A sentence is provided in direct speech. From the four given options, choose the one that most accurately conveys the sentence in its corresponding indirect speech. "So great was his shock that he could barely utter a word," said the nurse.
The nurse said that his shock was so great that he could barely utter a word.
The nurse said that his shock was so great that he could barely utter a word. is correct.
In reported speech the inverted, emphatic order "So great was his shock" changes to normal statement order (subject + verb): "his shock was so great". The reporting verb "said" is past, so the tense is already past and stays as "was"; "could" remains "could".
The quotation marks are removed and "that" introduces the reported statement.
"Was shocked greatly and barely spoke" changes the wording and meaning. "Had barely spoken" changes "could barely utter a word". "So great had his shock been" keeps the inverted order and wrongly shifts the tense to past perfect.
Similar Questions
Directions: Select the correct indirect form of the given sentence.
Kavya said, “I have made a new painting.”
Select the correct indirect form of the given sentence.
The policeman said, “We are stopping the defaulters of the lockdown.”
Select the option that expresses the given sentence in indirect speech.
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Select the option that expresses the given sentence in reported speech.
Nayan asked, “Can I call you back tomorrow?”
Select the option that expresses the given sentence in reported speech.
Rajat said, “I submitted my work assignment yesterday.”
Select the option that expresses the given sentence in direct speech.
The policeman asked us whether we recognised the person in the photo.
Select the option that expresses the given sentence in indirect speech.
He said to the boy, “What are you writing here?”
Select the option that expresses the given sentence in direct speech.
Shyam said that he would go into surgery the following day.
Select the option that expresses the given sentence in indirect speech.
He said, “I have got the prize”.
Select the option that expresses the given sentence in indirect speech.
He said, "I will see you now".
Important Questions from Direct and Indirect Speech
Directions: Select the correct indirect form of the given sentence.
The lion asked the lioness, "Where will you hide yourself, until I return?”
Select the correct indirect narration of the given sentence.
Sushant said to the elderly lady, “Madam, you can take my place and stand here in the queue.”
Select the correct indirect narration of the given sentence.
Dev said to his mother, “Don’t worry we’ll soon find a way out of this crisis.”
Directions: Select the correct indirect form of the given sentence.
Neha said to me, “I am going to see a movie today.”
Direction: Select the most appropriate indirect form of the given sentence.
Frank said to Albert, “ How is your search for a new house coming along?”
