exercise on direct and indirect speech with answers pdf

100+Direct and Indirect Speech Exercises and Answers

Improve your knowledge of Direct and Indirect Speech with our comprehensive set of Direct and Indirect Speech Exercises and Answers . Practice converting quotes to reported speech, understand the rules and techniques involved, and master the difference between direct and indirect speech. Sharpen your language skills and get a better grasp of the English language with our direct and indirect Speech exercises and answers.

Direct and Indirect Speech Exercises and answers  are given in the following for practice. It’s important for students as well as for competitive Exams. For practice and easy comprehension,  Direct and indirect speech Exercises and answers have been arranged according to different rules in the following.

With these  Direct and indirect speech exercises with answers , the students will make themselves able to change Direct speech into indirect speech and indirect speech into direct speech with a Change of tenses, change of pronouns, and change of  time and place  words in  different sentences . 

Exercises on How to Change Tenses with Answers

Change the mode of narration 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.

(4) “I know her address,” said Gopi. Ans: Gopi said that he knew her address.

(5) Ram said, “The earth is round.” Ans: Ram said that the Earth is round.

(6) “We planted it ourselves,” said the grandfather. Ans: The Gran Father said that they had planted it themselves.

(7) Debu said, “I have been playing rugby.” Ans: Debu said that he had been playing rugby.

(8) Purbasha said to me,” I am afraid of ghosts.” Ans: Purbasha told me that she was afraid of ghosts.

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Change the following mode of narration from direct Speech to indirect speech .

(1) The boys said, “It has been raining since morning. We cannot play today.” Ans: The boys said that it had been raining since morning so they could not play that day.

(2) Anjan’s mother said, “Your father has left for Mumbai.” Ans: Anjan’s mother said that my father had left for Mumbai.

(3) My teacher said, “Practice makes a man perfect.” Ans: My teacher said that practice makes a man perfect.

(4) He says, “I go to the temple every morning.” Ans: He says that he goes to the temple every morning.

(5) He said to me, “I will not get down from the bus.” Ans: He told me that he would not get off the bus.

(6) Rita says to Mita, “I will go with you.” Ans: Rita tells Mita that she will go with her.

(7) The boy said to his friend, “I went to school yesterday.” Ans: The boy told his friend that he had gone to school the previous day.

(8) You said, “I was right.” Ans: You said that you had been right.

(9) “I ‘ll go to the top,” said the young lady. Ans: The young lady said that she would go to the top.

(10) I ‘ve got my rules,” the conductor said to me. Ans: The conductor told me that he had got his rules.

Change of Pronouns Exercises and Answers

(1) He said to me, “ I have done the job.” Ans: He told me that he had done the job.

(2) Rohit said, “ I was absent yesterday.” Ans: Rohit said that he had been absent the previous day.

(3) The boy said, “ My father died two years ago.” Ans: The boy said that his father had died two years before.

(4) He said, “ My goal is to climb Mt Everest. “ Ans: He said that his goal was to climb Mount Everest.

(5) “ I shall certainly do nothing of this kind”, the woman. Ans: The woman said that she would certainly do nothing of that kind.

(6) The man said, “ I am exhausted.” Ans: The man said that he was exhausted.

(7) He said, “ I am washing my hands.” Ans: He said that he was washing his hands.

(8) Mother bird said to her little ones, “Today I will teach you how to fly.” Ans: Mother bird told her little ones that that day, she would teach them how to fly.

(9) Rita’s father says. “ I have done this for you. Ans: Rita’s father says that he had done that for her.

(10) Sumana said to her sister, “ I want to play with you.” Ans: Sumana told her sister that she wanted to play with her.

Change of Time & place for Direct Indirect Speech

Change the following sentences into indirect speech.

(1) The boy said to his father, “I had my tiffin in school yesterday. “ Ans: The boy told his father that he had had his tiffin in school the previous day .

(2) The captain informed, “The tournament was postponed last year. “ Ans: The captain informed us that the tournament was postponed the previous year .

(3) She said, “We have been living here for two years.” Ans: She said that they had been living there for two years.

(4) Arnab said to Ajit,” I am happy today .” Ans: Arna told Ajit that he was happy that day.

(5) My friend said to me, “We went to the zoo yesterday. “ Ans: My friend told me that they had gone to the zoo the previous day.

(6) The clerk said, “I’ll do the work now. “ Ans: Clark said that he would do the work then.

(7) Hiten said to Mihir, “I received this letter yesterday. “ Ans: Hiten told me that he had received that letter the previous day.

(8) Rajib said to me. “I shall go to the picture today. “ Ans: Rajiv told me that he would go to the picture that day.

(9) He said, “We are very happy here. “ Ans: He said that they were very happy there.

(10) The farmer said, “I’ll sow the seeds now. “ Ans: The farmer said that he will show the seats then.

(12) The man said to me, “I received your gift yesterday. “ Ans: The man told me that he had received my gift the previous day.

(15) I said to my friend, “You were present in the class yesterday. “ Ans: I told my friend that he had been present in the class the previous day.

Assertive Sentences Exercises with Answers

Change the following sentences converting the direct speeches into indirect speeches.

(1) The teacher said to the boy, “You have forgotten the lesson.” Ans: The teacher told the boy that he had forgotten the lesson.

(2) The boy said, “I shall go out and play.” Ans: The boy said that he would go out and play.

(3) He said, “I am happy to be here today.” Ans: He said that he was happy to be there that day.

(4) They said, “We shall play the game again tomorrow.” Ans: They said that they would play the game again the next day.

(5) The boy said, “Two and two make four.” Ans: The boy said that two and two make four.

Change the form of narration from indirect speech into direct speech.

(1) She told them that she had lost her books and theirs too. Ans : “I have lost my books and yours too”, she told them.

(2) The princess says that she has lost her way. Ans: The princess says, “I have lost my way.”

(3) They say that they must keep their locality clean. Ans: They say, “We must keep our locality clean.”

(4) The girl says that those books are theirs, but that one is hers. Ans: The girl says, “These books are theirs, but this one is mine.”

(5) The Happy prince said that he had led the dance in the Great Hall. Ans: The Happy Prince said, “I led the dance in the great hall.”

Interrogative Sentences Direct and Indirect Speech Exercises

Turn the following sentences from direct speech to indirect speech.

(1) Bulbuli said to her friend, “Will you come tomorrow?” Ans: Bulbuli asked her friend if she would on the next day.

(2) The policeman said to the stranger, “What are you looking for?” Ans: The police asked the stranger what he was looking for.

(3) Nikhil said to me, “Why do you look sad? Ans: Nikhil asked me why I looked sad.

(4) I said to her, “Did you take tea ?” Ans: I asked her if she had taken tea.

(5) The girl said to her mother, “Will you give me your bangles ?” Ans: The girl asked her mother if she would give her her bangles.

(6) Father said to me, “Why are you so upset?” Ans: Father asked me why I was so upset.

Change the following indirect speech into Direct speech.

(1) She asked me if I had called her. Ans: She said to me, “Did you call me ?”

(2) He asked me if I was writing a letter. Ans: He asked me, “Are you writing a letter ?”

(3) The man asked the child how he had got there. Ans: “How did you get here, child ?”, the man said.

(4) The police asked me if I could show my identity card. Ans: The police said to me, “Can you show your identity card ?”

(5) He asked us if we were attending the meeting that day. Ans: He said to us, “Are you attending the meeting today?”

(6) I asked her if she had taken medicine. Ans: I said to her, “Did you take medicine ?”

(7) Raja asked Dipu if he would go to school that day. Ans: Raja said to Dipu, “Will you go to school today?

Imperative Sentences Exercises with Answers

Change the following sentences from direct speech to indirect speech.

