indirect speech exercises grade 8

Question and Answer forum for K12 Students

Direct and Indirect Speech Exercises for Class 8 CBSE With Answers

When we use the exact words of the speaker, it is called direct speech. Indirect or Reported Speech refers to a sentence reporting what someone has said.

Basic English Grammar rules can be tricky. In this article, we’ll get you started with the basics of sentence structure, punctuation, parts of speech, and more.

Direct and Indirect Speech Exercises for Class 8 CBSE With Answers PDF

Direct and indirect speech differ in the following aspects:

punctuation
pronouns and their forms
tense forms
the reporting verb (introduce/change)
words that show time and position
that, if, etc. (if necessary)

Punctuation Indirect speech, the exact words of the person (quote) are placed after the introductory clause, it is always set apart by the use of a comma (,) and quotation marks (“’) or (“”).

Also, the first letter of the exact words of the speaker indirect speech is always capitalized. Example:

Mother said to me, ‘Please tidy your room.

If the quote is placed at the beginning of the sentence a comma is put before the end quotation mark for a declarative or imperative sentence. A question mark or an exclamatory mark is placed before the end quotation if it is a question or an exclamatory sentence. Examples:

“Where are we going for our picnic?’ asked Mira.
“What an excellent idea!’ said Sunny.

If the quote is divided into two we can do either of the following: Examples:

“That is fine,’ he said. “We don’t mind sharing our room with you.’
“No!’ he said. “We can’t check into this hotel.’

In reported (indirect) speech, question marks and exclamations are removed because all sentences are converted to statements. We do not use a comma or quotation marks to set apart the words of the speaker. A comma is used only if the sentence calls for one. Example:

Sally told me that Rosie, Anuja and Jenny are going for a movie tomorrow. . .

A. Punctuate the following sentences in direct speech. Insert (*), (,) and (?), (!) or (.).

Question 1. Divya said to me How are you Answer: Divya said to me,‘How are you?’

Question 2. Wow What a wonderful picture said Lucy Answer: ‘Wow! What a wonderful picture! ’ said Lucy.

Question 3. I said I am fine. Have you seen Sunil anywhere Answer: I said, ‘I am fine. Have you seen Sunil anywhere?’

B. There is one punctuation mark missing in each of these sentences. Add it.

Question 1. Urvashi said ‘Our class teacher is on leave today.’ Answer: Urvashi said,‘Our class teacher is on leave today.’

Question 2. “But I saw her in the canteen today, said Heena. Answer: ‘But I saw her in the canteen today,’ said Haya.

Question 3. How sad ’ said Urvashi, “I thought we would have two free periods today.’ Answer: ‘How sad! ’ said Urvashi, ‘I thought we would have two free periods today.’

Pronouns While reporting, we must pay close attention to personal pronouns, possessive pronouns and possessive adjectives—1, we, you, they, he, she, my, our, your, their, his, her, mine, ours, yours, theirs, hers. Examples: 1. Teacher said to me, ‘This is Radhika’s book, please give it to her.’ What would you tell Radhika?—Teacher told me that this was your book and asked me to give it to you. But if you report this to your friend Sashi, you would say—Teacher told me that this was Radhika’s book and asked me to give it to her.

2. His mother said to Raghu, ‘You must work hard.’ His mother told Raghu that he must work hard.

3. Mohan said to me, “My books are on your desk.’ Mohan told me that his books were on my desk.

As we see in these examples, the words we use to refer to people change to match the speaker/ writer and listener/reader.

C. Fill in the blanks with appropriate words.

Question 1. Manny said to me, “We must play more football.’ Manny told me that ………………………. (we/you) must play more football. Answer: Manny said to me, ‘We must play more football. ’ Manny told me that we (we/you) must play more football.

Question 2. Mr Chandresh said to me, ‘You must visit my house.’ Mr Chandresh insisted that I must visit ………………………. (my/his) house. Answer: Mr Chandresh said to me, ‘You must visit my house. ’ Mr Chandresh insisted that I must visit his (my/his) house.

Question 3. Amrit said to Neeta, ‘Our friends will meet us in Noida.’ Amrit told Neeta that ………………………. (their/our) friends would meet ………………………. (them/us) in Noida. Answer: Amrit said to Neeta, ‘Our friends will meet us in Noida.’ Amrit told Neeta that their (their/our) friends would meet them (them/us) in Noida.

Reporting verbs

We usually use verbs like said (say), told (tell) to introduce what somebody said. Verbs that help us convey what was said are called reporting verbs. They are used in direct and indirect speech.

