direct and indirect speech questions for class 10

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CBSE Class 10 English Grammar – Direct And Indirect Speech

September 5, 2017 by Bhagya

Formulae Handbook for Class 10 Maths and Science

(Statements, Commands, Requests, and Questions) The words spoken by a person can be reported in two ways—Direct and Indirect. When we quote the exact words spoken by a person, we call it Direct Speech.

Sohan said to Mohan, “I am going to school.”

The exact words spoken by Sohan are put within inverted commas. But when we give the substance of what Sohan said, it is called the Indirect Speech.

Direct and Indirect Speech

Sohan told to Mohan that he (Sohan) was going to school.

1. Reporting Clause and Reported Speech: Sohan told Mohan that he was going to school. The words which generally come before the inverted commas are called the reporting clause, i.e. Sohan said to Mohan and the verb ‘said’, is called the reporting verb. The words spoken by Sohan and put within inverted commas are called the reported speech, i.e. “I am going to school.”

2. Rules for Changing Direct Speech into Indirect Speech:

In the Indirect speech, no inverted commas are used.
The conjunctions that, if, whether, are generally used after the reporting verb.
The first word of the reported speech begins with a capital letter.
The tense of the reporting verb is never changed.
The reporting verb changes according to sense: it may be told, asked, inquired

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3. Rules for the Change of Pronouns:

The first person pronouns (I, me, my, we, us, our) in the reported speech change according to the subject of the reporting verb.
The pronouns of the second person (you, your, yourself) in the reported speech change according to the object of the reporting verb.
The pronouns of the third person do not change.

For example:

He said, “I like the book.” He said that he liked the book.
He said to me, “Do you like the book?” He asked me if I liked the book.
He said, “He likes the book.” He said that he liked the book.

CBSE Class 10 English Grammar - Direct And Indirect Speech 1

If the reporting verb is in the present or the future tense, the tense of the reported speech is not changed: Satish says, “I am flying a kite.” Satish says that he is flying a kite. Satish will say, “I want a glass of milk.” Satish will say that he wants a glass of milk.

CBSE Class 10 English Grammar - Direct And Indirect Speech 3

If the direct speech expresses a historical fact, universal truth, or a habitual fact, then the tense of the direct speech will not change: Direct: He said, “Honesty is the best policy.” Indirect: He said that honesty is the best policy. Direct: He said, “The sun rises in the east.” Indirect: He said that the sun rises in the east. Direct: Rakesh said, “I am an early riser.” Indirect : Rakesh said that he is an early riser. Direct: She said, “God is omnipresent.” Indirect: She said that God is omnipresent. Direct: The teacher said, “The First World War started in 1914.” Indirect: The teacher said that the First World War started in 1914.

6. Changing Statements into Indirect Speech:

The reporting verb ‘said to’ is changed-to ‘told’, ‘replied’, ‘remarked’,
The reporting verb is not followed by an object, it is not changed.
The inverted commas are removed. The conjunction is used to connect the reporting clause with the reported speech.

The rules for the change of pronouns, tenses, etc. are followed.

Direct: Ramu said, “I saw a lion in the forest.” Indirect: Ramu said that he had seen a lion in the forest.
Direct: Satish said to me, “I am very happy here.” Indirect: Satish told me that he was very happy there.
Direct: He said, “I can do this work.” Indirect: He said that he could do that work.
Direct: Renu said to me, “I was washing the clothes.” Indirect: Renu told me that she had been washing the clothes.
Direct: She said, “I am not well.” Indirect: She said that she was not well.
Direct: He said to Sita, “I have passed the test.” Indirect: He told Sita that he had passed the test.
Direct: I said to my friend, “He has been working very hard.” Indirect: I told my friend that he had been working very hard.
Direct: My friend said to me, “I shall go to Delhi tomorrow.” Indirect: My friend told me that he would go to Delhi the next day.
Direct: I said, “I agree to what he said.” Indirect: I said that I agreed to what he had said.
Direct: The student said to the teacher, “I am sorry that I am late.” Indirect: The student told the teacher that he was sorry that he was late.

7. Rules for the Change of Interrogative (Questions) sentences:

The reporting verb “say’ is changed into ask, inquire,

The interrogative sentence is changed into a statement by placing the subject before the verb and the full stop is put at the end of the sentence.

If the interrogative sentence has a wh-word (who, when, where, how, why, etc) the wh-word is repeated in the sentence. It serves as conjunction.

If the interrogative sentence is a yes-no answer type sentence (with auxiliary verbs am, are, was, were, do, did, have, shall, etc), then ‘if or ‘whether’ is used as a conjunction.

The auxiliaries do, does, did in a positive question in the reported speech are dropped.

The conjunction is not used after the reporting clause.

Direct: I said to him, “Where are you going?” Indirect: I asked him where he was going.
Direct: He said to me, “Will you go there?” Indirect: He asked me if I would go there.
Direct: My friend said to Deepak, “Have you ever been to Agra?” Indirect: My friend asked Deepak if he had ever been to Agra.
Direct: I said to him, “Did you enjoy the movie?” Indirect: I asked him if he had enjoyed the movie.
Direct: I said to her, “Do you know him?” Indirect: I asked her if she knew him.
Direct: He said to me, “Will you listen to me?” Indirect: He asked me if I would listen to him.
Direct: I said to him, “When will you go there?” Indirect: I asked him when he would go there.
Direct: He said to me, “How is your father?” Indirect: He asked me how my father was.
Direct: I said to him, “Are you happy?” Indirect: I asked him if he was happy.
Direct: He said to her, “Do you like apples?” Indirect: He asked her if she liked apples.

