In the following question, a sentence has been given in Direct/Indirect speech. Out of the four alternatives suggested, …
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In the following question, a sentence has been given in Direct/Indirect speech. Out of the four alternatives suggested, select the one which best expresses the same sentence in Indirect/Direct speech. I said to the old man, "Don't sit on that chair; it is broken."
✓ Correct answer: a) I cautioned the old man against sitting on that chair as it was broken.
ExplanationThe Correct Answer: Option A — I cautioned the old man against sitting on that chair as it was broken.Explanation: To convert direct speech into indirect speech, we follow several rules based on the type of sentence and the verbs used: Sentence Type: The original sentence is an imperative sentence containing a negative command — "Don't sit on that chair..." Reporting Verb: For negative commands or warnings, appropriate reporting verbs include warned, cautioned, or advised instead of "told" or "asked".Since the sentence implies warning due to a broken chair, "cautioned" is the most appropriate verb.Change in Structure: Imperative sentences in indirect speech often use the gerund (-ing form) when followed by "against"."Don't sit" changes to "against sitting".Tense Consistency: The original has "it is broken".As the reporting verb "said" is in the past, shift the tense to past: "is" → "was".Pronouns and Reference Words: "That chair" remains the same in indirect speech.
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