In indirect speech, the reporting verb is often in the past tense (said). Consequently, the tense inside the reported clause undergoes backshifting. In this sentence, the indirect speech uses would (the past form of will). To convert this back to direct speech, the tense must shift forward to the original future tense form: will.
The phrase only after the truce functions as an adverbial phrase of time placed at the beginning of the clause for emphasis. When this structure is used, it often triggers inversion or standard subject-verb placement in the direct speech. The logical direct speech structure is: 'Only after the truce will talks commence.'
Since the reporting verb is said (without an object like 'to me'), it remains said in the direct speech. If it were told me, it would revert to said to me.
In direct speech, the reported clause must be enclosed within quotation marks. A comma is required after the reporting verb (said) before the opening quotation mark. The first word inside the quotation marks must be capitalized.
When identifying the correct direct speech option in multiple-choice questions, always check for the will/would conversion first, as this is the most common distractor. Ensure the modal verb aligns correctly with the reporting verb's tense (i.e., 'said' + future tense statement = 'would' in indirect speech).