8. Changing Commands and Requests into Indirect Speech:

In imperative sentences having commands, the reporting verb is changed into command, order, tell, allow, request,etc.
The imperative mood is changed into the infinitive mood by putting ‘to’, before the verb. In case of negative sentences, the auxiliary ‘do’ is dropped and ‘to’ is placed after ‘not’:
Direct: She said to me, “Open the window.” Indirect: She ordered me to open the window.
Direct: The captain said to the soldiers, “Attack the enemy.” Indirect: The captain commanded the soldiers to attack the enemy.
Direct: I said to him, “Leave this place at once.” Indirect: I told him to leave that place at once.
Direct: The teacher said to the students, “Listen to me attentively.” Indirect: The teacher asked the students to listen to him attentively.
Direct: The Principal said to the peon, “Ring the bell.” Indirect: The Principal ordered the peon to ring the bell.
Direct: The master said to the servant, “Fetch me a glass of water.” Indirect: The master ordered the servant to fetch him a glass of water.
Direct: I said to him, “Please bring me a glass of water.” Indirect: I requested him to bring me a glass of water.
Direct: I said to my friend, “Please lend me your book.” Indirect: I requested my friend to lend me his book.

9. Sentences with ‘Let’.

‘Let’ is used in various meanings.

(i) ‘Let’ is used to make a proposal.

First change the reporting verb into ‘proposed’ or ‘suggested’.
Use ‘should’ instead of ‘let’. Example: Direct: He said to me, “Let us go home.” Indirect: He suggested to me that we should go home.

(ii) ‘Let’ is used as ‘to allow’.

In Indirect Speech, we change the reporting verb to ‘requested’ or ‘ordered’.
We start Reported Speech with ‘to’. Direct: Ram said to Mohan, “Let him do it.” Indirect: Ram ordered Mohan to let him do that. Or Ram told Mohan that he might be allowed to do that.

10. Sentences with Question Tags (i) In the indirect speech the question-tag is usually left. (ii) In indirect speech these words are removed and the word ‘respectfully’ is used in the reporting clause. Direct: Mahesh said, “Sir, may I go home?” Indirect: Mahesh respectfully asked his sir if he might go home.

11. Sentences with ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ Direct : He said, “Can you dance?” And I said, “No.” Indirect: He asked me if I could dance and I replied that I couldn’t. Direct : My mother said, “Will you come home on time?” And I said, “Yes.” Indirect: My mother asked me if I would come home on time and I replied that I would.

Note : ‘Yes’ of ‘No’ hides a complete sentence. Therefore, change yes/no into a short answer.

Direct : She said to me, “You didn’t break the window, did you?” Indirect: She asked me if/whether I had broken the window. Direct : He said to Geeta, “You are going to the station, aren’t you?” Indirect: He asked Geeta if/ whether she was going to the station.

12. Sentences with ‘have to’ or ‘had to’ (i) Change ‘have to’ according to the rules. (ii) But change ‘had to’ into ‘had had to’ in the indirect speech. Direct : Hari said, “I have to work a lot.” Indirect: Hari said that he had to work a lot. Direct : Hari said, “I had to work a lot.” Indirect: Hari said that he had had to work a lot.

13. Sentences with ‘Sir’, ‘Madam’ or ‘Your Honour’ etc.

Generally such words are used to show respect to the person concerned.

You can master in English Grammar of various classes by our articles like Tenses, Clauses, Prepositions, Story writing, Unseen Passage, Notice Writing etc.

14. Exclamations and Wishes Sometimes Exclamatory sentences contain exclamations like Hurrah!, Alas!, Oh!, Heavens!, Bravo, etc. Such exclamatory words are removed in the indirect speech and we use ‘exclaimed with sorrow’, exclaimed with joy, exclaimed with surprise, etc. instead of ‘said’. Examples:

Direct : Rohan said, “Hurrah! We won the match.” Indirect: Rohan exclaimed with joy that they had won the match.
Direct : Reema said, “Alas! Karina’s mother is suffering from cancer.” Indirect: Reema exclaimed with sorrow that Karina’s mother was suffering from cancer.
Direct : The captain said to Kapil, “Bravo! You scored 89 runs.” Indirect: The captain exclaimed with praise that he (Kapil) had scored 89 runs.

(a) Look at these sentences.

Direct : My mother said, “May God bless you!” Indirect: My mother prayed to God for my well being.
Direct : She said, “May God save the country!” Indirect: She prayed to God to save the country.
Direct : They said to the king, “Long live!” Indirect: They blessed the king for his long life.

(b) Look at these sentences.

Direct : Mohan said, “What a pity!” Indirect: Mohan exclaimed that it was a great pity.
Direct : I said, “How stupid he is!” Indirect: I exclaimed that it was a very stupid of him.
Direct : “What a terrible sight it is!” said the traveller. Indirect: The traveller exclaimed that it was a very terrible sight. All the sentences in inverted commas are exclamatory sentences.

(i) Use ‘exclaimed’ in place of ‘said’ in the reporting verb in the indirect speech. (ii) In Indirect sentences, we use exclamatory sentences as statements. (iii) Indirect speech begins with that and full stop (•) is used instead of the exclamation mark (!). Exercise (Solved)

Change the following sentences into Indirect Speech:

(i) He said, “I will do it now.” Answer: He said that he would do it then.

(ii) He says, “Honesty is the best policy.” Answer: He says that honesty is the best policy.

(iii) Ramesh says, “I have written a letter.” Answer: Ramesh says that he has written a letter.

(iv) She said, “Mahesh will be reading a book.” Answer: She said that Mahesh would be reading a book.

(v) She said, “Where is your father?” Answer: She inquired where his father was.

(vi) He said to me, “Please take your book.” Answer: He requested me to take my book.

(vii) The Principal said to the peon, “Let this boy go out.” Answer: The Principal ordered the peon to let that boy go out.

(viii) He said to me, “May you live long!” Answer: He prayed that I might live long.

