100 DIRECT & INDIRECT SPEECH MCQs with Analytical Explanations
Practice 100 Direct & Indirect Speech MCQs with answers and analytical explanations. Improve narration, reported speech, grammar rules, and exam preparation.
Table of Contents
QUESTIONS 1–25
1. He said, “I am busy.”
A) He said that I was busy.
B) He said that he was busy.
C) He says that he was busy.
D) He said that he is busy.
Correct Answer: B) He said that he was busy.
Analysis:
The reporting verb “said” is in the past tense. Therefore, “am” changes to “was.” The pronoun “I” changes to “he” because the speaker is “He.”
Why others are wrong:
- A: “I” should become “he.”
- C: “said” has incorrectly become “says.”
- D: “am” should normally change to “was.”
Rule: Present tense → Past tense after a past reporting verb.
2. She said, “I have completed my work.”
A) She said that she completed my work.
B) She said that she had completed her work.
C) She said that she has completed her work.
D) She said that I had completed her work.
Correct Answer: B) She said that she had completed her work.
Analysis:
“Have completed” is Present Perfect. With the past reporting verb “said,” it changes to “had completed.” The pronouns also change: I → she and my → her.
Why others are wrong:
- A: The tense is not changed correctly and “my” is incorrect.
- C: “has completed” does not show the required backshift.
- D: “I” incorrectly refers to the listener.
Rule: Present Perfect → Past Perfect.
3. Ram said, “I will go to Delhi tomorrow.”
A) Ram said that he would go to Delhi the next day.
B) Ram said that I would go to Delhi tomorrow.
C) Ram said that he will go to Delhi the next day.
D) Ram says that he would go to Delhi tomorrow.
Correct Answer: A) Ram said that he would go to Delhi the next day.
Analysis:
will → would, I → he, and tomorrow → the next day. All three changes are required.
Rule:
will → would
tomorrow → the next/following day.
4. He said, “I can swim.”
A) He said that he could swim.
B) He said that he can swim.
C) He said that I could swim.
D) He says that he could swim.
Correct Answer: A) He said that he could swim.
Analysis:
The modal can changes to could after the past reporting verb “said.” The pronoun I → he.
Rule: can → could.
5. She said, “I am reading a book.”
A) She said that she is reading a book.
B) She said that she was reading a book.
C) She said that I was reading a book.
D) She says that she was reading a book.
Correct Answer: B) She said that she was reading a book.
Analysis:
The Present Continuous “am reading” becomes Past Continuous “was reading.” The pronoun changes from I → she.
Rule: Present Continuous → Past Continuous.
6. Mohan said, “I bought a new car.”
A) Mohan said that he had bought a new car.
B) Mohan said that he bought a new car.
C) Mohan said that I had bought a new car.
D) Mohan says that he bought a new car.
Correct Answer: A) Mohan said that he had bought a new car.
Analysis:
The Simple Past “bought” changes to Past Perfect “had bought.” Also, I → he.
Rule: Simple Past → Past Perfect when backshift is required.
7. He said, “I may come tomorrow.”
A) He said that he may come tomorrow.
B) He said that he might come the next day.
C) He said that I might come tomorrow.
D) He says that he might come the next day.
Correct Answer: B) He said that he might come the next day.
Analysis:
may → might, I → he, and tomorrow → the next day.
Rule: may → might.
8. She said, “I must finish this work.”
A) She said that she must finish this work.
B) She said that she had to finish that work.
C) She said that I had to finish that work.
D) She says that she had finished that work.
Correct Answer: B) She said that she had to finish that work.
Analysis:
In this exercise, must expressing obligation changes to had to. Also, this → that and I → she.
Rule: must → had to when expressing obligation.
9. Ravi said, “I was ill.”
A) Ravi said that he had been ill.
B) Ravi said that he was ill.
C) Ravi said that I had been ill.
D) Ravi says that he was ill.
Correct Answer: A) Ravi said that he had been ill.
Analysis:
The Past form was is changed to Past Perfect had been. The pronoun I → he.
Rule: Past tense → Past Perfect.
10. He said, “I have been working since morning.”
A) He said that he had been working since morning.
B) He said that he has been working since morning.
C) He said that I had been working since morning.
D) He says that he had been working since morning.
Correct Answer: A) He said that he had been working since morning.
Analysis:
Present Perfect Continuous have been working becomes Past Perfect Continuous had been working. I → he.
Rule: Present Perfect Continuous → Past Perfect Continuous.
11. She said to me, “You are honest.”
A) She told me that I was honest.
B) She said me that I was honest.
C) She told that I am honest.
D) She said that you were honest.
Correct Answer: A) She told me that I was honest.
Analysis:
When said to + object is converted, said to commonly becomes told. The listener’s you → I, and are → was.
Rule: said to + object → told + object.
12. He said to me, “I know you.”
A) He told me that he knew me.
B) He said me that he knew me.
C) He told me that I knew him.
D) He says that he knew me.
Correct Answer: A) He told me that he knew me.
Analysis:
said to me → told me. The speaker’s I → he, while you → me. Present know → knew.
Rule: Change pronouns according to the speaker and listener.
13. The teacher said, “The earth moves around the sun.”
A) The teacher said that the earth moved around the sun.
B) The teacher said that the earth moves around the sun.
C) The teacher said that the earth had moved around the sun.
