Exercise: Indirect Speech

Indirect Speech Grammar Exercise

Practicing indirect speech can effectively help you improve your grammar skills. Here, we will engage in an array of exercises to challenge your understanding of indirect speech usage.

Exercise 1: Conversion of Direct to Indirect Speech

In this exercise, convert the given direct speech sentences into indirect speech.

1. “I am studying,” Jane said.
2. “We will attend the party,” they promised.
3. “You must finish the report by tomorrow,” the boss commanded.
4. “He is arriving tonight,” she informed me.
5. “They have moved to a new house,” John told me.

Exercise 2: Fill in the Blanks

Use the correct indirect speech form to fill in the blanks.

1. She said she __(be)___ studying the whole night.
2. They promised they ______(attend) the party.
3. The boss commanded that I ______(finish) the report by tomorrow.
4. She informed me that he ______(arrive) that night.
5. John told me that they ______(move) to a new house.

Exercise 3: Multiple Choice Questions

Choose the correct conversion in indirect speech.

1. “I am singing,” he said.
   1. He said that he was singing.
   2. He said he is singing.
   3. He said that he sings.
2. “I bought a new car,” she told her father.
   1. She told her father that she had bought a new car.
   2. She told her father she has bought a new car.
   3. She told her father that she bought a new car.
3. “He won’t come to the party,” she said.
   1. She said that he won’t come to the party.
   2. She said he wouldn’t come to the party.
   3. She said that he wouldn’t came to the party.

Exercise 4: Long Question

Convert the following conversation in direct speech to an indirect speech paragraph.

“Hello! How are you?” asked Jane.
“Fine, thank you. And you?” replied John.
“I’m good. Are you coming to the dance tonight?” Jane questioned.
“Yes, I will be there,” affirmed John.

Answers

Exercise 1: Conversion of Direct to Indirect Speech

1. Jane said that she was studying.
2. They promised to attend the party.
3. The boss commanded to finish the report by tomorrow.
4. She informed me that he was arriving that night.
5. John told me that they had moved to a new house.

Exercise 2: Fill in the Blanks

1. She said she had been studying the whole night.
2. They promised they would attend the party.
3. The boss commanded that I must finish the report by tomorrow.
4. She informed me that he would arrive that night.
5. John told me that they had moved to a new house.

Exercise 3: Multiple Choice Questions

1. a. He said that he was singing.
2. a. She told her father that she had bought a new car.
3. b. She said that he wouldn’t come to the party.

Exercise 4: Long Question

Jane asked John how he was, to which John responded that he was fine and returned the inquiry. Jane confirmed that she was good and questioned if John would be coming to the dance that night. John affirmed that he would be there.