(ix) She said, “Goodbye friends!” Answer: She bade goodbye to her friends.

(ix) The student said, “Alas! I wasted my time last year.” Answer: The student regretted that he had wasted his time the previous year. Exercise (Unsolved)

The captain said, “Bravo! well done, my boys.”
He said to her, “Why do you read this book?”
He said to her, “Does your cow not kick?”
He said to his brother, “Shailesh has broken my glass.”
Our teacher said, “The earth revolves around the sun.”
He said to me, “Why have you come here?”
Usha said, “Father, you are very kind to me.”
The teacher said to the boys, “Do not make a noise.”
He said to his friend, “May you prosper in business!”
The officer said to the peon, “Let the visitor come into my office.”

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10th Class English Direct and Indirect Speech Question Bank

Done direct and indirect speech total questions - 35.

Select options correctly showing the change of voice in each given sentence; from active to passive or from passive to active.

A) He told Sheela that she committed a mistake here. done clear

B) He told Sheela that she had committed a mistake there. done clear

C) He told Sheela that she would commit a mistake there. done clear

D) None. done clear

A) Vamsi said that they were playing a match today. done clear

B) Vamsi said that they are playing a match today. done clear

C) Vamsi said that they have been playing a match that day. done clear

D) Vamsi said that they were playing a match that day. done clear

A) I told her that I was writing an essay then. done clear

B) I told her that I am writing an essay then. done clear

C) I told her that I was writing an essay now. done clear

D) I told to her that I was writing an essay then. done clear

A) He said children go to school every day. done clear

B) He said that children go to school every day. done clear

C) He said that children go to school that day. done clear

A) The teacher said that they are preparing well for the exams. done clear

B) The teacher asked if I am preparing well for the exams. done clear

C) The teacher asked if I was preparing well for the exams. done clear

D) The teachers asked whether I have been preparing well for the exams. done clear