D) The teacher says that the earth moved around the sun.
Correct Answer: B) The teacher said that the earth moves around the sun.
Analysis:
This is a universal/scientific truth. Such facts generally retain their present tense even after a past reporting verb.
Rule: Universal truths do not normally undergo tense backshift.
14. He said, “Honesty is the best policy.”
A) He said that honesty was the best policy.
B) He said that honesty is the best policy.
C) He told that honesty had been the best policy.
D) He says honesty was the best policy.
Correct Answer: B) He said that honesty is the best policy.
Analysis:
The statement expresses a general truth/principle, so is remains is.
Rule: General truths and permanent facts may retain their original tense.
15. She said, “I will help you.”
A) She said that she would help me.
B) She said that I would help her.
C) She told that she will help me.
D) She says that she would help you.
Correct Answer: A) She said that she would help me.
Analysis:
will → would. Since the speaker is “she,” I → she. Since “you” refers to the listener, it becomes me.
Rule: Pronouns must be changed according to meaning, not mechanically.
16. He said, “I saw him yesterday.”
A) He said that he had seen him the previous day.
B) He said that he saw him yesterday.
C) He said that I had seen him the previous day.
D) He says that he had seen him yesterday.
Correct Answer: A) He said that he had seen him the previous day.
Analysis:
saw → had seen and yesterday → the previous day. The pronoun I → he.
Rule: yesterday → the previous day.
17. She said, “I shall return soon.”
A) She said that she should return soon.
B) She said that she would return soon.
C) She said that I would return soon.
D) She says that she should return soon.
Correct Answer: B) She said that she would return soon.
Analysis:
Here shall expresses future intention and changes to would. The pronoun I → she.
Rule: shall → would in this reported-speech construction.
18. He said, “I was playing cricket.”
A) He said that he had been playing cricket.
B) He said that he was playing cricket.
C) He said that I had been playing cricket.
D) He says that he had played cricket.
Correct Answer: A) He said that he had been playing cricket.
Analysis:
Past Continuous was playing changes to Past Perfect Continuous had been playing.
Rule: Past Continuous → Past Perfect Continuous.
19. They said, “We have won the match.”
A) They said that they had won the match.
B) They said that we had won the match.
C) They said that they have won the match.
D) They told that we won the match.
Correct Answer: A) They said that they had won the match.
Analysis:
have won → had won. The pronoun we → they because the speakers are “they.”
Rule: Present Perfect → Past Perfect.
20. He said, “I cannot solve this problem.”
A) He said that he could not solve that problem.
B) He said that I could not solve this problem.
C) He said that he cannot solve that problem.
D) He says that he could not solve this problem.
Correct Answer: A) He said that he could not solve that problem.
Analysis:
cannot → could not, I → he, and this → that.
Rule: can → could; this → that.
21. He said to me, “Do you know the answer?”
A) He asked me if I knew the answer.
B) He told me if I knew the answer.
C) He asked me that I knew the answer.
D) He said to me whether do I know the answer.
Correct Answer: A) He asked me if I knew the answer.
Analysis:
This is a Yes/No question, so said to → asked and if/whether is used. Question word order changes to statement order: do you know → I knew.
Rule: Yes/No question → asked + if/whether + subject + verb.
22. She said to him, “Are you coming with us?”
A) She asked him if he was coming with them.
B) She told him if he was coming with us.
C) She asked him that he was coming with them.
D) She said whether he is coming with us.
Correct Answer: A) She asked him if he was coming with them.
Analysis:
It is a Yes/No question. Are coming → was coming, you → he, and us → them.
Rule: Use asked + if/whether for Yes/No questions.
23. He said, “Where do you live?”
A) He asked where I lived.
B) He asked where did I live.
C) He said where I lived.
D) He asked where do I live.
Correct Answer: A) He asked where I lived.
Analysis:
The question begins with where, so no if/whether is needed. In indirect speech, question word order changes to statement order: where + subject + verb.
Rule: Wh-question → asked + wh-word + subject + verb.
24. She said to me, “Why are you crying?”
A) She asked me why I was crying.
B) She asked me why was I crying.
C) She told me why I was crying.
D) She said why I am crying.
Correct Answer: A) She asked me why I was crying.
Analysis:
are crying → was crying and you → I. The indirect question must use normal statement order: why I was crying, not why was I crying.
Rule: Do not use interrogative word order in indirect questions.
25. The teacher said to the boy, “What are you doing?”
A) The teacher asked the boy what he was doing.
B) The teacher asked the boy what was he doing.
C) The teacher told the boy what he was doing.
D) The teacher said what he is doing.
Correct Answer: A) The teacher asked the boy what he was doing.
Analysis:
The sentence is a Wh-question. are doing → was doing and you → he. The correct indirect-question order is what he was doing.
Rule: Wh-word + subject + verb in indirect questions.
QUESTIONS 26–50
26. He said to me, “When will you return?”
A) He asked me when I would return.
B) He asked me when would I return.
C) He told me when I would return.
D) He said when I will return.
Correct Answer: A) He asked me when I would return.
Analytical Explanation:
This is a Wh-question beginning with “When.” Therefore, said to → asked. The question structure changes to statement order:
When will you return? → when I would return
“Will” changes to would, and “you” changes to I because the question is addressed to me.