(1) The teacher said to the students, “Keep quiet.” Ans: The teachers ordered the students to keep quiet.

(2) My teacher said to me. “Do not neglect your studies.” Ans: My teacher advised me not to neglect my studies.

(3) The man said to his son, “Always try to be honest.” Ans: The man advised it’s on to always try to be honest.

(4) Mother said to Raju, “Do not run in the sun.” Ans: Mother ordered Raju not to run in the sun.

(5) The man said to me, “Brother, please help me.” Ans: Addressing as a brother, the man requested me to help him.

(6) The students said, “Please allow us to play in the field.” Ans: The students requested to allow them to play on the field.

(7) He said to me, “Please give me some money.” Ans: He requested me to give him some money.

Exercise 10

Change the following sentences from Indirect speech to Direct Speech of narration.

(1) He advised me not to waste my valuable time. Ans: He said to me, “Don’t waste your valuable time.”

(2) The grandson advised the children not to pluck flowers. Ans: The gardener said to the children, “Do not pluck flowers.”

(3) Tom forbade Sid to shake him. Ans: Tom said to Sid, “Don’t shake me.”

(4) The master ordered the servant to sort the door. Ans: The master said to the servant, “Shut the door.”

(5) The commander ordered the soldiers to stand at ease. Ans: The commander said to the soldiers, “Stand at ease.”

(6) Addressing as sethji, the vendor told him not to rob the poor. Ans: “Sethji, don’t rob the poor”, said the vendor.

(7) The doctor advised the patient to take proper vitamins to stay healthy. Ans: The doctor said to the patient, “Take proper vitamins to stay healthy.”

(8) The teacher ordered the students to do it then. Ans: The teacher said to the students, “Do it now.”

Direct and indirect speech Exercises Answers with “Let”

Exercise 11.

Change the following sentences from direct speech to indirect speech mode of narration.

(1) Rahim said, “Let us decide the matter together.” Ans: Rahim suggested that they should decide the matter together.

(2) The boy said to me, “Let us play cricket.” Ans: The boy proposed that they should play cricket.

(3) He said, “Let me go home.” Ans: He wished that he might go home.

(4) He said to me, “Let him say whatever he likes.” Ans: He wished me that he might say whatever he liked.

(5) He shouted, “Let me go out. Ans: He shouted at me to go out.

Exercise 12

Change the following sentences from indirect speech to direct speech mode of narration.

(1) She proposed that they should go to the cinema. Ans: She said, “Let us go to the cinema.”

(2) He suggested that they should drop the matter. Ans: He said, “Let us drop the matter”

(3) They suggested that they should make him give them their fears back. Ans: “Let’s make him give us our fares back,” they said.

(4) Shabnam proposed Chandni that they should go for a walk. Ans: “Let us go for a walk.” said Shabnam to Chandni.

(5) The leader suggested that they should hold a meeting the next day. Ans: The leader said, “Let’s hold a meeting tomorrow.”

Direct and indirect speech Exercises Answers of Optative Sentences

Exercise 13.

Change the following from Direct Speech to Indirect Speech.

(1) I said to him, “May you be happy.” Ans: I wished that he might be happy.

(2) Mother said to me, “May God bless you.” Ans: Mother prayed that God might bless me.

(3) He said, “May his soul rest in peace.” Ans: He prayed that his soul might rest in peace.

(4) The girl said, “Oh, had I the wings of a dove.” Ans: The girl wished that she could have the wings of a dove.

(5) I said to him, “May you live long.” Ans: I wished him that he might live long.

Exercise 14

Change the following from Indirect Speech to Direct Speech.

(1) Nilima wished me that I might recover soon. Ans: Nilima said to me, “May you recover soon.”

(2) Mother wished him that God might grant him a long life. Ans : Mother said to him, “May God grant you a long life.”

(3) The holy man wished that peace might prevail. Ans: The holy man said, “May peace prevail.”

(4) She wished that Mother Teresa might recover from illness soon. Ans: She said, “May Mother Teresa recover from illness soon.”

(5) He wished that he could bring his departed friend back to life. Ans: He said, “Oh, if I could bring my departed friend back to life.”

Direct and Indirect Speech Exercises of Exclamatory Sentences

Exercise 15.

(1) The boys triumphantly said, “Hurrah! We have won the match.” Ans: The boys exclaimed in joy that they had won the match.

(2) The old man said to the girl, “May you be happy !” Ans: The old man wished the girl that she might be happy.

(3) He said, “What good news!” Ans: He exclaimed in joy that it was very good news.

(4) The children said, “How happy we were there!” Ans: The children gloomily said that they had been very happy there.

(5) He said to you. “May God bless you.” Ans: He wished you that God might bless you.

(6) My friend said to me. “What a fool you are!” Ans: My friend exclaimed in despair that she was a big fool.

Exercise 16

(1) Piyali exclaimed in sorrow that she had lost her phone. Ans: “Alas! I have lost my phone”, said Piyali.

(2) Mother wished Roy that his dreams might come true. Ans: Mother said to Roy, “May your dreams come true.”

(3) The girl exclaimed that she had been very sensible. Ans: How insensible I have been!”, said the girl.

(4) The girl exclaimed in sorrow that she had torn her frock. Ans: The girl said, “Oh dear! I have torn my frock.”

(5) She exclaimed in sorrow that she was undone. Ans: She said, “Alas! I am undone.”

(6) They wished me happy birthday. Ans: They said to me. “Happy birthday!”

(7) The students bade their teacher good morning. Ans: “Good morning, Madam!”, said the students to the teacher.

Practice Direct and Indirect Speech Exercises

A . Change the following into reported speech .

1. Rita says, “Kishore sang a song”.

2. The saint said, “Man is mortal”

3. You said, “we are learning our lesson’.

4. He said to me, “My father went to Mumbai last week.

5. I said to her, “Are you leaving tonight?”

6. He said to her, “Can you lend me your umbrella?”

7. She said, “I saw a tiger here’.

8. The principal said, “well done! my boys”.

9. She said, “Let them play.”

10. I said to Harsh, “Please help me.”

B. Change the direct speech into Indirect Speech

1. He asked me, “Where has he gone?”

2. The Prime Minister said, “National Integrity will be preserved at all costs.

3. She said, “My uncle came yesterday.”

4. Sheela said to us, “You must work hard.”

5. They said, “We trust in God.”

6. The officer said to him. “You will be dismissed if you do not attend the office in time.'”

7. He said to me “I am reading a book.”

8. He said, “Thanks for reminding me.’

9. She said,” Keep this room open.’

10. I said to him, “I went there on Tuesday.”

C. Choose the correct option .

1. I advised him ____________ it.

(a) to not do

(b) not to do

2. She told me ____________ careful.

(c) that be

3. She asked me if I ____________ my lunch.

(b) have eaten

(c) had eaten

4. She asked me ____________ going to the movies

(a) that I was

(b) if was I

(c) if I was

5. The dentist suggested ____________  get a new toothbrush.

(b) that I should

(c) me that I should

6. She said that no one ____________ me

(c) had called

7. He asked me ____________  to deserve such a cruel punishment.

(a) what had he done

(b) what he had done

(c) that he had done

8. He promised he ____________  do it by the end of the week.

9. She said that ____________  me before.

(a) she hadn’t met

(b) she did not meet

(c) she will not meet

10. I requested her____________  me.

(b) to help

(c) that help

D. Complete the sentences in reported speech.

1. The girl said that it ___________ to be there that evening.

(a) gave her great pleasure

(b) gives her great pleasure

(c) gives her great pleasure

2. The man said that he ___________ as soon as possible.

(a) must go

(b) had gone

(c) should be gone

3. She said that she ___________ to se any of them.

(a) does not want

(b) did not want

(c) had not wanted

4. The teacher says that if you work hard you ___________

(a) would pass

(b) will pass

5. He said that he  ___________

(b) has won

(c) had won

6. He proposed that they ___________ for her return.

(a) shall wait

(b) will wait

(c) should wait

7. Alice exclaimed how clever ___________

(a) she was

(b) was she

(c) she has been

8. The young man asked which way she ___________

(a) has gone

(c) would go.

