A sentence has been given in Direct speech. Out of the four given…
2024
A sentence has been given in Direct speech. Out of the four given alternatives, select the one which best expresses the same sentence in Indirect speech.
He said to him, “Please wait here till I return.”
- A.
He told him to wait there till he returned.
- B.
He asked him to wait there till he returned.
- C.
He asked him wait here till he returned.
- D.
He requested him to wait there till he returned.
Attempted by 25 students.
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Correct answer: D
Correct indirect speech: He requested him to wait there till he returned.
Explanation:
The original sentence contains the word "please," which indicates a polite request. Therefore, the reporting verb "requested" is the closest match to the meaning.
The place word "here" changes to "there" in indirect speech because the reference point shifts from the speaker's immediate location.
After a past reporting verb, the present/future verb in direct speech is usually backshifted: "return" becomes "returned."
Ensure the infinitive form is used for the requested action: "to wait" (not "wait").
Notes on other phrasings: Using "asked" would also convey a request and would be grammatically acceptable, but "requested" more closely matches the politeness implied by "please." Using "told" would sound like an order rather than a polite request. Omitting "to" (as in "asked him wait") is ungrammatical.