish. The reporting verb and structure should reflect this nuance.

Question 10. They said, “Let us do home-work.”
Answer: They proposed that they should do home-work.
In simple words: 'Let us' here is a suggestion, so 'said' changes to 'proposed that', and 'us do' becomes 'they should do'.

🎯 Exam Tip: 'Let us' indicating a suggestion converts to 'proposed that + subject + should + verb' in indirect speech.

Question 11. Gopal said, “Let us have a cup of tea.”
Answer: Gopal proposed that they should have a cup of tea.
In simple words: 'Let us' indicates a suggestion, so 'said' changes to 'proposed that', and 'us have' becomes 'they should have'.

🎯 Exam Tip: For suggestions starting with 'Let us', use a reporting verb like 'proposed' or 'suggested' followed by 'that' and a 'subject + should' clause.

Question 12. Mira said to Sheela, “Let us sing a song.'
Answer: Mira proposed to Sheela that they should sing a song.
In simple words: 'Said to' changes to 'proposed to', and 'Let us sing' becomes 'that they should sing', expressing a joint suggestion.

🎯 Exam Tip: When 'Let us' is a suggestion between two people, 'proposed to + person + that they should' is a common structure.

Question 13. He said, “Let us wait for a reward.”
Answer: He suggested that they should wait for a reward.
In simple words: 'Let us' is a suggestion, so 'said' changes to 'suggested that', and 'us wait' becomes 'they should wait'.

🎯 Exam Tip: Always analyze the context of 'Let' to choose the correct reporting verb (request, order, suggest, propose).

Question 14. I said to him, “Let us go for a walk.”
Answer: I advised him that we should go for a walk.
In simple words: 'Said to' changes to 'advised', and 'Let us go' becomes 'that we should go' to express the advice for a collective action.

🎯 Exam Tip: 'Let us' can also be reported with 'advised that we/they should', depending on the nature of the suggestion.

Question 15. They said, “Let us read the Bhagwat Gita.”
Answer: They proposed that they should read the Bhagwat Gita.
In simple words: 'Let us' is a proposal for a joint activity, so 'said' changes to 'proposed that', and 'us read' becomes 'they should read'.

🎯 Exam Tip: For collective suggestions, 'proposed that they should' or 'suggested that they should' is the standard indirect speech conversion.

Exercise : 9

Change The Following Sentences Into Indirect Speech :

Questions.

Question 1. He said, "Good night, my friend"
Answer: He bade his friend good night.
In simple words: Greetings like 'Good night' are reported using 'bade' followed by the person addressed and the greeting.

🎯 Exam Tip: Greetings and farewells like 'Good morning', 'Good night', 'Good bye' are reported using 'bade'.

Question 2. She said, “Long live my father!"
Answer: She wished that her father might live long.
In simple words: This expresses a wish, so 'said' changes to 'wished that', and 'Long live my father' transforms to 'her father might live long' using 'might'.

🎯 Exam Tip: Optative sentences expressing wishes or prayers are usually converted using 'wished that' or 'prayed that' and the modal 'might'.

Question 3. He said, “May you live in peace!"
Answer: He wished you might live in peace.
In simple words: This expresses a wish, so 'said' changes to 'wished', and 'May you live' becomes 'you might live' using 'might'.

🎯 Exam Tip: For wishes using 'May', the modal changes to 'might' in indirect speech, and the sentence structure becomes a statement.

Question 4. Mohan said, “May God bless you with a child!"
Answer: Mohan wished that God might bless you with a child.
In simple words: This is a prayer or wish, so 'said' changes to 'wished that' or 'prayed that', and 'May God bless' becomes 'God might bless'.

🎯 Exam Tip: Wishes or prayers involving 'God' are often reported with 'wished that God might' or 'prayed that God might'.

Question 5. Hari said to him, “May you pass the examination!”
Answer: Hari wished that you might pass the examination.
In simple words: This expresses a wish, so 'said to' changes to 'wished that', and 'May you pass' becomes 'you might pass'.