Why others are wrong:
- B: Incorrect question word order: “when would I return.”
- C: “told” is not normally used to introduce a question.
- D: “will” has not been changed appropriately.
Rule: Wh-question → asked + Wh-word + subject + verb.
27. She said, “Who has taken my pen?”
A) She asked who had taken her pen.
B) She asked who has taken my pen.
C) She said who had taken her pen.
D) She asked who took my pen.
Correct Answer: A) She asked who had taken her pen.
Analytical Explanation:
The sentence is a Wh-question. said → asked, has taken → had taken, and my → her.
The indirect question is arranged as:
Who + had taken + her pen
Why others are wrong:
- B: Tense and pronoun changes are incomplete.
- C: “said” is inappropriate for reporting the question.
- D: The tense and possessive pronoun are not correctly changed.
Rule: Present Perfect → Past Perfect after a past reporting verb.
28. He said to me, “Have you finished your work?”
A) He asked me if I had finished my work.
B) He asked me had I finished my work.
C) He told me if I finished my work.
D) He asked me whether had I finished my work.
Correct Answer: A) He asked me if I had finished my work.
Analytical Explanation:
This is a Yes/No question, so asked + if/whether is required. “Have finished” changes to had finished, and “you” becomes I.
Why others are wrong:
- B/D: Indirect questions do not use question word order.
- C: “told” is not appropriate for reporting a question.
Rule: Yes/No question → asked + if/whether + subject + verb.
29. The teacher said to the students, “Do you understand the lesson?”
A) The teacher asked the students if they understood the lesson.
B) The teacher asked the students did they understand the lesson.
C) The teacher told the students if they understood the lesson.
D) The teacher asked that they understand the lesson.
Correct Answer: A) The teacher asked the students if they understood the lesson.
Analytical Explanation:
“Do you understand…?” is a Yes/No question. Therefore, said to → asked and if introduces the reported question.
“Do you understand” becomes they understood.
Rule: Remove the auxiliary do/does/did when converting a question into indirect speech.
30. He said to her, “Did you see the movie?”
A) He asked her if she had seen the movie.
B) He asked her did she see the movie.
C) He told her if she saw the movie.
D) He asked that she had seen the movie.
Correct Answer: A) He asked her if she had seen the movie.
Analytical Explanation:
The original question is in Simple Past: did see. After the past reporting verb, it becomes Past Perfect: had seen.
Rule: Simple Past → Past Perfect in this narration pattern.
COMMANDS, REQUESTS AND ADVICE
31. The teacher said to me, “Open the door.”
A) The teacher told me to open the door.
B) The teacher said me to open the door.
C) The teacher asked that I opened the door.
D) The teacher told me open the door.
Correct Answer: A) The teacher told me to open the door.
Analytical Explanation:
This is an imperative sentence giving an instruction. Therefore, said to → told, followed by object + to + verb.
Rule: Command/instruction → told + object + to + V1.
32. He said to me, “Please help me.”
A) He ordered me to help him.
B) He requested me to help him.
C) He said me to help him.
D) He told that I helped him.
Correct Answer: B) He requested me to help him.
Analytical Explanation:
The word “Please” indicates a polite request. Therefore, said to → requested. The pronoun me → him because it refers to the speaker.
Rule: “Please” → generally requested + object + to + verb.
33. The officer said to the soldier, “Stand up.”
A) The officer requested the soldier to stand up.
B) The officer ordered the soldier to stand up.
C) The officer said the soldier to stand up.
D) The officer asked that the soldier stood up.
Correct Answer: B) The officer ordered the soldier to stand up.
Analytical Explanation:
An officer giving a direct instruction to a soldier is treated in the source as an order.
Rule: Command → ordered + object + to + V1.
34. Mother said to me, “Do not waste your time.”
A) Mother told me not to waste my time.
B) Mother told me to not waste your time.
C) Mother said me not to waste my time.
D) Mother asked me that I did not waste my time.
Correct Answer: A) Mother told me not to waste my time.
Analytical Explanation:
This is a negative command. Do not + verb becomes not to + verb. “Your” changes to my because Mother is speaking to me.
Rule: Negative imperative → told + object + not to + V1.
35. The teacher said, “Do not make a noise.”
A) The teacher ordered the students not to make a noise.
B) The teacher said the students do not make noise.
C) The teacher told that do not make a noise.
D) The teacher asked not make noise.
Correct Answer: A) The teacher ordered the students not to make a noise.
Analytical Explanation:
This is a negative command. The source interprets the teacher’s instruction as an order.
Rule: Do not + verb → not to + verb.
36. He said to me, “Please sit down.”
A) He requested me to sit down.
B) He ordered me sit down.
C) He told me that sit down.
D) He said me to sit down.
Correct Answer: A) He requested me to sit down.
Analytical Explanation:
“Please” makes this a polite request. Therefore, requested + object + to + verb.
37. The doctor said to the patient, “Take this medicine.”
A) The doctor advised the patient to take that medicine.
B) The doctor said the patient to take this medicine.
C) The doctor asked that the patient took this medicine.
D) The doctor told the patient taking medicine.
Correct Answer: A) The doctor advised the patient to take that medicine.
Analytical Explanation:
A doctor’s instruction concerning treatment is treated as advice. “This” changes to that.
Rule: Advice → advised + object + to + V1.