A) She asked the child if he/she had taken his/her meal. done clear

B) She asked the child if he/she has taken his/her meal. done clear

C) She asked the child if he/she will take his/her meal. done clear

D) She asked the child if he/she would take his/her meal. done clear

A) She asked the boy where he learnt classical music. done clear

B) She asked the boy where he learns classical music. done clear

C) She asked the boy where he would learn classical music. done clear

D) She asked the boy where he had learnt classical music. done clear

A) The teacher asked the girl what her name was. done clear

B) The teacher said to the girl what her name is/was. done clear

C) The teacher asked the girl what was her name. done clear

D) The teacher asked the girl what is her name. done clear

A) The officer said to the clerk to file these papers immediately. done clear

B) The officer ordered to the clerk to file those papers immediately. done clear

C) The officer ordered the clerk to file those papers immediately. done clear

A) He told her that he lost all his property. done clear

B) He exclaimed with sorrow that he had lost all his property. done clear

C) He exclaimed with sorrow that he lost all his property. done clear

D) He exclaimed with sorrow that he has lost all his property. done clear

A) She said that they are going. done clear

B) She said that they have been going. done clear

C) She said that they will be going. done clear

D) She said that they had been going. done clear

A) The children told me that they would go out in the rain. done clear

B) The children told to me that they would go out in the rain. done clear

C) The children said to me that they would go out in the rain. done clear

A) He told me that I can never get my help. done clear

B) He told me that I could never get his help. done clear

C) He told me that I could never get my help. done clear

D) He told me that I can never get his help. done clear

A) He said that he should show me the way now. done clear

B) He told me that he should show me the way then. done clear

C) He said to me that he should show me the way then. done clear

A) He asked her if she would plan to go away in summer. done clear

B) He asked her if she planned to go away in summer. done clear

C) He asked her if she has planned to go away in summer. done clear

D) He asked her if she had planned to go away in summer. done clear

A) I asked him if he could lend me some money. done clear

B) I asked him if he can lend me some money. done clear

C) I asked him if he will lend me some money. done clear

D) I asked him if he shall lend me some money. done clear

A) She told him to come again tomorrow. done clear

B) She asked him to come again tomorrow. done clear

C) She asked him to come again the day after. done clear

A) The student said he was disappointed with his marks. done clear

B) The student said that he was disappointed with his marks. done clear

C) The student said that he is disappointed with his marks. done clear

A) The father told his son that the things will be sorted out then. done clear

B) The father told his son that the things would be sorted out now. done clear

C) The father told his son that the things would be sorted out then. done clear

D) The father told his son the things would be sorted out then. done clear

A) The boy said to her not to wait for the bus. done clear

B) The boy said to her that not to wait for the bus. done clear

C) The boy said to her to wait for the bus. done clear

D) The boy told her not to wait for the bus. done clear

A) The boy said that I have pain in my right leg. done clear

B) The boy said that he had pain in his right leg. done clear

C) The boy said that he has pain in his right leg. done clear

D) The boy said he had pain in his right leg. done clear

A) The mother advised her son not to waste his time. done clear

B) The mother ordered her son not to waste his time. done clear

C) The mother asked her son that not to waste his time. done clear

A) My brother asked me that what I was doing. done clear

B) My brother asked me what was I doing. done clear

C) My brother asked me what I was doing. done clear

D) None. done clear

A) I ordered her to come in. done clear

B) I said to her that she may come in. done clear

C) She sought the permission from me to come in. done clear

D) She ordered me to come in. done clear

A) The teacher said that man was mortal. done clear

B) The teacher said man is mortal. done clear

C) The teacher said that man will be mortal. done clear

D) The teacher said that man is mortal. done clear

A) She tells that they were going out. done clear

B) She tells that they are going out. done clear

C) She said that they are going out. done clear

D) She said that they were going out. done clear

A) The boy asked the Principal why it could not be correct. done clear

B) The boy asked the principal that why it could not be correct. done clear

C) The boy asked the principal why could not it be correct. done clear

A) He told to her that they are buying a new house. done clear

B) He told her that they are buying a new house. done clear

C) The boy told her that they were buying a new house. done clear

A) He will say that he doesn't like that. done clear

B) He will say that he didn't like that. done clear

C) He will say if he liked it. done clear

A) The teacher said the Earth is a planet. done clear

B) The teacher said that the Earth was a planet. done clear

C) The teacher said that the Earth is a planet. done clear

D) The teacher said that the Earth will be a planet. done clear

A) They said to him that they are leaving for Chennai the day after. done clear

B) They told him that they were leaving for Chennai the next day. done clear

C) They told him that they will be leaving for Chennai the day after. done clear

A) My mother said that not to disturb me. done clear

B) My mother told me not to disturb her. done clear

C) My mother told me to disturb her. done clear

D) My mother told me not to disturb me. done clear

A) She said to me where I had gone all these days. done clear

B) She asked me where had I gone all these days. done clear

C) She asked me where I had gone all those days. done clear

D) She asked me where had I gone all those days. done clear

A) He told to my father that he read the Hindu every day. done clear

B) He told my father that he read the Hindu every day. done clear

C) He told my father that he reads the Hindu every day. done clear

A) The teacher said to my mother, "Your son gets good marks,?? done clear

B) The teacher said to my mother, "Your son has got good marks.?? done clear

C) The teacher told to my mother, "your son got good marks.?? done clear

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Direct and Indirect Speech Exercises for Class 10 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. in this page, we have explained the Reported Speech Exercises for Class 10 .

Direct and Indirect Speech Exercises for Class 10 CBSE With Answers PDF

1. When the actual words are spoken are quoted, it is called Direct Speech. 2. When we report without quoting the exact words spoken it is called Indirect Speech. Example:

Ram said, “I am very busy now.” (Direct).
Ram said that he was very busy then. (Indirect)
In the Direct Speech, inverted commas are used to show the exact words of the speaker. In Indirect Speech, it is not so.
In the Indirect Speech, a conjunction that is used before the indirect statement.
The pronoun ‘l’ is changed to ‘he’.
The verb ‘am’ is changed to ‘was’.
The adverb ‘now’ is changed to ‘then’.

Remember When the reporting verb is in the past tense, all present tenses of the direct speech are changed into the corresponding past tenses.

am/is → was
will → would
are → were
can → could
do/does → did
want/like/know/go, etc. → wanted/liked/went
have/has → had

The past simple (did/saw/knew, etc.) can usually stay the same in reported speech or can be changed to the past perfect (had done/had seen/had known, etc.)

Harjot said: “I woke up feeling ill, so I didn’t go to school.” – (direct)
Harjot said that she woke up feeling ill, so she didn’t go to school. – (reported) Or
Harjot said she had woken up feeling ill, so she hadn’t gone to school. (reported)

(a) A simple present becomes a simple past.

Direct : He said, “I am unwell.”
Indirect : He said that he was unwell.

(b) A present continuous becomes a past continuous.

Direct : He said, “My master is writing letters.”
Indirect : He said that his master was writing letters.

Direct : He said, “I have passed the examination.”
Indirect : He said that he had passed the examination.

(d) The simple past becomes the past perfect.

Direct : He said, “The horse died in the night.”
Indirect : He said that the horse had died in the night.

If the reporting verb is in the present tense the tenses of the direct speech do not change. We may thus rewrite the given examples putting the reporting verb in the present tense.

He says he is unwell.
He has just said his master is writing letters.
He says he has passed the examination.
He says the horse died in the night.

Words expressing nearness in time or place are changed into words expressing distance.


now	then
here	there
this	that
today	that
day tomorrow	the next day
yesterday	the day before/the previous day
last night	the night before/the previous night
Direct :	He said, “I am glad to be here this evening.”
Indirect :	He said that he was glad to be there that evening.

Direct And Indirect Speech Worksheets With Answers Pdf for Class 10 CBSE

In reporting questions, indirect speech is introduced by verbs as ‘asked’, ‘inquired’ etc.

Direct : He said to me, “What are you doing?”
Indirect : He asked me what I was doing.

When the question is not introduced by an interrogative word the reporting verb is followed by ‘if’ or ‘whether’.

Direct : He said, “Will you listen to such a man?”
Indirect : He asked them if/whether they would listen to such a man.

Reported Speech Commands And Requests Examples

Imperative mood is changed into the infinitive and verbs expressing command or request to introduce indirect speech.

Direct : Ram said to Arjun, “Go away.”
Indirect : Ram ordered Arjun to go away.
Direct : He said to him, “Please wait here till I return.”
Indirect : He requested him to wait there till he returned.

Direct and Indirect Exclamatory and Wishes Example Words expressing exclamation or wish to introduce the Indirect Speech.

Direct : Ela said, “How clever I am!”
Indirect : Ela exclaimed that she was very clever.

Change the following sentences into Indirect Speech:

The captain said, “Bravo! well done, my boys.”
He said to her, “Why do you read this book?”
He said to her, “Does your cow not kick?”
He said to his brother, “Shailesh has broken my glass.”
Our teacher said, “The earth revolves around the sun.”
He said to me, “Why have you come here?”
Usha said, “Father, you are very kind to me.”
The teacher said to the boys, “Do not make a noise.”
He said to his friend, “May you prosper in business!”
The officer said to the peon, “Let the visitor come into my office.”

200+Direct and Indirect Speech Exercises and Answers (2025)

Direct and indirect speech exercises and answers (2025) help learners understand the transformation between direct statements and reported speech, enhancing their comprehension and expression abilities.

We frequently employ direct and indirect speech in our everyday interactions to accurately convey what was said and summarize information efficiently.

