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SSC Stenographer 2022 PYQ — Question 27

SSC Stenographer - 17 Nov 2022 - Shift 2 • English • Q27

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Select the option that expresses the given sentence in indirect speech.

The librarian said to her, “Can you return the books?”

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Correct answer: A

Explanation

The correct answer is option 1 i.e. The librarian asked her if she could return the books.

  • Identify the reporting verb and the reported speech:

  • Reporting verb: "said"

  • Reported speech: "'Can you return the books?'"

  • Begin the indirect speech with the reporting verb and introduce it with an appropriate reporting clause (e.g., "asked," "inquired," "requested," etc.) based on the tone of the original sentence.

  • Change the pronouns and verb tenses to match the subject of the reporting verb (in this case, "The librarian asked").

  • Pay attention to any necessary changes in time expressions, such as tense shifts.

  • Adjust the pronouns ("you" to "her") and verb tense ("can" to "could") to convey the librarian's request from the reported perspective.

Applying these rules, the correct indirect form is: "The librarian asked her if she could return the books."