🎯 Exam Tip: The modal 'may' used for wishes typically changes to 'might' in indirect speech, along with corresponding pronoun adjustments.

Exercise : 10

Change The Following Sentences Into Indirect Speech :

Questions.

Question 1. The captain said, “Bravo! what a lovely shot."
Answer: The captain exclaimed with joy that the shot was very lovely.
In simple words: 'Bravo!' indicates joy, so 'said' changes to 'exclaimed with joy that', and the exclamation is converted into a declarative statement ('what a lovely shot' becomes 'the shot was very lovely').

🎯 Exam Tip: Exclamatory sentences are reported using 'exclaimed with joy/sorrow/surprise' or 'applauded' and converting the exclamation into a statement with 'very' or 'great'.

Question 2. The mother said to her son, “Alas! what a shameful act on your part!”
Answer: The mother cried out with sorrow that the act on his (her son's) part was very shameful.
In simple words: 'Alas!' indicates sorrow, so 'said' changes to 'cried out with sorrow that', and the exclamation 'what a shameful act' becomes 'the act was very shameful', with 'your' changing to 'his'.

🎯 Exam Tip: Exclamations of grief use reporting verbs like 'cried out with sorrow' or 'exclaimed sadly'. Convert 'what a/how' exclamations using 'very' or 'great'.

Question 3. The captain said, “Alas! our foes are too strong.”
Answer: The captain exclaimed with sorrow that their foes were very strong.
In simple words: 'Alas!' shows sorrow, so 'said' changes to 'exclaimed with sorrow that', and 'our foes are too strong' becomes 'their foes were very strong'.

🎯 Exam Tip: Combine the emotional reporting verb with the declarative form of the sentence, adjusting pronouns and tenses.

Question 4. The old woman said, “May God help me!”
Answer: The old woman prayed that God might help her.
In simple words: This expresses a prayer, so 'said' changes to 'prayed that', and 'May God help me' becomes 'God might help her', with 'me' changing to 'her'.

🎯 Exam Tip: Wishes or prayers involving 'May' are reported using 'prayed that' or 'wished that' and 'might'.

Question 5. They said to their friends, “Good bye!”
Answer: They bade good bye to their friends.
In simple words: The farewell 'Good bye!' is reported using 'bade' followed by the recipient.

🎯 Exam Tip: Farewell greetings like 'Good bye' are reported using the verb 'bade' (past tense of bid).

Question 6. The poet said, “How lazy I am!"
Answer: The poet cried out with sorrow that he was very lazy.
In simple words: The exclamation 'How lazy I am!' is reported as 'cried out with sorrow that he was very lazy', changing 'I' to 'he' and 'am' to 'was'.

🎯 Exam Tip: Exclamations about oneself (e.g., 'How lazy I am!') often use 'cried out with sorrow' and convert to a statement with 'very'.

Question 7. She said, “How beautiful the rain is!"
Answer: He exclaimed with joy that the rain was very beautiful.
In simple words: 'How beautiful the rain is!' indicates joy, so 'said' changes to 'exclaimed with joy that', and the exclamation becomes 'the rain was very beautiful'.

🎯 Exam Tip: Exclamations using 'How' are reported by using 'exclaimed that' and converting the 'how + adjective' to 'very + adjective'.

Question 8. She said, "Good bye, sisters!".
Answer: She bade good bye to sisters.
In simple words: The farewell 'Good bye!' addressed to 'sisters' is reported using 'bade good bye to sisters'.

🎯 Exam Tip: When reporting farewells, include the person addressed as the object of 'bade good bye to'.

Question 9. Suresh said, “How foolishly I have acted!”
Answer: Suresh exclaimed with grief that he had acted very foolishly.
In simple words: 'How foolishly I have acted!' expresses grief, so 'said' changes to 'exclaimed with grief that', 'I' becomes 'he', and 'have acted' (present perfect) becomes 'had acted' (past perfect).

🎯 Exam Tip: Exclamations of regret or foolishness are reported using 'exclaimed with grief/regret' and converting present perfect to past perfect.