Enhance your understanding of Direct and Indirect Speech with our extensive collection of over 200 exercises and corresponding answers.

Through practice in transforming quotations into reported speech, grasp the principles and methods involved, and refine your differentiation between direct and indirect speech.

Elevate your language proficiency and deepen your comprehension of English with our comprehensive set of over 200 Direct and Indirect Speech exercises and answers.

Understanding Direct Speech

Direct speech is when the exact words spoken by a person are quoted within quotation marks. It provides a direct representation of what was said, maintaining the original wording and tone. Direct speech adds authenticity and immediacy to the narrative.

For example,

Direct Speech: My aunt said, ‘Every mother loves her child.’
Direct Speech: Mon said to me, ‘I shall go, but you will stay.’

Explore Indirect Speech

Indirect speech, also known as reported speech, conveys someone else’s words without quoting them directly. Indirect speech offers a concise summary, enabling effective communication and storytelling.

Indirect Speech: My aunt said that every mother loves her child.
Indirect Speech: Mon told me that she would go but I should stay.

Before delving into the direct and indirect speech exercises, consider how Tense , Pronouns , Time , and Place change when transitioning from direct to indirect speech and vice versa.

Exercises and Answers for Direct and Indirect Speech (2025)

Direct and Indirect Speech Exercises and answers, along with examples 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.

Direct and Indirect Speech Exercises and Answers with Tense Transformations

Exercises and answers with tense alterations facilitate practice and comprehension of verb tense transformations.

Exercise 1:

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

(1) He said , ‘I need some money.’ Ans: He said that he needed some money.

(2) She said, ‘I am waiting for him.’ Ans: She said that she was waiting for him.

(3) The boy said , ‘I have done my homework.’ Ans: The boy said that he had done his homework.

(4) You said, ‘The baby has been sleeping .” Ans: You said that the baby had been sleeping .

(5) You say, ‘I am always busy.’ Ans: You say that you are always busy.

(6) The child will say , ‘Mum knows everything.’ Ans: The child will say that Mum knows everything.

(7) He said , ‘I did it.’ Ans: He said that he had done it.

(8) She said, ‘He was talking .’ Ans: She said that he had been talking .

(9) The monk said , ‘Man will die .’ Ans: The monk said that man will die.

(10) He said , ‘The sun gives us light.’ Ans: He said that the sun gives us light.

Exercise 2:

Switch the narrative style 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.

Exercise 3:

Turn the following sentences 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 w ill 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.

Pronouns in Direct and Indirect Speech: Exercises and Answers

Exercises and answers incorporating pronouns in direct and indirect speech facilitate learners’ understanding and application of pronoun changes in reported speech structures.

Exercise 4:

(1) You said, ‘ I never smoked.” Ans: You said that you never smoked.

(2) I said, ‘ I am always busy.” Ans: I said that I was alway busy

(3) I said to you , ‘ You look tired.” Ans: I said to you that you looked tired.

(4) You said to me , ‘ You are dependable.” Ans: You said to me that I was dependable.

(5) You said, “ He is right.” Ans: You said that he was right.

(6) I said, “ They will be late. Ans: I said that they w ould be late.

(7) He said to (Deep) , ‘ You told it so.” Ans: He said to Deep that he (Deep) had told it so.

(8) Mon said to Moon , “ You are naughty.” Ans: Mon said to Moon that she (Moon) was naughty.

Exercise 5:

Alter the narrative style from direct speech to indirect speech.

(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 (Rohit) 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.

Time and Place Expressions in Direct and Indirect Speech: Exercises and Answers

Exercises and answers on time and place expressions in direct and indirect speech aid learners in accurately conveying temporal and spatial information while mastering reported speech conventions.

Exercise 6:

Turn the following direct speech into indirect speech

(1) I said to you, “I wish to start business next year. “ Ans: I said to you that I wished to start business the following years.

(2) You said to them, “ Now I shall tell you a nice story.” Ans: You told them that then you would tell them a nice story.

(3) She said to him, “I bought the book yesterday. “ Ans: She told him that she had bought the book the previous day .

(4) He said to me, “I saw your sister two years ago . Ans: He told me that he had seen my sister two years before.

(5) He said to his son, “You may come with me tomorrow. Ans: He told his son that he (his son) might go with him the next day.

(6) He said to her, I’m talking to you now for your good.” Ans: He told her that he was talking to her then for her good.

(7) The girl said to me, My father died two years ago. “ Ans: The girl told me that her father died two years before.

Exception: But if ‘ now ‘, ‘ here ‘, ‘ this ‘ refer to things present before the speaker at the time of reporting, no change is needed.

(8) He said to me, ‘I have no friend here. ‘ Ans: He told me that he had no friend here.

(9) I said, ‘We cannot be happy in this world.’ Ans: I said that we cannot be happy in this world.

(10) She said, “ This is the house where I was born.” Ans: She said that this was the house where she was born.

Exercise 7:

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.

Direct and Indirect Speech Exercises and Answers of Assertive Sentences

Direct and indirect speech exercises and answers focusing on assertive sentences enable learners to grasp the nuances of reporting statements confidently and accurately.

Exercise 8:

Transform the following direct speech into indirect speech

(1) My aunt said, ‘Every mother loves her child.’ Ans: My aunt said that every mother loves her child.

(2) Mon said to me, ‘I shall go, but you will stay.’ Ans: Mon told me that she would go but I should stay.

(3) He said to his father, ‘I shall always carry out your order.’ Ans: He told his father that he would always carry out his order.

(4) She said, ‘I sang a song at today’s function.’ Ans: She said that she had sung a song at today’s function.

(5) He said to me, ‘You are wicked, so I shall not mix with you.’ Ans: He told me that I was wicked, so he would not mix with me.

Exercise 9:

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.

