Question

A sentence is provided in direct speech. From the four given options, choose the one that most accurately conveys the sentence in its

corresponding indirect speech.

He said, "Do it right now."

• A. He said do it immediately.
• B. He told to do it now.
• C. He told me to do it at once.
• D. He told me do it right now.

Answer 1

Answer:

C. He told me to do it at once.

The original sentence is an imperative sentence (a command, request, or order). When changing an imperative sentence from direct speech to indirect speech, specific rules apply:

1. Reporting Verb: The reporting verb "said" is typically changed to a verb that reflects the tone of the speech, such as ordered, told, commanded, or requested. In this context, "told" is appropriate, and it naturally takes an indirect object (e.g., "told me").

2. Infinitive Mood: The main verb in the quoted speech ("Do") changes into a to-infinitive form ("to do").

3. Time and Place Expressions: Words showing near time or place are changed into words showing distance.

   • The phrase "right now" denotes extreme immediacy. In indirect speech, "now" typically shifts to "then," but to perfectly retain the strong, immediate command of "right now," phrases like "at once" or "immediately" are used.