Question 10. Dr. Singh cried, “O Fate! How cruel you are!”
Answer: Blaming fate Dr. Singh cried with grief that it had been very cruel to him.
In simple words: 'O Fate!' and 'How cruel you are!' convey grief and accusation, so 'cried' changes to 'cried with grief that', and 'you are' becomes 'it had been' (referring to fate), with 'to him' added.

🎯 Exam Tip: Addressing abstract entities like 'Fate' in an exclamation requires careful rephrasing in indirect speech, often using 'blaming' or 'cursing'.

Question 11. Kitty cried, “Oh! what a thrilling experience to stand on Malabar Hills!"
Answer: Kitty cried out with joy that to stand on Malabar Hills is a verythrilling experience.
In simple words: 'Oh! what a thrilling experience' indicates joy, so 'cried' changes to 'cried out with joy that', and the exclamation is converted to a statement describing the experience.

🎯 Exam Tip: Exclamations of joy are reported using 'cried out with joy' or 'exclaimed with delight'. Convert 'what a' exclamations into 'very' statements.

Question 12. Rekha cried, “What a pleasant sight!"
Answer: Rekha exclaimed with joy that the sight was very pleasant.
In simple words: 'What a pleasant sight!' expresses joy, so 'cried' changes to 'exclaimed with joy that', and the exclamation is converted to a statement using 'very'.

🎯 Exam Tip: Short exclamations starting with 'What a' are transformed into descriptive statements using 'very' or 'great' in indirect speech.

Question 13. Sunil cried, “What a misfortune! missed first class only by one mark.”
Answer: Calling it as a misfortune Sunil exclaimed with sorrow that he had missed first class only by one mark.
In simple words: 'What a misfortune!' indicates sorrow, so 'cried' changes to 'exclaimed with sorrow that', and the implied past action 'missed first class' becomes 'he had missed first class'.

🎯 Exam Tip: When a misfortune is expressed, use 'exclaimed with sorrow' or 'lamented'. Transform implied past actions into past perfect tense.

Question 14. The people cried, “Hurrah! welcome the visit of your worthy queen.”
Answer: The people exclaimed with joy and urged them they welcome their queen.
In simple words: 'Hurrah!' indicates joy and a welcome, so 'cried' changes to 'exclaimed with joy and urged', and 'welcome the visit of your worthy queen' is expressed as 'they welcome their queen'.

🎯 Exam Tip: Exclamations of cheer like 'Hurrah!' are reported using 'exclaimed with joy' or 'applauded'. The following statement is reported with appropriate changes.

Question 15. "What a fine day it is!” said Mira.
Answer: Mira applauded the day with joy that it was a very fine day.
In simple words: The exclamation is positive, so 'said' changes to 'applauded the day with joy that', and 'What a fine day it is!' becomes 'it was a very fine day'.

🎯 Exam Tip: 'What a/an' exclamations expressing admiration or strong feeling are reported with 'exclaimed with joy/surprise' and 'very/great'.

Exercise : 11

Change The Following Sentences Into Indirect Speech :

Questions.

Question 1. The teacher said, “I should advise you to join B.Com.”
Answer: The teacher said that he should advise you to join B.Com.
In simple words: 'Said' is kept, 'that' is added, 'I' changes to 'he', and the modal 'should' remains unchanged in indirect speech.

🎯 Exam Tip: The modal 'should' generally remains the same in indirect speech. Ensure pronoun 'I' changes to 'he/she' based on the speaker.

Question 2. Mr. Gupta said to his friend, “Living costs are very high in Mumbai."
Answer: Mr. Gupta told his friend that living costs were very high in Mumbai.
In simple words: 'Said to' changes to 'told', 'that' is added, and 'are' changes to 'were' to reflect the past reporting verb.

🎯 Exam Tip: Present tense verbs generally change to past tense when the reporting verb is in the past, unless it's a universal truth.

