Select the option that expresses the given sentence in indirect speech.
The boss said to the secretary, “Don’t forget to order A3 size paper.”
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: D
Explanation
The correct answer is option 4 i.e. The boss instructed the secretary not to forget to order A3 size paper.
The original sentence is in direct speech with a negative imperative (“Don’t forget…”).
In indirect speech, a negative imperative is usually reported using 'told', 'instructed', or 'asked' + object + not to + base verb.
Here, “Don’t forget to order…” becomes “not to forget to order…” in indirect form.
The word “instructed” is the most precise reporting verb for a boss giving a formal order.
Why others are incorrect:
'should not forget' – Grammatically possible, but changes the form from imperative to advice, losing the command tone.
'to order A3 size paper' – Omits “don’t forget” entirely, changing the meaning.
'didn’t forget' – Incorrect tense; this sounds like it’s talking about a past event, not giving an instruction.