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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."
aI cautioned the old man against sitting on that chair as it was broken.
bI cautioned the old man against sitting on that chair, it will be broken.
cI requested the old man not to sit on that chair because it is broken.
dI asked the old man not to sit on the chair as 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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