9. He asked me where ___________ going.

10. She requested them to wait there till she ___________

(a) returns

(b) returned

(c) will return

E. Complete the sentence in reported speech.

1. Ravi said, “I love this place”.

Ravi said _______________ 

2. “Do you like football?” He asked me.

He asked me_______________ 

3. “I can’t drive a lorry”, he said.

He said _______________ 

4. “Be nice to your brother”, he said

He asked me _______________ 

5. “Don’t be nasty, “he said

He urged me _______________ 

6. “Don’t waste your money “she said,

She told the boys _______________ 

7. “What have you decided to do? “she asked

him. She asked him _______________ 

8. “I always wake up early”. he said,

He said_______________ 

9. “You should revise your lessons’, he said,

He advised the students _______________ 

10. “Where have you been? “he asked me

He wanted to know _______________ 

F. Complete the sentence in reported speech.

1. She said, “I went to cinema yesterday,”

She said _______________ 

2. You said, “I will do this for him.”

You said _______________ 

3. He said, “I am writing a test tomorrow,

4. She said, “I am not hungry now”,

5. They said, “We have never been here before.”

They said _______________ 

6. They said, “We were in London last week.”

7. He said, “They won’t sleep.”

8. “Have you been shopping?” he asked us.

9. She said, “It is very quiet here.

10. “I don’t speak Italian”, she said.

She said_______________ 

Direct and Indirect Speech Answers Key

1. Rita says that Kishore sang a song.

2. The saint said that the man is mortal.

3. You said that you were learning your lesson.

4. He hold me that his father had gone to Mumbai the previous week.

5. I asked her if she was leaving that night.

6. He asked her if she could lend him her umbrella.

7. She said that she had seen a tiger there.

8. The principal exclaimed with applause that the boys had done well.

9. She suggested that they should be allowed to play.

10. I requested Harsh to help me.

1. He asked me where he had gone.

2. The Prime Minister declared that the National Integrity would be preserved at all costs.

3. She said that her uncle had come the previous day.

4. Sheela told us that we must work hard.

5. They said that they trusted in God.

6. The officer warned him that he would be dismissed

if he did not attend the office in time.

7. He told me that he was reading a book.

8. He thanked me for reminding him.

9. She ordered to keep that room open.

10. I told him that I had gone there on Tuesday.

1. (b) not to do

2. (b) to be

3. (c) had eaten

4. (c) if I was

5. (b) that I should

6. (c) had called

7. (b) what he had done

8. (b) would

9. (a) she hadn’t met

10. (b) to help

1. (a) gave her great pleasure.

2. (a) must go

3. (b) did not want

4. (b) will pass

5. (c) had won

6. (c) should wait

7. (a) she was

8. (b) had gone

9. (a) I was

10. (b) returned

1. that he loved that place

2. whether I liked football

3. that he couldn’t drive a lorry

4. to be nice to my brother

5. not to be nasty

6. not to waste their money

7. what he had decided to do

8. that he always wake up early

9. to revise their lessons

10. where I had been

1. that she had gone to cinema the previous day.

2. that you would do that for him.

3. that he will be writing a test the next day.

4. that she was not hungry then.

5. that they had never been there before.

6. that they had been in London the previous week.

7. that they wouldn’t sleep.

8. whether we had been shopping.

9. that it was very quiet there.

10. that she didn’t speak Italian.

FAQs on Direct and Indirect speech

Q: what’s the purpose of the indirect speech.

A: Indirect speech allows us to convey someone else’s words without quoting them verbatim. It’s useful for summarizing and paraphrasing.

Q: Are tense changes mandatory in indirect speech?

A: Yes, tense changes are often necessary to accurately reflect the timing of the original statement.

Q: Can reporting verbs be used interchangeably?

A: While reporting verbs can be interchangeable to some extent, their nuances can impact the meaning of the reported speech.

Q: Is it possible to transform any direct speech into indirect speech?

A: Yes, most direct speech can be converted into indirect speech, although some cases may require adjustments.

Q: How can I identify indirect speech in a sentence?

A: Look for keywords like “said,” “asked,” or other reporting verbs, as well as changes in pronouns, tenses, and time expressions.

Q: Why is mastering direct and indirect speech important?

A: Mastering these skills enhances communication clarity, adds variety to language use, and fosters effective expression.

Conclusion:

Direct and indirect speech exercises and answers are invaluable tools for effective communication. By honing this skill, you’ll not only convey information accurately but also showcase your language expertise. Remember that practice makes perfect, and the more you engage in these exercises, the more naturally you’ll incorporate them into your everyday language use.

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Direct and Indirect Speech Exercise

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 Exercises With Answers PDF

Direct and Indirect Speech Exercises with Answers PDF

Directions (1-30): In the following questions, a Sentence has been given in Direct/Indirect. Out of the Four alternatives suggested, select the one which best Expresses the same sentence in Direct/Indirect and mark Your answer.

1. I said to him, “Will you go to Delhi?”

(1) I asked him will he go to Delhi.

(2) I said to him would he go to Delhi.

(3) I asked him if he would go to Delhi.

(4) I said to him would you go to Delhi.

2. He said, ‘I have read this novel.’

(1) He said that he has read this novel.

(2) He said that he had read that novel.

(3) He said that he read that novel.

(4) He said that he had read this novel.

3. Tania said to her friend, ’Can you lend me an  umbrella?’

(1) Please give me an umbrella Tania requested her friend.

(2) Will you lend me your umbrella, Tania asked her friend.

(3) Tania requested her friend to lend her an umbrella

(4) Tania asked her friend to give her an umbrella.

4. Sita said, ‘I may go there.’

(1) Sita says that she may go there.

(2) Sita says that she Is going there.

(3) Sita said that she will go there.

(4) Sita said that she might go there.

5. My friend requested me to bring him a sandwich.

(1)He said, ‘My friend, please bring me a sandwich.’

(2) My friend said, ‘Will you bring me a sandwich.’

(3) ‘Please bring me a sandwich’, said my friend.

(4) ‘Please bring my friend a sandwich’, said he.

6. He said, ‘If I had the tools I could mend the car.’

(1) He said that if he had the tools he could mend the car.

(2) He tells that he had the tools he could mend the car.

(3) He said I could mend the car if I have the tools.

(4) He told he could mend the car.

7. She said to the children, ‘You mustn’t play with fire.

(1) She told the children they were not to play with fire.

(2) She told the children that they mustn’t play with fire.

(3) She told the children not to play with fire.

(4) She told the children they are not to play with fire.

8. Everybody says, ‘How well she sings!’

(1) Everybody comments that she sings well.

(2) Everybody says how well she sings.

(3) Everybody tells that she sang very well.

(4) Everybody says that she sang well.

9. He says that he is very sorry.

(1) He said, ‘He was very sorry’.

(2) He says, ‘I am very sorry’.

(3) He said, ‘He is very sorry’.

(4) He told me. ‘I felt sorry’.

10. Daman says, ‘Priya is working in Ahmedabad.’

(1)Daman say that Priya was working in Ahmedabad.

(2)Daman said that Priya was working in Ahmedabad.

(3) Daman said that Priya works in Ahmedabad.