Question 3. "We had a nice holiday last summer,” Gita said to her sister.
Answer: Gita told her sister that they had a nice holiday the previous summer.
In simple words: The sentence order is reversed, 'said to' becomes 'told', 'We' changes to 'they', and 'last summer' changes to 'the previous summer'. 'Had' (simple past) remains 'had' (past perfect) since it refers to a past event.

🎯 Exam Tip: Simple past tense often changes to past perfect, but if the past action is clear and does not lead to ambiguity, it can sometimes remain past simple. 'Last summer' changes to 'the previous summer'.

Question 4. You may use my car for the picnic, “Mr. Sohan said to his son."
Answer: Mr. Sohan told his son that he might use his car for the picnic.
In simple words: The sentence order is reversed, 'said to' becomes 'told', 'You' becomes 'he', 'may' changes to 'might', and 'my car' changes to 'his car'.

🎯 Exam Tip: The modal 'may' changes to 'might' in indirect speech, and possessive pronouns like 'my' adjust to 'his/her'.

Question 5. Mohan said to his friends, “Let us go to cinema." !
Answer: Mohan suggested his friends that they should go to cinema.
In simple words: 'Let us go' is a suggestion, so 'said to' changes to 'suggested to', and 'us go' becomes 'that they should go'.

🎯 Exam Tip: 'Let us' implying a suggestion is best reported using 'suggested that + subject + should + verb'.

Question 6. "Don't walk on the flower beds,” Mrs. Gupta said to the boys.
Answer: Mrs. Gupta ordered the boys not to walk on the flower beds.
In simple words: The command is negative, so 'said to' changes to 'ordered', and 'Don't walk' becomes 'not to walk'.

🎯 Exam Tip: Negative imperatives are reported using 'not to' + infinitive after a reporting verb like 'ordered', 'forbade', 'advised'.

Question 7. "Can you answer this question?” the teacher asked the boys.
Answer: The teacher asked the boys whether they could answer that question.
In simple words: The reporting clause is moved, 'asked' is used, 'whether' introduces the question, 'you' changes to 'they', 'can' to 'could', and 'this' to 'that'.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember to use 'if' or 'whether' for yes/no questions, change 'can' to 'could', and 'this' to 'that'.

Question 8. “Did you lock the main gate properly?” my grandmother asked me.
Answer: My grandmother asked me whether I had locked the main gate properly.
In simple words: The reporting clause is moved, 'asked' is used, 'whether' introduces the question, 'you' changes to 'I', and 'Did you lock' (simple past) becomes 'I had locked' (past perfect).

🎯 Exam Tip: Simple past questions transform into past perfect statements in indirect speech, with 'if' or 'whether' as the conjunction.

Question 9. "Please excuse me this time, “the boy said to his father.
Answer: The boy requested his father to excuse him that time.
In simple words: 'Please' indicates a request, so 'said to' changes to 'requested', 'excuse me' becomes 'to excuse him', and 'this time' changes to 'that time'.

🎯 Exam Tip: 'Please' signals a request. 'This time' changes to 'that time' in indirect speech.

Question 10. In Gita Lord Krishna says to Arjuna, “Do your duty and leave the reward on God.”
Answer: In Gita Lord Krishna says to Arjuna to do his duty and leave the reward on God.
In simple words: Since the reporting verb 'says' is in the present tense, the tense of the direct speech ('do your duty', 'leave') does not change; only 'your' becomes 'his', and the imperatives become infinitives.

🎯 Exam Tip: If the reporting verb is in the present tense, the tense of the reported speech does not change. Commands are still converted to 'to + infinitive'.

Question 11. “When will the train arrive?" the man said to the enquiry clerk.
Answer: The man asked the enquiry clerk when the train would arrive.
In simple words: The reporting clause is moved, 'said to' changes to 'asked', 'when' is the conjunction, and 'will the train arrive' becomes 'the train would arrive'.

🎯 Exam Tip: For Wh-questions, the Wh-word acts as a conjunction. 'Will' changes to 'would' in indirect questions.