Exercise 10:

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 and Answers

Engage with interrogative sentences through direct and indirect speech exercises and answers to sharpen your ability to convey questions effectively within different narrative frameworks.

Exercise 11:

(1) Mother said to her, ‘Are you feeling feverish?’ Ans: Mother inquired of her if she was feeling feverish.

(2) ‘Was it not a piece of luck?’ said Slavator. Ans: Salvtor wanted to know if that was not a piece of luck.

(3) The host said to me, ‘Have all the guests arrived?’ Ans: The host asked me whether all the guests had arrived.

(4) I said, ‘Do you know who will preside over the meeting?’ Ans: I asked whether he knew who would be presiding over the meeting.

(5) I said to the boy, ‘Did you pass the examination?’ Ans: I asked the boy if had passed the examination.

(6) She said to him, ‘Which of the books do you want to buy? Ans: She asked him which of the books he wanted to buy.

(7) The king said, ‘Who is not ready to due for his land, my countryman?’ Ans: The king asked his countrymen who was not ready to due for his land.

(8) He said to her, ‘Whose type writer are you using? Ans: He inquired of her whose type- writer she was using.

(9) The girl said to the strang ‘Whom do you want to see? Ans: The girl asked the stranger whom he wanted to see.

(10) The teacher said to the student, ‘Why are you late regularly? Ans: The teacher asked the student why he was late regularly.

Exercise 12:

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.

Exercise 13:

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 Direct and Indirect Speech Exercises and Answers

Master imperative sentences through direct and indirect speech exercises and answers, refining your skill in conveying commands and requests within diverse linguistic contexts.

Exercise 14:

Change the following sentences from direct speech to indirect speech.

(1) The teacher said, ‘Boys, go to your classes.’ Ans: The teacher ordered the boys to go to their classes.

(2) She said to him, ‘Please lend me your pen.’ Ans: She requested him to lend her his pen.

(3) The mother said to her son, ‘Wait here for me.’ Ans: The mother told her son to wait there for her.

(4) He said to me, ‘Go home at once.’ Ans: He advised me to go home at once.

(5) I said to my teacher, ‘Please explain the passage. Ans: I requested my teacher to explain the passage.

(6) The student said to the teacher, “Excuse me, sir.’ Ans: The student begged the teacher to excuse him.

(7) He said, ‘Friends, lend me your ears. Ans: Addressing them as friends, he requested them to lend him their ears.

Exercise 15:

(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 16:

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 and Answers with “Let”

Enhance your understanding of direct and indirect speech through exercises and answers featuring the usage of “let,” allowing you to effectively report permissions, suggestions, or proposals in various contexts

Exercise 17:

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

(1) He said to her, ‘Let us go out for a walk,’ Ans: He proposed to her that they should go out for a walk.

(2) Mon said to Mohan, ‘Let us dis- cuss the matter,’ Ans: Mon suggested to Mohan that they should discuss the matter.

(3) The chairman said, ‘Let us put the motion to vote. Ans: The chairman proposed that they should put the motion to vote.

(4) I said to her, ‘Let us have some music,’ Ans: I proposed to her that we should have some music.

(5) ‘Let us hurry or we may miss the bus,’ said he, Ans: He urged all to hurry or they might miss the bus.

(6) She said, ‘Let me come in.’ Ans: She requested that she might be allowed to come in.

(7) He said, ‘Let her say whatever she likes.’ Ans: He said that she might say whatever she liked.

(8) He said, ‘Let me have a cup of coffee.’ Ans: He wished that he might have a cup of coffee.

(9) The player said to the captain, ‘Let me have a chance, please.’ Ans: The player requested the captain to let him have a chance.

(10) I said, ‘Let him work ever so hard, he cannot win the prize.’ Ans: He said that the visitor might be allowed to wait outside.

Exercise 18:

(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 19:

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 and Answers of Optative Sentences

Practice direct and indirect speech with exercises and answers focusing on optative sentences, enabling you to accurately report wishes, prayers, or blessings while honing your linguistic proficiency.

Exercise 20:

Change the following from Direct Speech to Indirect Speech.

(1) Mother said, ‘May you be happy.’ Ans: Mother wished that I might be happy.

(2) He said to you, ‘May God bless you.’ Ans: He prayed that God might bless you.

(3) She said, ‘Had I been there!’ Ans: She wished that she had been there.

(4) He said to me, ‘May you succeed.’ Ans: He wished that I might succeed.

(5) They said, ‘Long live the leader.’ Ans: They prayed that the leader might live long.

(6) He said to me, ‘May your mother recover soon. Ans: He wished that my mother might recover soon.

(7) The monk said, ‘May peace prevail.’ Ans: The monk hoped that peace would prevail.

(8) The boy siad, ‘Had I the wings of a bird.’ Ans: The boy wished that he could have the wings of a bird.

Exercise 21:

(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 22:

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

Engage in direct and indirect speech exercises focusing on exclamatory sentences to refine your ability in reporting strong emotions or exclamations accurately within different narrative frameworks.

Exercise 23:

(1) The supporters said, ‘Hurrah! we have won?’ Ans: The supporter exclaimed in joy that they had won.

(2) The girl said, ‘How wonderful love is!’ Ans: The girl exclaimed in joy that love is wonderful.

(3) The teacher said, ‘Bravo! Well done!’ Ans: The teacher applauded his students by saying that they had done well.

(4) ‘Alas! I am undone’, said the women. Ans: They women cried out in sorrow that she was undone.

(5) He said, ‘Good bye, my friends !’ Ans: He bade his friends good bye.

(6) The old man said to the youth, ‘Fie! You are such a coward.’ Ans: The old man exclaimed that it was shameful for the youth to be such a coward.

(7) ‘How dirty the house is!’ he observed. Ans: He exclaimed in irritation that the house was very dirty.