(4) Daman says that Priya is working in Ahmedabad.

11. Anne said. ‘It is time to leave for the meeting.’

(1) Anne said that it was time to leave for the meeting.

(2) Anne told that it is time to leave for the meeting.

(3) Anne said its time to leave for the meeting.

(4) Anne said that it was time for the meeting.

12. The old man said that he would soon be leaving the world.

(1) The old man said, “I shall soon be leaving the world.”

(2) The old man said. “I am soon leaving the world.”

(3) The old man said, “I would soon leave the world.”

(4) The old man said, “I am going to leave the world soon.”

13. “Come home early” said Mr. Matthew to his clerk.

(1) Mr Matthew told his clerk to come home as early as possible.

(2) Mr Matthew asked his clerk to be home early.

(3) Mr Matthew ordered his clerk to come home Early.

(4) Mr Matthew requested his clerk to come home a little early.

14. I said, “Water is essential for life.”

(1) Water is essential for life was said by me.

(2) I told that water was essential for life.

(3) I exclaimed that water was essential for life.

(4) I said that water is essential for life.

15. She asked me if I was going to college.

(1) She said, “Am I going to college?”

(2) She said to me, “Are you going to college?”

(3) She asked me, “Will you go to college?”

(4) She asked to me, “Was I going to college?”

16. Iba said that she might go home the next day with her sister.

(1) Iba said, “I could go home tomorrow with my sister.”

(2) Iba said, “I may just go home tomorrow with my sister.”

(3) Iba said, “I can go home tomorrow with my sister.”

(4) Iba said, “I will go home tomorrow with my sister.”

17. He said, “I was doing it.”

(1) He said that he had been doing it.

(2) He said that he had done it.

(3) He said that he has done it.

(4) He said that he did it.

18. The lady asked me how my uncle was.

(1) The lady said to me, “How is your uncle?”

(2) The lady asked me, “How has your uncle been ?”

(3) The lady said to me, “How was your uncle?”

(4) The lady asked me, “How is your uncle doing?”

19. He said, “Honesty is the best policy.”

(1) He said that honesty is the best policy.

(2) He said that honesty was the best policy.

(3) He said that honesty had been the best policy.

(4) He said that honesty has been the best policy.

20. He said that he intended to leave for Surat that night.

(1) “I intend to leave for Surat that night” he said.

(2) “I intend to left for Surat that night” he said.

(3) “I intended to leave for Surat tonight” he said.

(4) “I intend to leave for Surat tonight” he said.

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21. The teacher said to him, “Is poverty not a curse?”

(1) The teacher asked him is poverty not a curse.

(2) The teacher asked him if poverty was not a curse.

(3) The teacher asked him was poverty not a curse.

(4) The teacher asked him whether poverty is not a curse.

22. The prisoner enquired if a lawyer had been arranged for him.

(1) The prisoner enquired, “Is there a lawyer for me?”

(2) The prisoner asked, “Has a lawyer been arranged for me?”

(3) The prisoner enquired, “Had a lawyer been arranged for me?”

(4) The prisoner said, “Have you arranged a lawyer for me ?”

23. Phila ordered her brother to turn down the television and let her work in peace.

(1) Phila said to her brother, “Turn down the television that let me do my work in peace.”

(2) Phila said to her brother, “Turn down the television and let me work in peace.”

(3) Phila said to her brother, “Turn down the television to let me do my work in peace.”

(4) Phila said to her brother, “Turned down the television and let me do my work in peace.”

24. You will say, “I am ill.”

(1) You will say that you are ill.

(2) You would say that you were ill.

(3) You would say that you are ill.

(4) You will say that you were ill.

25. He bade his friends goodbye.

(1) “I will see you later” he told his friends.

(2) “I am bidding you Goodbye.”

(3) He said. “Goodbye, my friends.”

(4) “Goodbye, my friends” he was saying to them.

26. He exclaimed with joy that their team had won the tournament.

(1) He said, “Our team has won the tournament”

(2) He said, “Wow I Our team won the tournament”

(3) He exclaimed, “Hurrah! Our team has won the tournament!”

(4) He said, “Our team won the tournament.”

27. His father said that it was time he visited his uncle.

(1) “It was time you visited your uncle” said his father.

(2) “It is time you visited my uncle” said his father.

(3) “It is time you visit your uncle” said his father.

(4) “It is time you visited your uncle” said his father.

28. He said, “I had a wonderful dream last night”.

(1) He said that he saw a wonderful dream last night

(2) He said that he had seen a wonderful dream yesterday.

(3) He said that last night he had a wonderful dream.

(4) He said that he had a wonderful dream the previous night.

29. He said, “I am buying a new pen”.

(1) He said that he bought a new pen.

(2) He said that he was buying a new pen.

(3) He said that he had been buying a new pen.

(4) He said that he is buying a new pen

30. He bade his love goodbye.

(1) He said, “Goodbye”.

(2) He wished his love, “Goodbye”.

(3) He exclaimed, “Goodbye, love”.

(4) He said. “Goodbye, my love”.

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Direct and Indirect Exercises With Answers

We often convey a message or give information about what someone said, thought, or felt to somebody else. In order to do this, you can use the grammar structure named  indirect or reported speech.  direct and indirect rules have already talked about, below we have prepared direct and indirect exercises with answers for ESL learners.

• Direct And Indirect Speech Complete Rules
• Direct and Indirect Objects Exercise With Answers

Direct and Indirect Exercises

Attempt the exercises below then compare your answers with the correct answers given below.

Exercise 1:

Turn into reported speech. 1. “It’s hot” Tom said that _______________________________________________________. 2. “I have done my homework.” Tom said that __________________________________________________. 3. “I will give you a book” Tom said that _______________________________________________________. 4. “Do you smoke?” Tom asked me if ____________________________________________________. 5. “Where does Bob live?” Tom asked me where _______________________________________________. 6. “Jane has not arrived yet” Tom told us that________________________________________________________. 7. “I’m so worried,” Tom, told us that_______________________________________________________. 8. “I want to go away”. Tom told us that ____________________________________________________. 9. “You should eat less.” The doctor advised me that _______________________________________. 10. “Don’t shout” The teacher told me________________________________.

Exercise 2:

Turn into direct speech. 1. Mary said she was very tired. Mary said, “____________________________________________________________.” 2. The teacher told the boys to open their books. The teacher said to the boys, “___________________________________________________________.” 3. Tom’s mother told him not to eat any ice cream. Tom’s mother said to Tom: “_____________________________________________________________.” 4. My friend said that he was going skiing at the weekend. My friend said: “__________________________________________________at the weekend.” 5. Bob’s mates told the teacher that Bob was ill that day. Bob’s mates said: “Teacher,__________________________________________________________ today.” 6. Mary told Jane she would help her. Mary said to Jane,”____________________________________________________.” 7. I said I would have bought a new car if I had had the money. I said,”_______________________________________________________________________________.” 8. My father told me to look for a job if I wanted more money. My father said:”_____________________________________________________________.” 9. Tim wrote to his brother that their cat had died that day. Tim wrote to his brother: “________________________________________________________________.” 10. The teacher informed the students that the break lasted ten minutes. The teacher said to the students,”____________________________________________________________.”

Exercise 3:

Turn the following questions into reported speech. 1. “Where do you live?” Mary asked Tom, “______________________________________________.” 2. “How are you going to travel to Italy?” Mary asked Tom__________________________________________________. 3. “Why did you buy that book?” Mary asked Tom___________________________________________________. 4. “What’s the time?” Mary asked Tom__________________________________________________. 5. “Who helped you with your work?” Mary asked Tom______________________________________________.