38. Father said to his son, “Work hard.”
A) Father advised his son to work hard.
B) Father said his son to work hard.
C) Father asked his son working hard.
D) Father told that his son worked hard.
Correct Answer: A) Father advised his son to work hard.
Analytical Explanation:
“Work hard” expresses advice. Therefore, use advised + object + to + verb.
39. He said to me, “Never tell a lie.”
A) He advised me never to tell a lie.
B) He said me never tell a lie.
C) He told me never tell a lie.
D) He asked me that never tell a lie.
Correct Answer: A) He advised me never to tell a lie.
Analytical Explanation:
“Never tell a lie” expresses advice/prohibition. The correct construction is advised me never to tell.
40. The captain said to the players, “Play well.”
A) The captain advised the players to play well.
B) The captain said the players to play well.
C) The captain asked the players played well.
D) The captain told that players play well.
Correct Answer: A) The captain advised the players to play well.
Analytical Explanation:
The instruction is treated as advice. The imperative play becomes to play.
EXCLAMATORY SENTENCES
41. He said, “Alas! I am ruined.”
A) He exclaimed sadly that he was ruined.
B) He said sadly that I was ruined.
C) He exclaimed that he is ruined.
D) He told that he had ruined.
Correct Answer: A) He exclaimed sadly that he was ruined.
Analytical Explanation:
“Alas!” expresses sorrow. Therefore, “said” becomes exclaimed sadly. “I am ruined” becomes he was ruined.
Rule: Alas → exclaimed sadly/in sorrow.
42. She said, “Hurrah! We have won the match.”
A) She exclaimed with joy that they had won the match.
B) She said that we have won the match.
C) She exclaimed sadly that they won the match.
D) She told that they have won the match.
Correct Answer: A) She exclaimed with joy that they had won the match.
Analytical Explanation:
“Hurrah!” expresses joy. “Have won” becomes had won, and “we” becomes they.
Rule: Hurrah → exclaimed with joy.
43. He said, “What a beautiful flower!”
A) He exclaimed that it was a very beautiful flower.
B) He asked what a beautiful flower it was.
C) He said that the flower is beautiful.
D) He told that it was beautiful.
Correct Answer: A) He exclaimed that it was a very beautiful flower.
Analytical Explanation:
“What a…” is an exclamatory structure expressing admiration. It becomes a statement using exclaimed that.
44. She said, “How beautiful the scene is!”
A) She exclaimed that the scene was very beautiful.
B) She asked how beautiful the scene was.
C) She said that the scene is beautiful.
D) She told the scene was beautiful.
Correct Answer: A) She exclaimed that the scene was very beautiful.
Analytical Explanation:
“How beautiful…” expresses admiration, not a question. Therefore, exclaimed is required.
45. He said, “What a fool I am!”
A) He exclaimed that he was a great fool.
B) He asked what a fool he was.
C) He said that I was a fool.
D) He told that he is a fool.
Correct Answer: A) He exclaimed that he was a great fool.
Analytical Explanation:
The sentence is an exclamation expressing self-realization. I → he and am → was.
46. She said, “Bravo! You have done well.”
A) She applauded him saying that he had done well.
B) She exclaimed sadly that he had done well.
C) She said that you have done well.
D) She asked him to do well.
Correct Answer: A) She applauded him saying that he had done well.
Analytical Explanation:
“Bravo!” expresses approval or applause. “You have done” changes to he had done.
Rule: Bravo → applauded/congratulated, depending on context.
47. He said, “Good morning, my friend!”
A) He wished his friend good morning.
B) He said his friend good morning.
C) He asked his friend good morning.
D) He told his friend that morning was good.
Correct Answer: A) He wished his friend good morning.
Analytical Explanation:
“Good morning” is a greeting. The appropriate reporting verb is wished.
48. He said to me, “Goodbye!”
A) He bade me goodbye.
B) He said me goodbye.
C) He asked me goodbye.
D) He told me goodbye.
Correct Answer: A) He bade me goodbye.
Analytical Explanation:
“Goodbye” expresses farewell. The traditional reported form is bade me goodbye.
Rule: Goodbye → bade + object + goodbye.
49. She said, “May God bless you!”
A) She prayed that God might bless me.
B) She said that God blesses me.
C) She asked God to bless you.
D) She told that God blessed me.
Correct Answer: A) She prayed that God might bless me.
Analytical Explanation:
The sentence expresses a prayer/blessing. “May” changes to might, and “you” changes to me according to the context.
Rule: May God… → prayed that God might…
50. He said, “May you succeed!”
A) He wished that I might succeed.
B) He said that I may succeed.
C) He asked me to succeed.
D) He told me that I succeeded.
Correct Answer: A) He wished that I might succeed.
Analytical Explanation:
“May you succeed!” expresses a wish. Therefore, wished that is used and may → might.
QUESTIONS 51–75
LET — SUGGESTION, OFFER AND PERMISSION
51. He said, “Let us go for a walk.”
A) He proposed that they should go for a walk.
B) He ordered them to go for a walk.
C) He asked them that they went for a walk.
D) He said that let us go for a walk.
Correct Answer: A) He proposed that they should go for a walk.
Analytical Explanation:
Let us indicates a proposal or suggestion involving the speaker and others. Therefore, proposed that they should is used.
