A sentence is provided in indirect speech. From the four given options, choose the one that most accurately conveys the sentence in its corresponding direct speech:
The officer ordered the troops to retreat immediately.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Explanation
The correct answer is option 3 i.e. "Retreat immediately," the officer ordered.
Changes required:
- Reporting verb: “ordered” is retained to reflect command.
- Structure: Infinitive form (to retreat) in indirect speech changes to imperative form (Retreat) in direct speech.
- Adverb: “immediately” remains unchanged.
- Punctuation: Comma is used inside quotation marks followed by reporting clause.
Converted sentence: "Retreat immediately," the officer ordered.
Hence, the chosen option is correct.