Choose the right option 6. I (said/told) her not to disturb me. 7. My friend never (told/said) me about his plans. 8. The teacher (that/said) that we had to study harder. 9. Don’t (tell/say) me what I have to do. 10. He did not (say/tell) why he was late.

Exercise 4:

The following sentences use quoted speech. Change the following sentences from quoted speech to reported speech. 1.) James said, “I am watching TV.” 2.) Professor Jones said, “I worked all day!” 3.) The president said, “I will be visiting Italy in December.” 4.) The weatherman announced, “It may rain today.” 5.) My father screamed, “I have to go to the airport, now!” 6.) Then my mother said, “I must take your father.” 7.) The psychologist said, “You should calm down.” 8.) I responded, “I ought to leave the office.” 9.) Mark said, “I love visiting China and Korea.” 10.) Martin said, “I can be a great president!” 11.) Sung-He said, “Close the windows” 12.) Bobby will say, “I have already done direct and indirect speech exercises.”

Related Articles:

• Direct and Indirect of Modal Auxiliaries
• Direct and Indirect of Future Perfect Progressive
• Direct and Indirect of Future Perfect Tense
• Direct and Indirect of Future Progressive Tense
• Direct and Indirect of Simple Future Tense
• Direct and Indirect of Past Perfect Progressive
• Direct and Indirect of Past Perfect Tense

Exercise 1.

• Tom said that it was hot.
• Tom said that he had done his homework.
• Tom said that he would give me a book.
• Tom asked me if I smoked.
• Tom asked me where Bob lived.
• Tom told us that Jane had not arrived yet.
• Tom told us that he was so worried.
• Tom told us that he wanted to go away.
• The doctor advised me that I should eat less.
• The teacher told me not to shout.

Exercise 2.

• Mary said, “I am very tired.”
• The teacher said to the boys, “open your books.”
• Tom’s mother said to Tom: “Don’t eat any ice cream.”
• My friend said:” I am going skiing on the weekend.
• Bob’s mates said: “Teacher, Bob is ill today.”
• Mary said to Jane, “I will help you.”
• I said, “I will have bought a new car if I had had the money.”
• My father said: “look for a job if I want more money.”
• Tom wrote to his brother:” Our cat died today.”
• The teacher said to the student, “the break lasts ten minutes.”

Exercise 3.

• Mary asked Tom, “Where he lived.”
• Mary asked Tom how he was going to travel to Italy.
• Mary asked Tom why he bought that book.
• Mary asked Tom what was the time.
• Mary asked Tom who helped him with his work.
• I told her not to disturb me.
• My friend never told me about his plans.
• The teacher said that we had to study harder.
• Do not tell me what I have to do.
• He did not say why he was late.

Exercise 4.

• James said that he was watching TV.
• Professor Jones said that he had worked all day.
• The president said that he would be visiting Italy in December.
• The weatherman announced that it might rain that day.
• My father screamed that he had to go to the airport, then.
• Then my mother said that she had to take my father.
• The psychologist said that I should calm down.
• I responded I ought to leave the office.
• Mark said that he loved visiting China and Korea.
• Martin said that he could be a great president.
• Sung-He ordered to close the windows.
• Bobby will say that he has already done Direct and Indirect Exercises.

I hope the direct and indirect exercises were helpful to you and if you would like to know more about direct or quoted speech, or indirect or reported speech, check out more in the book below.

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Exercise 3 Mary asked Tom why he HAD bought that book. Mary asked Tom who HAD helped him with his work.

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• English Grammar
• Grammar Exercises
• Direct And Indirect Speech Exercises

Direct and Indirect Speech Exercises

Direct and indirect speech is one topic in English grammar that confuses most language learners. It need not necessarily be so; if you understand how it works, you can easily use it in your writing.

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 1: Change into indirect speech

Read the following sentences and convert them into indirect speech.

• Rahul told to me, “When are you leaving?”
• “Where do you live?” the stranger asked Aladdin.
• The teacher said to Shelly, “Why are you laughing?”
• Dhronacharya said to Arjun, “Shoot the bird’s eye.”
• “Call the first convict,” said the jury.
• “Call the ambulance,” said the man.
• Bruce said to me, “I shall do the work.”
• My mother said to me, “You were wrong.”
• Mr Richard said to me, “Please wait here till I return.”
• The captain said to me, “Bravo! You have played well.”
• Raj said, “Alas! My pet died.”
• Ruchi said, “I may go there.”
• Bucky said to Steve, “Do you hear me?”
• The boy said, “Let me come in.”
• Granny said to me, “May God bless you.”

Answers –

• Rahul asked me when I was leaving.
• The stranger asked Aladdin where he lived.
• The teacher asked Shelly why he was laughing.
• Dhronacharya ordered Arjun to shoot the fish’s eye.
• The jury ordered to call the first convict.
• The man urged to call the ambulance.
• Bruce said to me he would do the work.
• My mother told me that I was wrong.
• Mr Richard requested me to wait there till he returned.
• The captain applauded me, saying that I had played well.
• Raj exclaimed sadly that his pet died.
• Ruchi said that she might go there.
• Bucky asked Steve if he heard him.
• The boy asked to let him come in.
• Granny prayed that God might bless me.

Convert the following into Direct Speech

Read the following passage and convert it into direct speech.

One of them told Issac that the latter had forgotten one thing that belonged to a mill. Issac enquired what that was. The friend asked where the miller was. Issac replied that (absence of the miller) was true – and he must look for one.

“But Issac,” said one of them, “you have forgotten one thing that belongs to a mill.”

“What is that?” asked Issac.

“Why, where is the miller?” said his friend.

“That is true – I must look for one,” said Issac.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is direct narration.

When the actual words/sentences as spoken by the speaker are quoted in a speech, it’s called direct speech/narration.

What is indirect speech?

When the quoted speech is reported in the form of a narrative without changing the meaning of the actual quotation/words by the speaker, it’s called indirect speech/narration.

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Direct and indirect speech exercises

There are many occasions in which we need to describe an event or action that happened, and very often that includes repeating what someone said. Such occasions can include a social situation as well as in a work email or presentation. In order to describe what people said there are two different types of speech – direct speech and indirect speech (or reported speech).

Read the article below to find out more about these forms and improve your English storytelling skills.

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Direct Speech

When we want to describe what someone said, one option is to use direct speech . We use direct speech when we simply repeat what someone says, putting the phrase between speech marks:

• Paul came in and said, “I’m really hungry.”

It is very common to see direct speech used in books or in a newspaper article. For example:

• The local MP said, “We plan to make this city a safer place for everyone.”

As you can see, with direct speech it is common to use the verb ‘to say’ (‘said’ in the past). But you can also find other verbs used to indicate direct speech such as ‘ask’, ‘reply’, and ‘shout’. For example:

• When Mrs Diaz opened the door, I asked, “Have you seen Lee?”
• She replied, “No, I haven’t seen him since lunchtime.”
• The boss was angry and shouted, “Why isn’t he here? He hasn’t finished that report yet!”

Indirect Speech

When we want to report what someone said without speech marks and without necessarily using exactly the same words, we can use indirect speech (also called reported speech). For example:

• Direct speech: “We’re quite cold in here.”
• Indirect speech: They say (that) they’re cold.

When we report what someone says in the present simple, as in the above sentence, we normally don’t change the tense, we simply change the subject. However, when we report things in the past, we usually change the tense by moving it one step back. For example, in the following sentence the present simple becomes the past simple in indirect speech:

• Direct speech: “I have a new car.”
• Indirect speech: He said he had a new car.

