Question

Arun said, "charity begins at home". Report the speech.

• A. Arun said that charity began at home.
• B. Arun stated that charity begins at home
• C. Arun was sure that charity began at home
• D. Arun doubted if charity began at home

Answer 1

Answer:

B. Arun stated that charity begins at home

1. Normally, when the reporting verb is in the past tense (here: said), the present tense in direct speech changes to past tense:

   • begins → began
     ✅ Example: Arun said that charity began at home.

2. Exception: If the statement is a general truth or fact, we can keep the present tense:

   • General truths like Charity begins at home, The sun rises in the east, Water boils at 100°C
     ✅ Then you can report it as: Arun said that charity begins at home.

Conclusion:

• A) Arun said that charity began at home. → Standard past tense form.

• B) Arun stated that charity begins at home. → Correct because it’s a general truth, and stated is a formal verb that allows keeping present tense.