In the following question, a sentence has been given in Direct/Indirect Speech. Out of the four alternatives suggested, select the one which best expresses the same sentence in Indirect/Direct Speech.
He said to the scientist, "How long will it take to reach Mars with this propulsion system?"
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Explanation
Correct Answer: He asked the scientist how long it would take to reach Mars with that propulsion system.
Explanation
• The reporting verb said to changes to asked because the reported speech is an interrogative sentence.
• For 'wh-' questions (like how long), the question word itself serves as the joining conjunction. Do not use that before the question word.
• The interrogative structure (auxiliary + subject) changes into an assertive structure (subject + auxiliary): will it take becomes it would take.
• The demonstrative adjective this shifts to that in indirect speech when reporting in the past tense.