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Indirect speech exercise

December 14, 2011 B1pdf

Fill in the blanks.

Progress 0 of 10 answered
1I told him respectfully that that ............... the way to be happy and rich.
Select 2 answers.
Wrong!
A general truth in reported speech can use either "is" or "was" here.
2The teacher asked James ............... his lesson.
Wrong!
After "asked" with an object, use the to-infinitive "to learn".
3Calling me a rascal, he said that he ............... me sent to prison.
Wrong!
In reported speech, "will have" changes to "would have".
4John ............... with delight that he was glad to meet his friend there.
Wrong!
For strong feeling with delight, the reporting verb "exclaimed" is correct; "told" needs a person as object, and "spoke" and "asked" do not introduce a reported statement with "that".
5The child exclaimed with delight that his mother ...............
Wrong!
The present perfect usually backshifts to "had come" in reported speech.
6The captain congratulated his teammates, saying that they ............... well.
Wrong!
A completed earlier action is reported with the past perfect "had done".
7The child cried with joy ............... it was his doll.
Wrong!
A reported statement after this expression of joy is introduced by "that".
8The police inspector ordered that no one ............... the room.
Wrong!
After "ordered that", the formal reported structure uses "should leave".
9The doctor advised the patient ...............
Wrong!
After "advised" with an object, the negative advice is expressed as "not to smoke".
10Jim requested me ............... him my pen.
Wrong!
After "requested" with an object, use the to-infinitive "to lend".

Exercise complete

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Answers

  1. I told him respectfully that that is / was the way to be happy and rich.
  2. The teacher asked James to learn his lesson.
  3. Calling me a rascal, he said that he would have me sent to prison.
  4. John exclaimed with delight that he was glad to meet his friend there.
  5. The child exclaimed with delight that his mother had come.
  6. The captain congratulated his teammates, saying that they had done well.
  7. The child cried with joy that it was his doll.
  8. The police inspector ordered that no one should leave the room.
  9. The doctor advised the patient not to smoke.
  10. Jim requested me to lend him my pen.

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Related lesson in the course Reported statements: say, tell and backshift Module 08: Clauses & reporting · Lesson 5

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