Select the option that expresses the given sentence in indirect speech.
They said to him, “Do not jump into the pond today.”
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Explanation
The correct answer is option 2 i.e. They told him not to jump into the pond that day.
Changes required:
Conjunction: As it is an imperative sentence, we do not use "that" as a conjunction. Instead, we use an infinitive form (to + verb) or not to + verb for negative commands.
Verb: "Said to" changes to told when followed by an object ("him").
Tense: The reporting verb "said" is in the past tense, so the present time reference "today" changes to that day.
Pronoun: "You" becomes "him" (based on the object of reporting).
Others: Negative imperative ("Do not jump") changes to "not to jump" in indirect speech.
Converted sentence: They told him not to jump into the pond that day.
Hence, the chosen option is correct.