In the following questions, a sentence has been given in Direct/Indirect. Out…
2023
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 Indirect/Direct.
The doctor advised him, "Do not smoke.“
- A.
The doctor said not to smoke.
- B.
The doctor advised to smoke.
- C.
The doctor advised to not smoke.
- D.
The doctor advised him not to smoke.
Attempted by 28 students.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: D
Key idea: Use a reporting verb (such as advised) + the person addressed + to-infinitive (with not for negative commands).
Choose an appropriate reporting verb for advice: 'advise' is suitable.
Include the person who was addressed: add 'him' after the reporting verb.
Convert the imperative 'Do not smoke.' to the to-infinitive with negation: 'not to smoke'.
Why the other answer choices are incorrect:
"The doctor said not to smoke." — This uses 'said' (less precise for advice) and omits the person addressed, making the sentence less natural and potentially ambiguous.
"The doctor advised to smoke." — This is incorrect because it removes the negation and thus reverses the meaning; it suggests the doctor recommended smoking.
"The doctor advised to not smoke." — This is incomplete because it omits the person addressed ('him'). Also, 'not to smoke' (placing 'not' before 'to') is the preferred wording in this construction.
Correct indirect form: The doctor advised him not to smoke.