All the other tenses follow a similar change in indirect speech. Here is an example for all the main tenses:

The same rule of moving the tenses one step back also applies to modal verbs. For example:

Using ‘say’ or ‘tell’

As an alternative to using ‘say’ we can also use ‘tell’ (‘told’ in the past) in reported speech, but in this case you need to add the object pronoun. For example:

• He told me he was going to call Alan.
• They told her they would arrive a little late.
• You told us you’d already finished the order.

Changing Time Expressions

Sometimes it’s necessary to change the time expressions when you report speech, especially when you are speaking about the past and the time reference no longer applies. For example:

• Direct speech: “I’m seeing my brother tomorrow .”
• Indirect speech: She said she was seeing her brother the following day .

Here are some other examples:

• Direct speech: “I had a headache yesterday .”
• Indirect speech: You said you’d had a headache the day before yesterday .
• Direct speech: “It’s been raining since this afternoon .”
• Indirect speech: He said it’d been raining since that afternoon .
• Direct speech: “I haven’t seen them since last week .”
• Indirect speech: She said she hadn’t seen them since the previous week .

Reporting Questions

When you report a question you need to change the interrogative form into an affirmative sentence, putting the verb tense one step back, as with normal reported speech.

There are two types of questions that we can report – questions that have a yes/no response, and questions that begin with a question word like ‘what’, ‘where’, ‘who’ etc. When we report a yes/no question, we use ‘if’. For example:

• Direct speech: “Do they live here?”
• Indirect speech: You asked me if they lived here.

As you can see, in the reported version of the question, ‘do’ is eliminated because it is no longer a question, and the verb ‘live’ becomes ‘lived’.

For questions starting with question words like ‘what’, ‘where’, ‘when’, ‘who’, etc., we report the question using the question word but change the interrogative form to the affirmative form. For example:

• Direct speech: “Where do they live?”
• Indirect speech: You asked me where they lived.
• Direct speech: “When are you leaving?”
• Indirect speech: He asked us when we were leaving .
• Direct speech: “How will they get here?”
• Indirect speech: She asked me how they would get here.

When we report a question we normally use the verb ‘ask’. As with the verb ‘to tell’, the verb ‘to ask’ is normally followed by an object pronoun, though it is possible to omit it.

Reporting Orders and Requests

When you give someone an order, you use the imperative form, which means using just the verb without a subject. For example:

• “ Call me back later.”
• “ Have a seat.”
• “ Don’t do that!”

To report an order we use ‘tell’ and the infinitive of the verb. For example:

• You told me to call you back later.
• He told me to have a seat.
• She told us not to do that.

When you make a request, you normally use words like ‘can’, ‘could’, or ‘will’. For example:

• “Could you call me back later?”
• “Will you have a seat?”
• “Can you not do that please?”

To report a request, we use the verb ‘to ask’ and the infinitive form of the verb. For example:

• You asked me to call you back later.
• He asked me to have a seat.
• She asked us not to do that.

Now you’ve seen how we use direct and indirect speech , practice using them yourself. An excellent and easy way to see how they are used is by reading a short story in English or a news article online, because stories and articles contain many examples of reported speech.

One of the most common things we do in our everyday language is to compare things. How do we make comparatives and superlatives in English? Learn more here.

The present perfect is a tense that usually describes something about the past that has a connection with the present. Read on to find out more.

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Indirect to direct speech

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Indirect speech to direct speech - exercise 5

Change the following sentences from indirect to direct speech.

Liz said she didn't speak Greek at all. I don't speak Greek at all.

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Direct and indirect speech exercises and grammar rules with examples.

From indirect to direct speech

If we want to tell someone what another person said or thought, we can use indirect or direct speech.

Indirect speech: Samantha said that she had stayed there the year before. Direct speech: "I stayed here last year," said Samantha.

Moreover, we use different punctuation (commas at the end of statements) and quotation marks in the direct speech.

They told me they didn't want to move to Bristol. "We don't want to move to Bristol," they told me.

Our grandma thought that Timothy would be the best student in his class. "Timothy will be the best student in his class," our grandma thought.

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Home » English Grammar Tests » Indirect Speech MCQ Test With Answers + PDF Exercise 1

Indirect Speech MCQ Test With Answers + PDF Exercise 1

Indirect speech test 1.

The teacher promised ___ .

Bill: “Have you seen any interesting comedy lately, Nancy?” Bill asked Nancy ___ .

Nick: “Did you see a bird in the tree?” Nick wonders ___ in the tree.

Dick to Lucy: Have you received my telegram? Dick asked if ___.

Ann: Write down my address. Ann asked me ___ .

He said, “I’m very busy today.” He said ___ .

Lena said, “Where have you been yesterday?” Lena asked ___ .

He thought: “What am I going to do?” He thought ___ .

Mother asked me ___ .

“Don’t play in the street!”

Ann: “Is your sister good at English?” Ann asked me ___ .

Tom: “Don’t forget to bring my book, Ann”. Tom asked Ann: ___ .

Mother: “We are going to have supper”. Mother says ___ .

Jack said: “I was at home yesterday.” Jack said ___ .

“Do you go in for sports?”, he asked. He asked ___ .

“Will Tom help me?” she said. She asked ___ .

Peter said, “Alice, are you busy now?” Peter asked Alice ___ .

My sister said: “I hope we shall go on an excursion to the lake”. My sister said that ___ on an excursion to the lake”.

Jim and Julia have been in the restaurant for an hour and they have not been served yet. Julia is angry. “You said ___ a good place’’

“Did you work at a factory 3 years ago?” she asked her friend. She asked her friend if she ___ .

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Direct and Indirect Speech Exercises for Class 7 CBSE With Answers

When we use the exact words of the speaker, it is called direct speech. Indirect or Reported Speech refers to a sentence reporting what someone has said.

Basic  English Grammar  rules can be tricky. In this article, we’ll get you started with the basics of sentence structure, punctuation, parts of speech, and more.

Direct and Indirect Speech Exercises for Class 7 CBSE With Answers PDF

When the exact words of the speaker are quoted, it is called direct speech. When the meaning of the words is reported without using the exact words, it is called indirect speech.

• Cam said, “The monster is coming.” (direct speech)
• Cam said that the monster was coming. (indirect speech)

Changing Tenses

When the reporting verb is in the past tense, we change tense as given below. The tense does not change in case of past perfect or past perfect continuous.

Exceptions 1. When the reporting verb is in the present tense or future time, the tenses in the reported verb remain unchanged. Example:

• Alam says, “I am feeling better.”
• Alam says that he is feeling better.

2. When reporting a universal truth or a moral principle or a natural fact, we may or may not change the present tense in the reported speech. Example:

• Deepti said, “The Pacific Ocean is the largest ocean in the world.”
• Deepti said that the Pacific Ocean is the largest ocean in the world.

Direct and Indirect Speech Exercises Solved Example With Answers for Class 7 CBSE

A. Complete the following reported speeches by filling in the blanks.

Question 1. Mary said, “Dipanwita is learning to play the piano.” Mary said that Dipanwita …………………………… (is learning/was learning) to play the piano. Answer: Mary said that Dipanwita was learning to play the piano.

Question 2. Kaustav said, “The next World Cup will take place in Russia.” Kaustav said …………………………… (that/which) the next World Cup …………………………… (will/would) take place in Russia. Answer: Kaustav said that the next World Cup would take place in Russia.

Question 3. Ms Paul said, “We should reduce our usage of oil and petrol.” Ms Paul said that we …………………………… (should reduce/had reduced) our usage of oil and petrol. Answer: Ms Paul said that we should reduce our usage of oil and petrol.

Question 4. The volunteer said, “The relief work in the flood-affected areas is going well.” The volunteer said that the relief work in the flood-affected areas …………………………… (had gone/was going) well. Answer: The volunteer said that the relief work in the flood-affected areas was going well.