Question 12. “Who is going to be our captain?” the boys said to each other.
Answer: The boys asked each other who was going to be their captain.
In simple words: The reporting clause is moved, 'said to each other' becomes 'asked each other', 'who' is the conjunction, 'is going' changes to 'was going', and 'our' changes to 'their'.

🎯 Exam Tip: When the reporting verb refers to a reciprocal action (e.g., 'said to each other'), it translates to 'asked each other'. Present continuous changes to past continuous.

Miscellaneous Exercise : 12

Change The Following Sentences Into Indirect Speech :

Questions.

Question 1. The father said to the son, "God is great.”
Answer: The father told the son that God is great.
In simple words: This is a universal truth, so 'said to' changes to 'told' and 'that' is added, but the tense of 'is great' remains unchanged.

🎯 Exam Tip: Universal truths or general facts do not change their tense in indirect speech, even if the reporting verb is in the past.

Question 2. The traveller said, “I lived here for a week.”
Answer: The traveller said that he had lived there for a week.
In simple words: 'I lived' (simple past) changes to 'he had lived' (past perfect), and 'here' changes to 'there' in indirect speech.

🎯 Exam Tip: Simple past tense typically changes to past perfect tense, and 'here' changes to 'there' in indirect speech.

Question 3. The king said to the hermit, “How old are you?"
Answer: The king asked the hermit how old he was.
In simple words: 'Said to' changes to 'asked', 'how old' is the conjunction, and 'are you' changes to 'he was' in the indirect question.

🎯 Exam Tip: Wh-questions become statements in indirect speech, with the Wh-word acting as the conjunction, and the verb tense adjusted.

Question 4. The mother said, “The sun was very hot yesterday.”
Answer: The mother said that the sun had been very hot the previous day.
In simple words: 'Said' remains, 'that' is added, 'was' (simple past) changes to 'had been' (past perfect), and 'yesterday' changes to 'the previous day'.

🎯 Exam Tip: Simple past tense generally changes to past perfect tense, and 'yesterday' changes to 'the previous day' in indirect speech.

Question 5. Ram said to Mira, “What are you purchasing?"
Answer: Ram asked Mira what she was purchasing.
In simple words: 'Said to' changes to 'asked', 'what' is the conjunction, 'are you purchasing' (present continuous) changes to 'she was purchasing' (past continuous).

🎯 Exam Tip: Present continuous tense changes to past continuous tense in indirect Wh-questions.

Question 6. He said to me, “Why are you laughing?"
Answer: He asked me why I was laughing.
In simple words: 'Said to' changes to 'asked', 'why' is the conjunction, 'are you laughing' (present continuous) changes to 'I was laughing' (past continuous).

🎯 Exam Tip: Ensure proper pronoun changes ('you' to 'I') and tense changes (present continuous to past continuous) in indirect Wh-questions.

Question 7. The father said, “Come, my child, come to me.”
Answer: Calling his child affectionately the father asked him to come.
In simple words: 'My child' indicates affection, so 'Calling his child affectionately' is used. 'Said' changes to 'asked' (or urged), and 'Come to me' becomes 'to come to him'.

🎯 Exam Tip: Imperative sentences with terms of endearment require sensitive rephrasing, often using 'calling affectionately' and reporting the command with 'to + infinitive'.

Question 8. The teacher said to the boys, “Do not sleep late at the night.”
Answer: The teacher advised the boys not to sleep late at the night.
In simple words: This is advice, so 'said to' changes to 'advised', and the negative imperative 'Do not sleep' becomes 'not to sleep'.

🎯 Exam Tip: Negative commands or advice are reported using 'not to' + infinitive after an appropriate reporting verb.

Question 9. My friend said to me, “Have you prepared your lesson?"
Answer: My friend asked me whether I had prepared my lesson.
In simple words: 'Said to' changes to 'asked', 'whether' introduces the question, 'you' changes to 'I', and 'Have prepared' (present perfect) becomes 'had prepared' (past perfect).

🎯 Exam Tip: Present perfect questions are converted to past perfect statements in indirect speech, using 'if' or 'whether'.