Rule: Let us → proposed/suggested that they should…
52. He said to me, “Let me help you.”
A) He offered to help me.
B) He ordered me to help him.
C) He requested me to help him.
D) He asked me to let him helped me.
Correct Answer: A) He offered to help me.
Analytical Explanation:
Let me expresses an offer by the speaker to perform an action.
Rule: Let me + verb → offered to + verb.
53. He said, “Let us have dinner.”
A) He suggested that they should have dinner.
B) He ordered them to have dinner.
C) He said that let them have dinner.
D) He asked them having dinner.
Correct Answer: A) He suggested that they should have dinner.
Analytical Explanation:
“Let us” indicates a suggestion/proposal. Hence, suggested that they should have dinner.
54. The boy said, “Let me go.”
A) The boy requested to be allowed to go.
B) The boy suggested going.
C) The boy ordered them to go.
D) The boy said that let me go.
Correct Answer: A) The boy requested to be allowed to go.
Analytical Explanation:
Here “Let me” is not an offer. It means give me permission to go. Therefore, the sentence is reported as a request for permission.
55. She said to me, “Let us solve the problem.”
A) She suggested that we should solve the problem.
B) She ordered me to solve the problem.
C) She requested me solving the problem.
D) She said that we solve the problem.
Correct Answer: A) She suggested that we should solve the problem.
Analytical Explanation:
“Let us” includes the speaker and listener and expresses a suggestion.
TIME, PLACE AND TENSE CHANGES
56. He said, “I will meet you here tomorrow.”
A) He said that he would meet me there the next day.
B) He said that he will meet me here tomorrow.
C) He said that I would meet him there tomorrow.
D) He told that he would meet me here the next day.
Correct Answer: A) He said that he would meet me there the next day.
Analytical Explanation:
Three changes occur:
- will → would
- you → me
- here → there
- tomorrow → the next day
This is a useful question because it tests multiple narration changes simultaneously.
57. She said, “I saw him here yesterday.”
A) She said that she had seen him there the previous day.
B) She said that she saw him here yesterday.
C) She said that she had seen him here yesterday.
D) She told that she saw him there the next day.
Correct Answer: A) She said that she had seen him there the previous day.
Analytical Explanation:
saw → had seen, here → there, and yesterday → the previous day.
58. He said, “I will come next week.”
A) He said that he would come the following week.
B) He said that he will come next week.
C) He said that he would come last week.
D) He told that he came the following week.
Correct Answer: A) He said that he would come the following week.
Analytical Explanation:
will → would and next week → the following week.
59. She said, “I met him last week.”
A) She said that she had met him the previous week.
B) She said that she met him next week.
C) She said that she has met him last week.
D) She told that she met him the following week.
Correct Answer: A) She said that she had met him the previous week.
Analytical Explanation:
met → had met and last week → the previous week.
60. He said, “I will finish this work today.”
A) He said that he would finish that work that day.
B) He said that he will finish this work today.
C) He said that I would finish that work that day.
D) He told that he finished that work today.
Correct Answer: A) He said that he would finish that work that day.
Analytical Explanation:
Three important changes:
will → would
this → that
today → that day
61. She said, “I have been waiting for two hours.”
A) She said that she had been waiting for two hours.
B) She said that she has been waiting for two hours.
C) She said that I had been waiting for two hours.
D) She told that she waited for two hours.
Correct Answer: A) She said that she had been waiting for two hours.
Analytical Explanation:
Present Perfect Continuous have been waiting becomes Past Perfect Continuous had been waiting.
62. He said, “I had finished my work before he came.”
A) He said that he had finished his work before he had come.
B) He said that he finished his work before he came.
C) He said that he has finished his work before he came.
D) He told that he finished his work before he had come.
Correct Answer: A) He said that he had finished his work before he had come.
Analytical Explanation:
The source treats both relevant past actions as Past Perfect in the reported form. The original had finished remains unchanged, while came → had come.
63. She said, “I was cooking when he arrived.”
A) She said that she had been cooking when he had arrived.
B) She said that she was cooking when he arrived.
C) She said that she had cooked when he arrived.
D) She told that she cooked when he had arrived.
Correct Answer: A) She said that she had been cooking when he had arrived.
Analytical Explanation:
The source applies backshift to the Past Continuous and Past Simple forms:
was cooking → had been cooking
arrived → had arrived
64. He said, “I can solve this problem.”
A) He said that he could solve that problem.
B) He said that he can solve this problem.
C) He told that I could solve that problem.
D) He said that he solved that problem.
Correct Answer: A) He said that he could solve that problem.
Analytical Explanation:
can → could, this → that, and I → he.
65. She said, “I may visit Mumbai.”
A) She said that she might visit Mumbai.
B) She said that she may visited Mumbai.
C) She said that I might visit Mumbai.
D) She told that she would visit Mumbai.
Correct Answer: A) She said that she might visit Mumbai.
Analytical Explanation:
The modal may → might. The pronoun I → she.
66. He said, “I must leave now.”
A) He said that he had to leave then.
B) He said that he must leave now.
C) He said that I had to leave then.
D) He told that he left then.
Correct Answer: A) He said that he had to leave then.
Analytical Explanation:
Here must expresses obligation, so it changes to had to. now → then.
Rule: must → had to; now → then.
67. She said, “I need not go there.”
A) She said that she need not go there.
B) She said that she did not need to go there.