Question 5. The newspapers report read, “There has been too much rain this year.” The newspapers …………………………… (report/reported) that there …………………………… (has been had been) too much rain this year. Answer: The newspapers reported that there had been too much rain this year.

Changing Pronouns And Possessive Adjectives

  Changing Time And Place Words

Place, demonstrations, and time expressions:-Place, demonstrations, and time expressions change if the context of the reported statement (i.e. the location and/ or the period of time) is different from that of the direct speech.

In the following table, you will find the different changes of place, demonstrations, and time expressions.

B. Change these sentences to reported speech.

Question 1. Sharif said, “The books are here on this table.” Answer: Sharif said that the books were there on that table.

Question 2. Neelam said, “I am at the station now.” Answer: Neelam said that she was at the station then.

Question 3. Pragya said, “I bought these pens from the shop there.” Answer: Pragya said that she had bought those pens from the shop there.

Question 4. Her friends said, “We are going to the concert tonight.” Answer: Her friends said that they were going to the concert that night.

Question 5. I said, “Satya completed his graduation last year. This year, he will travel. Answer: I said that Satya had completed his graduation the previous year. That year, he would travel.

Reporting Questions

  C. Kyle, a student from the Philippines, has enrolled in Shivani’s class. Shivani asks him the following questions. Report these questions.

Question 1. When did you and your parents move to India? Answer: Shivani asked Kyle when did he and his parents move to India.

Question 2. How long will you stay? Answer: She asked him how long would he stay.

Question 3. Are you enjoying your stay here? Answer: She also asked him if he was enjoying his stay there.

Question 4. Have you faced any difficulties while adjusting at school? Answer: Then, she asked him is he had faced any difficulties while adjusting at school.

Question 5. Do you miss your friends from the Philippines? Answer: At the end, whe asked him if he missed his friends from Philippines.

Reporting Requests And Commands

While reporting requests or commands, instructions or pieces of advice, we use the reporting verb which matches the meaning of the direct sentence, and the verb in the original direct speech is changed to its infinitive form. Example:

• Farzana asked, “Could you look after my dog when I am away?”
• Farzana requested me to look after her dog while she was away.

Reporting Wishes Or Exclamations

Those sentences, which express our feelings and emotions, are called exclamatory sentences. Mark of exclamation is used at the end of an exclamatory sentence.

For Examples:

• Hurray! We have won the match.
• Alas! He failed in the test.
• How beautiful that dog is!
• What a marvelous personality you are!

To change exclamatory sentences into Indirect Speech, follow the rules given below along with the above–mentioned rules: In case, there is an interjection i.e., alas, aha, hurray, aha, etc in the Reported Speech, then they are omitted along with a sign of exclamation. Reporting verb i.e. said is always replaced with exclaimed with joy, exclaimed with sorrow, exclaimed joyfully, exclaimed sorrowfully, or exclaimed with great wonder or sorrow.

D. Rewrite the following sentences in reported speech.

Question 1. Lalita said, “Wow! I have won the first prize!” Lalita exclaimed ……………………………………………………………………………… Answer: Lalita exclaimed that he had won the first prize.

Question 2. Hansa said to Kavya, “Happy journey!” Hansa wished Kavya. ……………………………………………………………………………… Answer: Hansa wished Kavya a happy journey.

Question 3. Dina said to me, “I solved the puzzle!” Dina exclaimed that ……………………………………………………………………………… Answer: Dina ‘exclaimed that she had solved the puzzle.

Question 4. My father (to me): May you have a successful career! My father wished me ……………………………………………………………………………… Answer: My father wished me a successful career.

Question 5. Child (to Mummy): Good night! The child wished his mother ……………………………………………………………………………… Answer: The child wished his mother a good night.

Question 6. Lalit said to Hansita, “Wish you a speedy recovery from illness!” Lalit wished Hansita ……………………………………………………………………………… Answer: Lalit wished Hansita a speedy recovery from illness.

Question 7. Ms. Quader said to the class, “Good luck for your exams!” Ms. Quader wished the class ……………………………………………………………………………… Answer: Ms. Quader wished the class good luck for their exams.

E. Change the following from indirect speech to direct speech.

Question 1. The gardener warned us to look out as there was a snake in the garden. The gardener said ……………………………………………………………………………… Answer: The gardener said, “Lookout! There is a snake in the garden.”

Question 2. My mother wished me a happy birthday. My mother said to me ……………………………………………………………………………… Answer: My mother said to me, “Happy birthday.”

Question 3. Kala exclaimed that she was very sorry for her mistake. Kala said to me ……………………………………………………………………………… Answer: Kala said to me, “I am sorry for my mistake.”

Question 4. Sugata cried out in pain that a thorn had pricked him. Sugata said ……………………………………………………………………………… Answer: Sugata said, “A thorn has pricked me!”

Question 5. Jatin wished me a lovely day. Jatin said to me ……………………………………………………………………………… Answer: Jatin said to me, “Have a lovely day.”

Converting Statements From Indirect Into Direct Speech

While changing indirect speech into direct speech, we use the reporting verb say or said. We make necessary changes to the tenses, personal pronouns and adjectives, and time and place words. We add inverted commas to the words spoken by the speaker. Examples:

• Meha said that she was in the library.
• Meha said, “I am in the library.”
• Amit told Rohan that the trip had been canceled.
• Amit said to Rohan, “The trip has/was/had been canceled.”

F. Fill in the missing words in the direct speech.

Question 1. Harry asked me if I had read that book. Harry ……………………………….. me, “Have you read this book?”. Answer: Harry asked me, “Have you read this book?”

Question 2. Soumya asked Tripti if she liked eggs. Soumya asked Tripti, “Do. ……………………………….. like eggs?” Answer: Soumya asked Tripti, “Do you like eggs?”

Question 3. Kinu asked Thimpu who would teach him English. Kinu asked Thimpu, “Who will teach ……………………………….. English?” Answer: Kinu asked Thimpu, “Who will teach me English?”!

Question 4. Charu asked why the laptop was not working. Charu asked, “Why ……………………………….. the laptop not working?” Answer: Charu asked, “Why is the laptop not working?”

Question 5. Sam asked who had let the dogs out. Sam asked, ……………………………….. the dogs out?” Answer: Sam asked, “Who let the dogs out?”

7000+ Direct and Indirect Speech Exercises Pdf - 1

• general-english
• speech-quiz
• speech quiz

general english - Online Test

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Question: 1

I said to him, “Let us go to the river for swimming.”

(A) I proposed to him that we should go to the river for swimming.

(B) I requested him to go for swimming.

(C) I proposed him that we should go to the river for swimming.

(D) I asked him that we should go to the river for swimming.

I proposed to him that we should go to the river for swimming.

Question: 2

Please listen to me, he answered, “I must go now because my son is very ill.”

(A) He answered politely to listen to him and that he must go then because his son was very ill.

(B) He answered politely to listen to him and that he must have gone then because his son was very ill.

(C) He answered politely to listen him and that he must go then because his son was very ill.

(D) He answered politely listen to him and that he must go then because his son was very ill.

He answered politely to listen to him and that he must go then because his son was very ill.

Question: 3

The teacher said to Ram. “Why are you wasting your time?”

(A) The teacher asked Ram why was he wasting his time.

(B) The teacher asked Ram that why was he wasting his time.

(C) The teacher told Ram that why was he wasting his time.

(D) The teacher asked Ram why he was wasting his time.

The teacher asked Ram why he was wasting his time.

Question: 4

They said, “How very awkward! What shall we say to him?”

(A) They cried out with contempt what they would tell him and exclaimed that it was very awkward.

