In the following question, a sentence is given in Direct speech. Out of the four alternatives, select the one which best expresses the same sentence in Indirect speech. Vicky said, "I clean my teeth daily."

Introduction / Context:

This question tests your knowledge of converting a sentence from direct speech to indirect speech, also called reported speech. The sentence describes Vicky habitual action clean my teeth daily. When reporting what someone said in the past, we usually adjust the pronouns and often backshift the tense, depending on whether the situation is still true at the time of reporting.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Direct speech: Vicky said, "I clean my teeth daily."
• Reporting verb: said, which is in the past tense.
• The reported clause contains I clean my teeth daily, which is a simple present habitual statement.
• We are not specifically told that the habit continues to be true now, so normal backshift rules apply.

Concept / Approach:

In indirect speech, when the reporting verb is in the past simple, the tense in the reported clause typically moves one step back: present simple becomes past simple. Pronouns also change to match the new subject, so I becomes he when referring to Vicky. The adverb daily remains the same because it is still correct for both times. Therefore I clean my teeth daily should become he cleaned his teeth daily in reported form.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:

Check each alternative carefully. Option A uses cleans, which keeps the present simple and ignores the usual backshift rule. Option B changes the reporting verb to says, which is not permitted because the original sentence specifies said. Option D uses used to clean, which suggests that the habit has stopped, whereas the original sentence simply states a neutral habit. Option C correctly combines the indirect speech structure with appropriate tense change.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Option A is wrong because it does not backshift clean to cleaned after said.

Option B is wrong because it modifies the reporting verb and changes the time frame of the report.

Option D is wrong because used to clean implies that the habit no longer continues, which is not indicated in the direct sentence.

Common Pitfalls:

Many learners overuse used to when converting habitual sentences into indirect speech. Remember that used to should be reserved for habits that are definitely in the past and no longer true. Another pitfall is forgetting to change the pronoun I to he or she. Always adjust both tense and pronouns when reporting speech.

Final Answer:

The correct indirect version is Vicky said that he cleaned his teeth daily.