C) She said that she had not gone there.
D) She told that she needn’t went there.
Correct Answer: B) She said that she did not need to go there.
Analytical Explanation:
The meaning is lack of necessity, so “need not” is expressed as did not need to.
68. He said, “I used to play football.”
A) He said that he used to play football.
B) He said that he had used to play football.
C) He said that he uses to play football.
D) He told that he was playing football.
Correct Answer: A) He said that he used to play football.
Analytical Explanation:
Used to describes a past habit and generally remains unchanged in this construction.
69. She said, “I would help him.”
A) She said that she would help him.
B) She said that she will help him.
C) She said that she had helped him.
D) She told that she helped him.
Correct Answer: A) She said that she would help him.
Analytical Explanation:
The modal would remains would. The pronoun I → she.
70. He said, “I should obey my parents.”
A) He said that he should obey his parents.
B) He said that he would obey his parents.
C) He told that he obeyed his parents.
D) He said that I should obey his parents.
Correct Answer: A) He said that he should obey his parents.
Analytical Explanation:
Should generally remains unchanged. The pronouns change according to the speaker: I → he, my → his.
WH-QUESTIONS
71. He said to me, “Who are you?”
A) He asked me who I was.
B) He asked me who was I.
C) He said who I am.
D) He told me who was I.
Correct Answer: A) He asked me who I was.
Analytical Explanation:
“Who” is retained, but the question changes into statement order:
Who are you? → who I was
are → was, and you → I.
72. She said to him, “What do you want?”
A) She asked him what he wanted.
B) She asked him what did he want.
C) She told him what he wanted.
D) She asked what does he want.
Correct Answer: A) She asked him what he wanted.
Analytical Explanation:
do you want → he wanted. The auxiliary do disappears in the indirect question.
73. He said to me, “Why did you leave?”
A) He asked me why I had left.
B) He asked me why did I leave.
C) He told me why I left.
D) He asked why had I left.
Correct Answer: A) He asked me why I had left.
Analytical Explanation:
Simple Past did leave becomes Past Perfect had left. The indirect question uses statement order: why I had left.
74. She said to me, “How can you do this?”
A) She asked me how I could do that.
B) She asked me how could I do that.
C) She told me how I could do this.
D) She said how can I do that.
Correct Answer: A) She asked me how I could do that.
Analytical Explanation:
can → could, you → I, and this → that. The question structure changes to statement order.
75. He said to her, “Where have you been?”
A) He asked her where she had been.
B) He asked her where had she been.
C) He told her where she had been.
D) He asked where has she been.
Correct Answer: A) He asked her where she had been.
Analytical Explanation:
Present Perfect have been → had been. The indirect question is where she had been, not where had she been.
QUESTIONS 76–100
76. The teacher said to the student, “Why are you late?”
A) The teacher asked the student why he was late.
B) The teacher asked the student why was he late.
C) The teacher told the student why he was late.
D) The teacher said why he is late.
Correct Answer: A) The teacher asked the student why he was late.
Analytical Explanation:
are → was, you → he, and the question changes to statement order.
77. He said to me, “Will you help me?”
A) He asked me if I would help him.
B) He asked me would I help him.
C) He told me if I will help him.
D) He said whether I help him.
Correct Answer: A) He asked me if I would help him.
Analytical Explanation:
This is a Yes/No question. Therefore, use asked + if.
will → would, you → I, and me → him.
78. She said to him, “Can you drive a car?”
A) She asked him if he could drive a car.
B) She asked him could he drive a car.
C) She told him if he can drive a car.
D) She said whether he could drove a car.
Correct Answer: A) She asked him if he could drive a car.
Analytical Explanation:
can → could, and you → he. Since it is a Yes/No question, use if.
79. He said, “Is this your book?”
A) He asked if that was my book.
B) He asked if this is your book.
C) He said that was my book.
D) He asked was that my book.
Correct Answer: A) He asked if that was my book.
Analytical Explanation:
This is a Yes/No question. Changes:
this → that
is → was
your → my
80. She said, “Did he come yesterday?”
A) She asked whether he had come the previous day.
B) She asked whether did he come yesterday.
C) She said whether he came yesterday.
D) She told whether he had come tomorrow.
Correct Answer: A) She asked whether he had come the previous day.
Analytical Explanation:
did come → had come and yesterday → the previous day. The question is introduced by whether.
REQUESTS AND ADVICE
81. He said, “Please give me some water.”
A) He requested me to give him some water.
B) He ordered me give him water.
C) He said me to give him water.
D) He asked that I gave him water.
Correct Answer: A) He requested me to give him some water.
Analytical Explanation:
“Please” indicates a polite request. Therefore, requested + object + to + verb is appropriate. “me” in the direct speech refers to the speaker, so it becomes him.
82. The teacher said, “Please maintain silence.”
A) The teacher requested the students to maintain silence.
B) The teacher said the students maintain silence.
C) The teacher told that maintain silence.
D) The teacher ordered silence to be maintained by them.
Correct Answer: A) The teacher requested the students to maintain silence.
Analytical Explanation:
The presence of please indicates a request. The source identifies the students as the implied listeners.
83. He said to me, “Never give up.”
A) He advised me never to give up.
B) He said me never give up.
C) He ordered me never give up.
D) He told me that never give up.
