A sentence has been given in direct speech. Out of the four given alternatives, select the one which best expresses the same sentence in indirect speech. Sneha said to Arjun, "Go away."

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Sneha ordered Arjun to go away.

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
This question tests your ability to convert an imperative sentence from direct speech into indirect speech. The direct speech is a clear command where Sneha tells Arjun to leave. When reporting commands or orders, English usually uses verbs like tell, ask or order followed by an infinitive form. Recognising the tone of the original sentence helps you choose the appropriate reporting verb in indirect speech.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Direct sentence: Sneha said to Arjun, "Go away."
  • Speaker: Sneha.
  • Listener: Arjun.
  • Type of sentence inside quotes: imperative command.
  • Options provide different reporting verbs and structures in indirect speech.


Concept / Approach:
When converting an imperative command to indirect speech, we normally use a reporting verb that reflects the strength of the instruction, such as ordered, told or requested. The imperative verb go changes to the infinitive to go. The phrase said to is usually changed to told or ordered when followed by an object. Because Go away is a direct and strong command, ordered to go away is more suitable than politely asked. There is no need for a that clause in this structure; instead, we use verb of command plus object plus to infinitive.


Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify that the quoted sentence "Go away" is a command telling someone to leave.Step 2: Recognise that Sneha is giving a direct order to Arjun, not asking a question or giving information.Step 3: Choose a reporting verb that matches this tone. Ordered is appropriate for strong commands.Step 4: Convert the imperative verb go into the infinitive to go in indirect speech.Step 5: Arrange the elements: Sneha ordered Arjun to go away, where Arjun is the object of the reporting verb and to go away reflects the original command.Step 6: Compare with the options and see that option A matches exactly.


Verification / Alternative check:
Consider what happens if we paraphrase the direct speech: Sneha ordered Arjun, "Go away." In narrative form, this is naturally rewritten as Sneha ordered Arjun to go away. The meaning and the strong tone of the command are preserved. The structure is also consistent with other standard examples like The teacher ordered the students to keep quiet or The guard ordered them to stop. This confirms that the selected indirect speech sentence is correct and idiomatic.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option B: Sneha asked Arjun that he should go away is incorrect for two reasons. First, asked is too mild for a direct command like Go away. Second, the structure asked someone that he should go away is ungrammatical; asked is usually followed by for, about, or a wh clause, not a that clause in this way. Option C: Sneha say to Arjun to go away contains a verb form error; it should be said, not say, and the structure still sounds incorrect and incomplete. Option D: Sneha inquired Arjun to go away is wrong because inquired is used for questions or seeking information, not for commands.


Common Pitfalls:
One common mistake is to keep said to in reported commands instead of changing it to told or ordered. Another is to overuse the that he should structure, which is more appropriate after verbs like suggested or proposed, not typically after strong commands. Students may also misidentify the sentence type and treat a command like a question or statement. To avoid such errors, first classify the quoted speech as a command, request, question or statement. Then choose a reporting verb and structure that match that type. For commands, verbs such as ordered, told and commanded plus to infinitive are your safest choices.


Final Answer:
The correct indirect speech form is Sneha ordered Arjun to go away.

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