(8) ‘Good God! I am saved’, said he. Ans: He exclaimed in the name of merciful God that he was saved.

Exercise 24:

(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 25:

(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 Worksheet for 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.

3. She asked me if I ____________ my lunch.

(b) have eaten

4. She asked me ____________ going to the movies

(a) that I was

(b) if was I

5. The dentist suggested ____________ get a new toothbrush.

(b) that I should

6. She said that no one ____________ me

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

(a) what had he done

(b) what 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

10. I requested her____________ me.

(b) to help

D. Complete the sentences in the reported speech.

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

(a) gave her great pleasure

(b) gives her great pleasure

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

(a) must go

(b) had gone

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

(a) does not want

(b) did not want

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

(a) would pass

(b) will pass

5. He said that he ___________

(b) has won

6. He proposed that they ___________ for her return.

(a) shall wait

(b) will wait

7. Alice exclaimed how clever ___________

(a) she was

(b) was she

8. The young man asked which way she ___________

(a) has gone

9. He asked me where ___________ going.

10. She requested them to wait there till she ___________

(a) returns

(b) returned

E. Complete the sentence in the 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 the 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_______________

G. Read the dialogue and complete the following passage.

Susan: Why have you not brought my party dress? Jenny: I haven’t brought it because I had gone to my uncle’s house with my parents, so I forgot to keep it. Susan: Don’t give me silly excuses. I want to know the truth. Jenny: I am sorry Susan. I was chatting with my friends till late. I forgot that you needed it urgently today.

Susan asked Jenny (a) …………… Jenny said that she (b) …………… . Susan (c) …………… . Jenny said that she was sorry and further added that she was chatting with her friends till late and she had forgotten that Jenny needed it urgently that day.

H. Read the following conversation and complete the passage that follows.

Dilip: I’ve been watching the sea and there hasn’t been any trace of a ship. Ralph: I told you yesterday too that we’ll be rescued, so have patience. Dilip: Why do you ask me to keep quiet whenever I say something? Ralph: Have you ever said anything sensible?

Dilip said (a) ………… . Ralph replied (b) ………… and so asked him to have patience. Dilip angrily asked Ralph (c) ………… to which Ralph wanted to know (d) …………

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

D. Complete the sentences in reported speech.

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

E. Complete the sentence in reported speech.

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

F. Complete the sentence in reported speech.

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.

G. Read the dialogue and complete the following passage

(a) why she had not brought her party dress

(b) hadn’t brought it as she had gone to her uncle’s house with her parents; so she had forgotten to keep it

(a) that he had been watching the sea and that there had not been any trace of a ship

(b) that he had told him the day before that they would be rescued

(d) if he had ever said anything sensible

FAQs on Direct and Indirect Speech Exercises and Answers

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.

100 + Direct and Indirect Speech Examples and Answers (2025)

English Grammar
Grammar Exercises
Reported Speech Exercises For Class 10

Reported Speech Exercises with Answers for Class 10

One of the English grammar concepts that almost all of us would have studied in our junior classes is reported speech . Having a clear understanding of reported speech helps students use sentences correctly. This article provides reported speech exercises for class 10 students.

Reported Speech Exercises for Class 10 with Answers

Here is an exercise on the transformation of direct speech to indirect speech. Go through the following sentences, work them out and then check your answers to assess how far you have understood their usage.

Change as directed

Read the following sentences and change them into reported speech.

Mimi said, “I have been writing this letter.”
I said, “Sam’s driving the car.”
My uncle said, “I am cooking lunch.”
My brother said, “I had already eaten.”
The old lady said to the girl, “Where do you come from?”
Jon said, “I like to play rugby.”
My mother said, “I get up early every morning.”
The maths teacher said, “Three divided by three is one.”
Mohit said, “Switzerland is a very beautiful country.”
Ruben said, “It is very cold outside.”
The teacher said, “The French Revolution took place in 1789.”
Uma said, “I saw a Royal Bengal Tiger in the zoo.”
Luke said, “I can do this homework.”
Aswini said to her mother, “I have passed the test”.
Daphne said to Antony, “I will go to London tomorrow.”
The boy said, “My father is sleeping.”
The traffic police said to us, “Where are you going?”
The man shouted, “Let me go.”
Shivina said, “Alas! I am lost.”
“I know her contact number,” said Helena.
Stefen said, “My granny is making pasta.”
Raj said to Simran, “Have you ever been to the National Museum?”
Anish said to Sid, “Please lend me the book.”
The teacher said to the parents, “Shelly is working very hard.”
Joshua said, “I have completed my assignment.”
I said to Alka, “How long will you stay here?”
The child told his dad, “I want an ice cream.”
Meera said, “I am not feeling well.”
The teacher said to Vivek, “Draw the diagram of the plant’s parts.”
Irin said, “I am playing the piano.”
My mother said to me, “Help me carry this bag.”
Rahul said, “My sister is very helpful.”
The news reporter said, “The flight will be delayed by a few hours due to heavy rains.”
Urmi said to her mother, “I want a slice of pizza.”
I said to Daniel, “Are you reading this book?”
Mimi said that she had been writing that letter.
I said that Sam was driving the car.
My uncle said that he was cooking lunch.
My brother said that he had already eaten.
The old lady asked the girl where she came from.
Jon said that he likes to play rugby.
My mother said that she gets up early every morning.
The maths teacher said that three divided by three is one.
Mohit said that Switzerland was a very beautiful country.
Ruben said that it was very cold outside.
The teacher said that the French Revolution took place in 1789.
Uma said that she saw a Royal Bengal Tiger in the zoo.
Luke said that he could do that homework.
Aswini told her mother that she had passed the test.
Daphne informed Antony that she would go to London the next day.
The boy said that his father was sleeping.
The traffic police asked us where we were going.
The man shouted to them to let him go.
Shivina exclaimed sadly that she was lost.
Helena said that she knew her contact number.
Stefen said that his granny was making pasta.
Raj asked Simran if she had ever been to the National Museum.
Anish requested Sid to lend him the book.
The teacher told the parents that Shelly was working very hard.
Joshua said that he had completed his assignment.
I asked Alka how long she would stay there.
The child told his dad that he wants an ice cream.
Meera said that she was not feeling well.
The teacher instructed Vivek to draw the diagram of the plant’s parts.
Irin said that she was playing the piano.
My mother asked me to help her carry the bag.
Rahul said that his sister was very helpful.
The news reporter said that the flight would be delayed by a few hours due to heavy rains.
Urmi said to her mother that she wanted a slice of pizza.
I asked Daniel if he was reading that book.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is direct narration.

