Choose the option that is in the indirect form of the sentence. The clerk at…
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Choose the option that is in the indirect form of the sentence.
The clerk at the counter said to her "Please check the documents".
- A.
The clerk at the counter ordered her to check the documents.
- B.
The clerk at the counter ordered her to please check her documents.
- C.
The clerk at the counter requested her to check the documents.
- D.
The clerk at the counter told the girl to check her documents.
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Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Correct indirect form: The clerk at the counter requested her to check the documents.
Why this is correct:
Use a reporting verb for requests such as "requested" or "asked" (not "ordered" unless the original was a command).
Omit quotation marks and the word "please" in indirect speech and use a to-infinitive form: requested her to check the documents.
Imperative/request sentences are reported with a to-infinitive; there is no tense change needed for the verb of the original imperative.
Keep pronouns and other references unless context requires a change; here 'her' remains 'her' and 'the documents' remains 'the documents.'
Common mistakes:
Using "ordered" changes the tone from a polite request to a command.
Keeping "please" in reported speech is unnecessary and awkward.
Changing nouns or pronouns (for example, 'her' to 'the girl' or 'the documents' to 'her documents') can alter the original meaning and is usually not needed.
Note: An acceptable alternative reporting verb is "asked": The clerk at the counter asked her to check the documents.