In the following question, a sentence has been given in Indirect Speech. Choose the correct Direct Speech form.
The astronomer noted that Jupiter's rotation was the fastest among all planets in the solar system.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: D
Explanation
Answer: The astronomer said, 'Jupiter's rotation is the fastest among all planets in the solar system.'
Rule applied — Indirect to Direct Speech conversion:
- Reporting verb: 'noted that' → 'said' (drop 'that', add comma + quotation marks)
- Tense: Past tense 'was' → Present tense 'is'
- Since this is a universal/scientific fact (Jupiter's rotation speed doesn't change with time), the general grammar rule states: facts and universal truths remain in present tense even inside direct speech, regardless of the reporting verb's tense.
- No pronoun/time-word changes needed here since there are no 'I/you/here/now/yesterday' type words to convert.
Whenever the reported sentence states a scientific fact, general truth, or habitual action (e.g., 'The sun rises in the east,' 'Water boils at 100°C'), the tense always reverts to present tense in Direct Speech — this overrides the usual 'shift-one-tense-back' rule. Spot phrases like rotation, boils, always, generally, according to research — these are strong cues for 'universal truth' tense retention.