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

Is knowing reported speech necessary for Class 10?

Having a basic understanding of reported speech is necessary for students of any class or age. Solving exercises on direct and indirect speech will help them understand thoroughly and use them correctly.

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 is called indirect speech. Indirect speech is also known as reported speech.

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Direct and Indirect speech Class 10 English Grammar Worksheet

Hello Students, welcome to Net Explanations. In this page we have posted some Direct and Indirect speech Class 10 English Grammar Worksheet Extra Questions Answers.

1.) Sahreem said, “I have been writing this book”.

2.) Tahir said, “Yousuf is riding the cycle”.

4.) I said, “I had already bathed”.

7.) Her grandmother said, “I eat early dinner”.

Answer: Carol said that she could solve this maths problem.

WORKSHEET 2

Answer: The police constable asked us where we were going.

3.) The teacher said to the parents, “Arin is very hard working”.

7.) My mother said to me, “Help me in laying the table”.

Answer: My mother asked me to help her in laying the table.

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Reported Speech

8th - 10th , 6th - 8th , direct and indirect speech, 5th - 6th , reading comprehension practice, direct & indirect speech, types of nouns, 4th - 7th .

Reported Speech (Direct - Indirect) Clas...

9th - 10th grade.

Reported Speech (Direct - Indirect) Class 10

20 questions

Introducing new Paper mode

No student devices needed. Know more

Direct Speech is..

the reporting of speech by using similar words to the speaker.

the reporting of speech by rephrasing what the speaker said.

the reporting of speech by repeating the exact words of the speaker.

the reporting of speech at the exact time it was said.

Mr. Bheem asked the students ................... their test.

Have they finished

Have they finish

If they have finished

Whether they had finished

Whether they have finished

John, " I am going to visit my grandma next week". It means

John said that he was going to visit my grandma the following week

John said that he is going to visit his grandma the following week

John said that he will going to visit grandma next week

John said that he was going to visit his grandma the following week

John said that he will be going to visit his garndma the following week

John asked me, "What are you doing here?". It means ....

John said what are you doing here

John asked me what I am doing there?

John asked me what I was doing there

John asked me what I was doing here?

John asked me what I was doing there?

He said, "I like this song."

He said that I liked this song.

He said that he likes this song.

He said that he liked that song.

He said that he likes that song.

Indirect speech is also known as

Repeated speech

Repeated statements

Reported speech

Reported statements

Kuldip said "I was writing a letter yesterday."

Kuldip said that he had been writing a letter before that day.

Kuldip said that he was writing a letter the day before.

Kuldip said that he had written a letter before that day.

Kuldip said that he wrote a letter the day before.

Janci said, "I will read this book next week."

Janci said that she would read this book next week.

Janci said that she would read that book the week after.

Janci said that she will read this book next week.

Janci said that she would read that book next week.

Indirect speech is...

expresses what was said without using the exact words.

expresses what was said using the exact words.

where someone else expresses what was said.

where someone expresses their own words.

Convert the following sentence into indirect speech: The police man said to the boy, "Where do you live?"

"Where do you live?", the policeman asked the boy.

The policeman asked the boy where he lives.

When speaking to the boy, the policeman asked where do you live?

The policeman wanted to know where the boy lives.

Convert the followiing statement into direct speech: She asked the teacher when they could eat their snacks.

The teacher was asked when the girl could eat her snacks.

When can we eat our snacks?

"When can we eat our snacks? She asked"

She asked the teacher, "When can we eat our snacks?"

My father said to me, "You must work hard".

My father said to me that I must work hard.

My father said to me that you must work hard.

My father said to me that you have to work hard.

My father said to me that I had to work hard.

She said, "My parents are going to Karachi".

She said that my parents going to Karachi.

She said that my parents gone to Karachi.

She said that her parents were going to Karachi.

She said that her parents are going to Karachi.

Peter said, "Don't worry, I will fix it."

Peter told me don't worry and he will fix it.

Peter told me don't worry and that he would fix it.

Peter told me to not worry and that he would fix it.

Peter told me not to worry and that he would fix it.

She said, "I saw him."

She said who she had seen him.

She said she saw him.

She said that ahe had seen him.

She said, “I am going to London tomorrow.”

She said that she was going to go to London the next day.

She said that she is going to London the next day.

She said that she was going to London the next day.

The teacher asked me, “Do you like working in teams?

The teacher asked if I liked working in teams.

The teacher asked if I liked work in teams.

The teacher asked if I liked working in team.

"He works in a bank." she said

She said that he worked in a bank.

She said that he works in a bank.

She said that he work in a bar.

She say that he works in a bank.

"When did you go to the library?" James asked me

James asked me when he went to the library.

James asked me when I went to the library.

James asked me when went he to the library.

Change into direct speech:

Paul said to me that he had been sick the previous day.

Paul said to me," He was sick yesterday."

Paul said to me, "I was sick yesterday."

Paul said to me," I am sick today."

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CBSE Class 10 English Grammar - Direct And Indirect Speech

January 12, 2023 by Bhagya