Select the correct direct form of the given sentence:
The judge commanded them to call the first witness.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Explanation
Correct Answer: The judge said, "Call the first witness."
Explanation:
• The given sentence is in indirect speech containing an imperative order: "commanded them to call..."
• When converting an imperative sentence from indirect to direct speech, the infinitive phrase (to + base verb) becomes the bare command starting directly with the base form of the verb (V1).
• Therefore, "to call the first witness" transforms into "Call the first witness."
• The reporting verb "commanded" changes back to "said".
Quick Tip: Imperative sentences in direct speech do not require a subject (like you or he) inside the quotation marks.