Correct Answer: A) He advised me never to give up.
Analytical Explanation:
“Never give up” expresses advice. The negative imperative structure becomes never to give up.
84. The policeman said to the driver, “Drive carefully.”
A) The policeman advised the driver to drive carefully.
B) The policeman said the driver to drive carefully.
C) The policeman told that the driver drove carefully.
D) The policeman asked driving carefully.
Correct Answer: A) The policeman advised the driver to drive carefully.
Analytical Explanation:
The instruction is treated as advice. Therefore, use advised + object + to + verb.
85. Father said to his son, “Don’t play in the street.”
A) Father advised his son not to play in the street.
B) Father said his son not to play in the street.
C) Father told that his son did not play in the street.
D) Father asked his son don’t play in the street.
Correct Answer: A) Father advised his son not to play in the street.
Analytical Explanation:
“Don’t play” is a negative imperative. It becomes not to play. The source interprets the father’s statement as advice.
EXCLAMATIONS
86. He said, “What a wonderful idea!”
A) He exclaimed that it was a wonderful idea.
B) He asked what the wonderful idea was.
C) He said that the idea is wonderful.
D) He told that it was an idea.
Correct Answer: A) He exclaimed that it was a wonderful idea.
Analytical Explanation:
“What a wonderful idea!” is an exclamation of admiration. It is converted using exclaimed that.
87. She said, “Alas! My friend has died.”
A) She exclaimed sadly that her friend had died.
B) She exclaimed with joy that her friend had died.
C) She said that my friend died.
D) She asked that her friend had died.
Correct Answer: A) She exclaimed sadly that her friend had died.
Analytical Explanation:
Alas indicates sorrow. has died → had died, and my → her.
88. He said, “Hurrah! I have passed the examination.”
A) He exclaimed with joy that he had passed the examination.
B) He exclaimed sadly that he had passed the examination.
C) He said that I passed the examination.
D) He asked if he had passed the examination.
Correct Answer: A) He exclaimed with joy that he had passed the examination.
Analytical Explanation:
Hurrah expresses happiness. have passed → had passed, and I → he.
89. She said, “How foolish I have been!”
A) She exclaimed that she had been very foolish.
B) She asked how foolish she had been.
C) She said that I was foolish.
D) She told that she is foolish.
Correct Answer: A) She exclaimed that she had been very foolish.
Analytical Explanation:
“How foolish!” is an exclamation, not a question. have been → had been and I → she.
90. He said, “What a beautiful painting!”
A) He exclaimed that it was a very beautiful painting.
B) He asked what a beautiful painting it was.
C) He said that painting is beautiful.
D) He told that the painting was there.
Correct Answer: A) He exclaimed that it was a very beautiful painting.
Analytical Explanation:
The sentence expresses admiration. Therefore, exclaimed is used rather than asked.
SUGGESTIONS AND LET
91. He said, “Let us play cricket.”
A) He suggested that they should play cricket.
B) He ordered them to play cricket.
C) He requested them playing cricket.
D) He said that let them played cricket.
Correct Answer: A) He suggested that they should play cricket.
Analytical Explanation:
Let us expresses a suggestion involving the speaker and others. Therefore, suggested that they should is appropriate.
92. She said, “Let us go shopping.”
A) She suggested that they should go shopping.
B) She ordered them to go shopping.
C) She told them going shopping.
D) She asked them that they went shopping.
Correct Answer: A) She suggested that they should go shopping.
Analytical Explanation:
Again, Let us indicates a proposal/suggestion.
93. He said, “Let me do the work.”
A) He requested to be allowed to do the work.
B) He suggested doing the work.
C) He ordered someone to do the work.
D) He said that let me did the work.
Correct Answer: A) He requested to be allowed to do the work.
Analytical Explanation:
Let me means the speaker is asking for permission to perform the action. Therefore, it becomes a request to be allowed.
Important distinction:
- Let us → suggestion/proposal
- Let me → offer or request for permission, depending on context
MIXED ADVANCED QUESTIONS
94. He said, “I have to complete this today.”
A) He said that he had to complete that that day.
B) He said that he has to complete this today.
C) He told that he completed that day.
D) He said that I had to complete that today.
Correct Answer: A) He said that he had to complete that that day.
Analytical Explanation:
The sentence contains several changes:
have to → had to
this → that
today → that day
I → he
The resulting sentence is therefore option A.
95. She said, “I cannot attend the meeting tomorrow.”
A) She said that she could not attend the meeting the next day.
B) She said that she cannot attend the meeting tomorrow.
C) She told that I could not attend the meeting the next day.
D) She said that she would not attend the meeting yesterday.
Correct Answer: A) She said that she could not attend the meeting the next day.
Analytical Explanation:
cannot → could not and tomorrow → the next day. The pronoun I → she.
96. He said to me, “You should consult a doctor.”
A) He advised me to consult a doctor.
B) He said me that I should consult a doctor.
C) He ordered me consult a doctor.
D) He told that I consulted a doctor.
Correct Answer: A) He advised me to consult a doctor.
Analytical Explanation:
The sentence gives advice, so “said to” changes to advised. The modal should is converted into the infinitive construction to consult.
97. The manager said to the employee, “You must complete the task.”
A) The manager told the employee that he had to complete the task.
B) The manager said the employee must completed the task.
C) The manager told that the employee completes the task.
