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 professor reminded the students that if they had not registered on the portal by midnight, their submissions would not be accepted.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
Correct Answer
“Your submissions will not be accepted if you don’t register by midnight,” the professor reminded them.
Explanation
When converting from indirect speech back to direct speech, we reverse the standard rules of tense backshifting and pronoun modification:
Key Points
Direct Speech Formula: 'If + Simple Present (fail), Future Simple (won't be accepted)'
Backshifting Principle: Present Simple →
Past Simple / Past Perfect, when moved into indirect reporting.