Select the option that expresses the given sentence in Direct to Indirect Speech. He said, "May God bless you."
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: D
Explanation
Conversion from direct to indirect speech:
In English grammar, when converting an optative sentence (one that expresses a wish, prayer, or desire) from direct to indirect speech, several key rules apply:
Reporting Verb: The reporting verb "said" is changed to "prayed" or "wished" depending on the context. Since "May God bless you" is a prayer, "prayed" is the most appropriate choice.
Conjunction: The conjunction "that" is used to connect the reporting verb with the reported speech.
Tense Change: The modal verb "may" changes to its past form, "might".
Pronoun Change: The second-person pronoun "you" changes to "me" (assuming the speaker is addressing the listener).
Sentence Structure: The sentence structure changes from optative to assertive (the subject "God" comes before the verb "might").
Indirect speech: He prayed that God might bless me.