D) The manager asked the employee completing the task.
Correct Answer: A) The manager told the employee that he had to complete the task.
Analytical Explanation:
The manager gives an instruction/obligation. must → had to in this exercise. The reported statement is introduced using told the employee that.
98. She said to me, “I am happy to see you.”
A) She said that she was happy to see me.
B) She said that I was happy to see her.
C) She told that she is happy to see you.
D) She asked that she was happy to see me.
Correct Answer: A) She said that she was happy to see me.
Analytical Explanation:
I → she, am → was, and you → me.
The speaker is happy, so the subject must remain she, not “I.”
99. He said to his friend, “I shall help you.”
A) He told his friend that he would help him.
B) He said his friend that he should help him.
C) He told his friend that I would help you.
D) He asked his friend to help him.
Correct Answer: A) He told his friend that he would help him.
Analytical Explanation:
shall → would, I → he, and you → him. Since the reporting structure is said to his friend, the source uses told his friend.
100. The teacher said to the students, “You have done your work well.”
A) The teacher told the students that they had done their work well.
B) The teacher said the students that they have done their work well.
C) The teacher told that we had done our work well.
D) The teacher asked the students whether they did their work well.
Correct Answer: A) The teacher told the students that they had done their work well.
Analytical Explanation:
said to → told, you → they, have done → had done, and your → their.
Therefore:
You have done your work well.
→ They had done their work well.
MASTER REVISION TABLE
| Direct Speech | Indirect Speech |
| am/is | was |
| are | were |
| was/were | had been |
| have/has | had |
| have been | had been |
| do/does | did |
| did | had done |
| will | would |
| shall | would |
| can | could |
| may | might |
| must | had to |
| this | that |
| these | those |
| here | there |
| now | then |
| today | that day |
| tomorrow | the next/following day |
| yesterday | the previous day |
| last week | the previous week |
| next week | the following week |
IMPORTANT REPORTING-VERB PATTERNS
Statement:
said → said that
Statement with listener:
said to + object → told + object
Yes/No question:
said to → asked + if/whether
Wh-question:
said to → asked + Wh-word
Command:
said to → ordered/told + object + to + verb
Request:
said to → requested + object + to + verb
Advice:
said to → advised + object + to + verb
Negative command:
→ not to + verb
Exclamation of joy:
→ exclaimed with joy
Exclamation of sorrow:
→ exclaimed sadly
Greeting:
→ wished
Farewell:
→ bade goodbye
Let us:
→ suggested/proposed that they should…
Let me:
→ offered to… / requested to be allowed to…, depending on meaning
FINAL EXAM STRATEGY
When solving Direct & Indirect Speech MCQs, use this sequence:
1. Identify the sentence type.
Statement? Question? Command? Request? Advice? Exclamation? Suggestion?
2. Identify the reporting verb.
Check whether it is said, said to, asked, told, advised, etc.
3. Change the pronouns.
Ask: Who is speaking? Who is listening?
4. Check tense backshift.
For example:
am → was
have → had
will → would
can → could
5. Check time/place words.
today → that day
tomorrow → the next day
yesterday → the previous day
here → there
6. For questions, remove question word order.
❌ He asked where did I go.
✅ He asked where I went.
7. For imperatives, use the correct infinitive structure.
told/ordered/advised/requested + object + to + verb
8. Finally, compare the complete meaning.
The correct option must preserve the speaker’s original meaning while applying the appropriate grammatical changes.
HIGH-VALUE RULES TO REMEMBER
Rule 1 — Pronouns depend on meaning
Do not change pronouns mechanically. Identify the speaker and listener first.
Rule 2 — Questions use statement order
Where are you going?
→ He asked where I was going.
Not:
❌ He asked where was I going.
Rule 3 — “Said to” does not always become “told”
- Statement → told
- Question → asked
- Request → requested
- Advice → advised
- Command → ordered/told
Rule 4 — Universal truths can retain their tense
The earth moves around the sun.
→ The teacher said that the earth moves around the sun.
Rule 5 — “Let us” and “Let me” are different
Let us → suggestion/proposal
Let me → offer/request for permission
Rule 6 — Time expressions must match the reporting situation
tomorrow → the next day
yesterday → the previous day
today → that day
These rules collectively cover the major patterns tested throughout the 100-question set.
KEY CONCEPTS FROM QUESTIONS 1–25
- am/is → was
- are → were
- have/has → had
- Simple Past → Past Perfect
- will/shall → would
- can → could
- may → might
- I/we/you → pronoun according to speaker/listener
- this → that
- yesterday → the previous day
- tomorrow → the next/following day
- Yes/No question → asked + if/whether
- Wh-question → asked + question word
- Indirect questions use statement word order
- Universal truths generally retain the present tense
Analytical Exam Strategy
When solving a Direct–Indirect Speech MCQ, check the sentence in this order:
Step 1: Identify the type — statement, question, command, request, exclamation, suggestion, etc.
Step 2: Check the reporting verb — said, said to, asked, ordered, etc.
Step 3: Change the pronouns according to the actual speaker and listener.
Step 4: Apply the appropriate tense change.
Step 5: Change words of time/place such as today, tomorrow, yesterday, here, and this.
Step 6: For questions, remove the question structure and use normal statement word order.
Step 7: Eliminate options containing more than one grammatical error.