(B) They cried out for contempt what they would tell him, exclaimed that it was very awkward.

(C) They cried out with contempt what they would tell him, exclaimed that it was very awkward.

(D) They cried out contempt what they would tell him and exclaimed that it was very awkward.

They cried out with contempt what they would tell him and exclaimed that it was very awkward.

Question: 5

I said to Harish, “The man who came to meet you asked if we could see his boss tomorrow.”

(A) I told Harish that the man who had come to meet him, has asked if we would see his boss the following day.

(B) I told Harish that the man who had come to meet him, had asked we would see his boss the following day.

(C) I told Harish that the man who had come to meet him, had asked if we would see his boss the next day.

(D) I told Harish that the man who had come to meet him, had asked if we would see his boss tomorrow.

I told Harish that the man who had come to meet him, had asked if we would see his boss the next day.

Error Report!

• Verbal Ability Direct and Indirect Speech Questions & Answers
• 100+ Direct and Indirect Speech Questions and Answers Pdf
• 100+ Direct and Indirect Speech Multiple Choice Questions & Answers
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• Direct and Indirect Speech MCQ Questions and Answers
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• 100+ Direct & Indirect Speech Online Test for Grade 6,7,8,9,10
• Direct and Indirect Speech Questions Exercises with Answers
• 1000+ Reported Speech Exercises with Answers Pdf
• 7000+ Direct and Indirect Speech Exercises Pdf

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• Reported Speech /

Direct and Indirect Speech Exercises With Answers for Class 12

• Updated on  
• Dec 26, 2023

With all due honesty, grasping a hold over the rules of Reported Speech can be a handful at times for anyone. They are part and parcel of the English Grammar syllabi of class 12th, alongside tenses and active and passive voices . So, if you are lacking the confidence of a grammar nazi while throat learning the reported speech, do not hesitate and practice the following Direct and Indirect Speech exercises with answers for class 12 via this blog article. 

This Blog Includes:

Direct and indirect speech exercise for class 12 – with answer, direct and indirect speech exercise for class 12 – without answer.

MUST READ! Reported Speech: Definition, Rules, Usage with Examples, Tips, Exercises for Students

Since you are already familiar with the importance of practising exercises in the realm of English grammar, go ahead confidently with Direct and Indirect Speech exercises with answers for class 12, mentioned henceforth while preparing for your CBSE, ICSE, UP, or any other board exam. 

Question: Rewrite the following Direct Speech into Indirect Speech Sentences: 

• “I will visit the museum tomorrow,” said Sarah.
• “We have been studying French for two years,” Mark said.
• “I am working on my thesis,” she said.
• “We will win the competition,” they said confidently.
• “I have completed the assignment,” he said.
• “The train departs at 9 AM,” the station master said.
• “The meeting starts at 11:30 AM,” announced the secretary.
• “Please keep the noise down,” the librarian said.
• “I will help you with your homework,” Tom said to Lucy.
• “The concert begins at 7 PM,” the organizer said.
• “We are going to the beach tomorrow,” she said.
• “I have never been to Europe,” he mentioned.
• “She will arrive by noon,” they said.
• “The play starts at 8 PM,” announced the director.
• “We have completed the project,” they exclaimed.

Check Your Answers

• Sarah said that she would visit the museum the next day.
• Mark mentioned that they had been studying French for two years.
• She stated that she was working on her thesis.
• They expressed confidently that they would win the competition.
• He mentioned that he had completed the assignment.
• The station master mentioned that the train departed at 9 AM.
• The secretary announced that the meeting started at 11:30 AM.
• The librarian requested to keep the noise down.
• Tom assured Lucy that he would help her with her homework.
• The organizer informed us that the concert began at 7 PM.
• She said that they were going to the beach the next day.
• He mentioned that he had never been to Europe.
• They said that she would arrive by noon.
• The director announced that the play started at 8 PM.
• They exclaimed that they had completed the project.

Question: Fill in the blanks with the appropriate reporting verbs and correct tense forms:

• The teacher _______ the students if they had finished their homework.
• He _______ to know if I could lend him my bike.
• She _______ if I had seen the latest movie.
• They _______ whether we were planning to go to the party.
• He _______ me if I could help him with his computer problem.

Question: Convert the following reported speech sentences into direct speech:

• The doctor asked me if I had any allergies.
• She wondered if I would like to join her for lunch.
• He inquired if I could help him carry the groceries.
• They asked if we knew the way to the nearest park.
• She asked if I could open the window for her.
• “Do you have any allergies?” the doctor asked me.
• “Would you like to join me for lunch?” she asked.
• “Could you help me carry the groceries?” he inquired.
• “Do you know the way to the nearest park?” they asked.
• “Could you open the window for me?” she requested.

Now if you are confident with your knowledge of the Direct and Indirect Speech rules, try to solve this worksheet without answers and analyse your progress.

Convert the following questions from direct speech to indirect speech:

a) “I haven’t eaten all day,” he said.

b) “I wish I could win the lottery,” he sighed.

c) “Is this seat taken?” she inquired.

d) “Do you mind if I open the window?” she asked.

You can also explore exciting reads on Tenses here!

This was all about the Direct and Indirect Speech exercises with answers for Class 12. Hope you understand the concept and where it’s used. You can also follow Leverage Edu for more exciting and informative blogs.

Harshita is a creative writer cum literature enthusiast in pursuit to extend her learnings of overseas and Indian education sectors to the masses, through her well-curated articles. You may also find her emerging in prose writing or reading Toni Morrison when not writing stuff related to education.

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Reported Speech – Free Exercise

Write the following sentences in indirect speech. Pay attention to backshift and the changes to pronouns, time, and place.

• Two weeks ago, he said, “I visited this museum last week.” → Two weeks ago, he said that   . I → he|simple past → past perfect|this → that|last …→ the … before
• She claimed, “I am the best for this job.” → She claimed that   . I → she|simple present→ simple past|this→ that
• Last year, the minister said, “The crisis will be overcome next year.” → Last year, the minister said that   . will → would|next …→ the following …
• My riding teacher said, “Nobody has ever fallen off a horse here.” → My riding teacher said that   . present perfect → past perfect|here→ there
• Last month, the boss explained, “None of my co-workers has to work overtime now.” → Last month, the boss explained that   . my → his/her|simple present→ simple past|now→ then

Rewrite the question sentences in indirect speech.

• She asked, “What did he say?” → She asked   . The subject comes directly after the question word.|simple past → past perfect
• He asked her, “Do you want to dance?” → He asked her   . The subject comes directly after whether/if |you → she|simple present → simple past
• I asked him, “How old are you?” → I asked him   . The subject comes directly after the question word + the corresponding adjective (how old)|you→ he|simple present → simple past
• The tourists asked me, “Can you show us the way?” → The tourists asked me   . The subject comes directly after whether/if |you→ I|us→ them
• The shop assistant asked the woman, “Which jacket have you already tried on?” → The shop assistant asked the woman   . The subject comes directly after the question word|you→ she|present perfect → past perfect

Rewrite the demands/requests in indirect speech.

• The passenger requested the taxi driver, “Stop the car.” → The passenger requested the taxi driver   . to + same wording as in direct speech
• The mother told her son, “Don’t be so loud.” → The mother told her son   . not to + same wording as in direct speech, but remove don’t
• The policeman told us, “Please keep moving.” → The policeman told us   . to + same wording as in direct speech ( please can be left off)
• She told me, “Don’t worry.” → She told me   . not to + same wording as in direct speech, but remove don’t
• The zookeeper told the children, “Don’t feed the animals.” → The zookeeper told the children   . not to + same wording as in direct speech, but remove don’t

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