Question 10. Pankaj said, “Friend! What I can do for you? Why do you not disclose your heart to me?"
Answer: Addressing him as friend Pankaj asked him what he could do for him. He further enquiredof why he did not disclose his heart to him.
In simple words: The direct address 'Friend!' becomes 'Addressing him as friend'. The first question is reported using 'what he could do for him'. The second question is reported with 'He further enquired of why he did not disclose his heart to him', changing 'do you not disclose' to 'he did not disclose'.

🎯 Exam Tip: For multiple questions in direct speech, report each question sequentially, using separate clauses and appropriate reporting verbs like 'asked' and 'further enquired'.

Question 11. The mother said to her son, “Why do you not study at all?”
Answer: The mother asked her son why he did not study at all.
In simple words: 'Said to' changes to 'asked', 'why' is the conjunction, and 'do you not study' (simple present negative question) becomes 'he did not study' (simple past negative statement).

🎯 Exam Tip: Negative Wh-questions in simple present tense are converted to simple past negative statements in indirect speech, omitting 'do/does'.

Question 12. The saint said, “Do not lose hope at your failures."
Answer: The saint advise (him) not to lose hope at his failures.
In simple words: This is advice, so 'said' changes to 'advise' (as per source, ideally 'advised'), and the negative imperative 'Do not lose hope' becomes 'not to lose hope', with 'your' changing to 'his'.

🎯 Exam Tip: Advice or warnings in direct speech are reported using 'advised' (or 'warned') and 'not to' + infinitive for negative commands.

Question 13. The doctor said, “How can you be cured when you do not act as I advise you?”
Answer: The doctor asked(the patient)how he could be cured when he did not act as he advised him.
In simple words: 'Said' changes to 'asked', 'how' is the conjunction, 'can you be cured' becomes 'he could be cured', 'you do not act' becomes 'he did not act', and 'I advise you' becomes 'he advised him'.

🎯 Exam Tip: In complex indirect questions, apply tense and pronoun changes consistently across all clauses. 'Can' changes to 'could', and simple present to simple past.

Question 14. The preacher said to the young man, “Always keep good company.”
Answer: The preacher advised the young man to always keep good company.
In simple words: This is advice, so 'said to' changes to 'advised', and the imperative 'Always keep' becomes 'to always keep'.

🎯 Exam Tip: Commands or advice are reported using 'to' + infinitive, and the reporting verb is chosen based on the nature of the statement (e.g., 'advised', 'ordered').

Question 15. The teacher said, “Children! when do we celebrate our Republic Day?"
Answer: The teacher asked children when they celebrated their Republic Day.
In simple words: 'Children!' is an address, 'said' changes to 'asked', 'when' is the conjunction, 'do we celebrate' (simple present question) becomes 'they celebrated' (simple past statement), and 'our' changes to 'their'.

🎯 Exam Tip: Direct addresses are integrated into the reporting clause. 'Do/Does' is dropped from Wh-questions, and the verb changes to simple past.

Exercise : 13

Change The Following Sentences Into Indirect Speech :

Questions.

Question 1. The captain said, “Bravo! What a lovely shot.”
Answer: The captain exclaimed with joy that the shot was very lovely
In simple words: 'Bravo!' indicates joy, so 'said' changes to 'exclaimed with joy that', and 'What a lovely shot' is rephrased as 'the shot was very lovely'.

🎯 Exam Tip: Exclamations of appreciation like 'Bravo!' are reported using 'exclaimed with joy' or 'applauded'. 'What a/an' exclamations use 'very/great'.

Question 2. The mother said to her son, “Alas! What a shameful act on your part.”
Answer: Blaming her son the mother cried out with sorrow that it was a very shameful act on his part.
In simple words: 'Alas!' shows sorrow, 'said' changes to 'cried out with sorrow that', and 'What a shameful act on your part' becomes 'it was a very shameful act on his part'.

🎯 Exam Tip: Combine the emotional reporting verb with a descriptive clause. 'Alas!' implies sorrow. 'Your' changes to 'his'.

