Choose the option that is in the indirect form of the sentence. He said,"…
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Choose the option that is in the indirect form of the sentence.
He said," Alas! I failed the test."
- A.
He exclaimed with sorrow that he failed the test.
- B.
He exclaimed with sorrow that he had failed the test.
- C.
He exclaimed with sorrow that he has failed the test.
- D.
He exclaimed with joy that he had failed the test.
Attempted by 32 students.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Solution
The indirect (reported) form of the sentence is: He exclaimed with sorrow that he had failed the test.
Explanation:
Identify the sentence type: 'Alas! I failed the test.' is an exclamatory sentence expressing sorrow.
Choose a reporting verb that matches the emotion: replace 'said' with 'exclaimed with sorrow'.
Remove the interjection and convert the exclamation into an assertive clause introduced by 'that'.
Backshift the tense for reported speech: simple past 'failed' becomes past perfect 'had failed'.
Combine the reporting clause and the reported clause to form: He exclaimed with sorrow that he had failed the test.
Common errors to avoid:
Keeping the simple past ('failed') instead of using past perfect ('had failed').
Using present perfect ('has failed'), which does not follow the expected backshift for past reporting.
Using a reporting verb that conveys a different emotion than the original exclamation (for example, 'joy' instead of sorrow).