Question 3. The people cried, “Hip, hip, hurrah! welcome the visit of our worthy queen.”
Answer: The people cried out with joy and had assembled to welcome the visit of their worthy queen.
In simple words: 'Hip, hip, hurrah!' indicates joy and welcome, so 'cried' changes to 'cried out with joy and had assembled', and 'our' changes to 'their'.

🎯 Exam Tip: Exclamations of cheer, especially with specific actions, may require more descriptive reporting verbs and clauses to capture the full meaning.

Question 4. Sunil cried, “What a misfortune! missed first class only by one mark.”
Answer: Terming it as a misfortune Sunil exclaimed with sorrow that he had missed first class by
In simple words: 'What a misfortune!' is reported using 'exclaimed with sorrow that', and the implied past action 'missed first class' becomes 'he had missed first class'.

🎯 Exam Tip: Expressions of regret or bad luck are reported with 'exclaimed with sorrow/regret'. Past actions are usually converted to past perfect.

Question 5. Rekha cried, “What a pleasant sight!”
Answer: Rekha exclaimed with joy that it was a very lovely shot.
In simple words: 'What a pleasant sight!' is an exclamation of joy, so 'cried' changes to 'exclaimed with joy that', and the exclamation is converted to a statement describing the pleasantness.

🎯 Exam Tip: When converting exclamations, choose reporting verbs that convey the emotion, and use 'very' or 'great' for emphasis in the indirect statement.

Question 6. Suresh cried, “How foolishly I have acted!”
Answer: Suresh cried out with sorrow that he had acted very foolishly.
In simple words: 'How foolishly I have acted!' shows regret, so 'cried' changes to 'cried out with sorrow that', 'I' becomes 'he', and 'have acted' (present perfect) becomes 'had acted' (past perfect).

🎯 Exam Tip: Exclamations of self-reproach often use 'cried out with sorrow/regret', and present perfect changes to past perfect.

Question 7. Dr. Dutta cried, “O fate! How cruei you are."
Answer: Blaming fate Dr. Dutta exclaimed with grief that it had been very cruel.
In simple words: 'O fate! How cruei you are!' expresses grief and blames fate, so 'cried' changes to 'exclaimed with grief that', and 'you are' becomes 'it had been' (referring to fate).

🎯 Exam Tip: When addressing an abstract entity like 'fate', the indirect speech might involve 'blaming fate' and adapting the pronoun and verb to fit this context.

Question 8. Kitty cried, “Oh! What a thrilling experience to stand on Malabar Hills.”
Answer: Kitty cried out with joy that to stand on Malabar Hills was a very thrilling experience.
In simple words: 'Oh! What a thrilling experience' conveys joy, so 'cried' changes to 'cried out with joy that', and the exclamation is rephrased as a statement describing the experience.

🎯 Exam Tip: Exclamations are converted into declarative sentences in indirect speech, often using 'very' or 'great' for emphasis, and 'is' becomes 'was'.

Question 9. The father cried, “What a lazy fellow you are!”
Answer: The father exclaimed with sorrow that the fellow was very lazy.
In simple words: 'What a lazy fellow you are!' expresses disapproval/sorrow, so 'cried' changes to 'exclaimed with sorrow that', and 'you are' becomes 'the fellow was'.

🎯 Exam Tip: Exclamations expressing a negative sentiment (like anger or disappointment) use reporting verbs like 'exclaimed with sorrow/anger' and convert 'what a' to 'very'.

Question 10. Sandeep cried, “Oh! How much intoxicating a bath on Juhu."
Answer: Sandeep exclaimed with joy a bath on Juhu was very intoxicating.
In simple words: 'Oh! How much intoxicating' shows joy, so 'cried' changes to 'exclaimed with joy', and the exclamation is converted to a statement that the bath was very intoxicating.

🎯 Exam Tip: Exclamations of strong positive feelings use 'exclaimed with joy/delight' and convert 'how much' to 'very'.

Exercise : 14

Change The Following Sentences Into Direct Speech :

Questions.

Question 1. My friend advised me to work hard.