Says and told are the reporting verbs in the following sentences:

He says, “The world is a flat piece of paper.
He told me he could help me with my homework.

Said and told are used in similar contexts but in reported speech we say something, and we tell somebody something. In direct speech, we use said to me/him/her, etc. Examples:

Dipti said to me, ‘I might not come to school tomorrow.’
Dipti said that she might not come to school the next day.
Dipti told me that she might not come to school the next day.

D. Fill in the blanks with told or said.

Question 1. Rosy ………………………. that he was going to the supermarket. Answer: Rosy said that he was going to the supermarket.

Question 2. He ………………………. Sonia that he had to get some stationery. Answer: He told Sonia that he had to get some stationery.

Question 3. I ………………………. to him, “You have to hand in your work on time.’ Answer: I said to him, ‘You have to hand in your work on time.’

Question 4. Sameer ………………………. that he that he didn’t believe in aliens. Answer: Sameer said that he didn’t believe in aliens.

Question 5. My grandmother ………………………. me that when she was little, computers were unheard of. Answer: My grandmother told me that when she was little, computers were unheard of.

Some of the other reporting verbs we use are answered, added, promised, replied, suggested, explained, etc. The use of the reporting verb depends on the type of sentence reported.

Interrogative Sentences

While reporting questions we use the reporting verbs asked, enquired, etc. and while reporting the answer to the questions we use verbs like replied, answered, etc. Examples:

Salim said to me, ‘Have you read The Wind in the Willows?’ Salim asked me if I had read The Wind in the Willows. I told Salim, ‘Yes, it is my favourite book.’ I replied that I had and that it was my favourite book
Tarun said to me, ‘Where is our next class?’ Tarun asked me where our next class was.

A. Punctuate the following sentences in direct speech. Insert (..) and ()

Imperative Sentences While reporting imperative sentences we use a reporting verb to match the mood of the sentence. Apart from say and rell we can also use as request, beg, command in it, ander warm remind, exicowa gesi, pryse, etc. Examples:

The Judge said to the people, “Maintain silence.” The Judge ordered the people to maintain silence.
I said to John, “Please pass me the salt.” Trieste Jolino pass me the salt.
Linda said, ‘Let’s go for a swim. Linda menekled going for a swim

Please note that in reported speech we use the non-finite form of the verbs in quotes. We use infinitive forms (base verb, lo + base verb) or gerund forms (ing).

Exclamatory Sentences While reporting exclamatory sentences we use reporting verbs like exclaimed, admired, apologize cried, wished thanked, etc. Interjections like wow, oh, oh dear, alas, etc. and nouns of addres are removed Examples:

Ritu said to me ‘Wow! What a beautiful dress! Ritu admired my dress.
I said to my teacher, ‘Good morning, Ma’am!-I wished my teacher good morning
‘Oh, no! I didn’t bring my lunchbox!’ said Deepak. Deepak exclaimed that hadn’t brought his lunchbox.
Surya said to Shayan, ‘I am so sorry! Surya apologized to Shayan.

E. Fill in the blanks with appropriate reporting verbs from the box.

1. Sanjay said, ‘Shall we go to the chemistry lab? Sanjay ……………………… to go to the chemistry lab. 2. He said to me, ‘T’ll definitely help you.” He ……………………… to help me. 3. Manish said to me, I’m sorry. I forgot to bring your packet.” Manish ……………………… for forgetting to bring my packet. 4. Natasha said to her little brother, “Don’t cross the street carelessly” Natasha ……………………… her little brother not to cross the street carelessly 5. Nisha said to the receptionist, ‘Is Dr Gregory here?’ Nisha ……………………… if Dr Gregory was there. 6. ‘Oh dear! I have lost my keys!’ said Chandu. Chandu ……………………… that he had lost his keys. Answer: 1. Sanjay said, ‘Shall we go to the chemistry lab?’ Sanjay asked to go to the chemistry lab.

2. He said to me, ‘I’ll definitely help you. He offered to help me.

3. Manish said to me, ‘I’m sorry. I forgot to bring your packet. Manish apologized for forgetting to bring my packet

4. Natasha said to her little brother, ‘Don’t cross the street carelessly. Natasha advised/warmed her little brother not to cross the street carelessly.

5. Nisha said to the receptionist, ‘Is Dr Gregory here?’ Nisha asked if Dr Gregory was there.

6. ‘Oh dear! I have lost my keys! ’ said Chandu. Chandu exclaimed that he had lost his keys.

TENSES When we report a statement, we must look at the tense of the reporting verb.

1. If the reporting verb is in the present tense, we need not change the tense of the rest of the sentence. Examples:

a. She says, “They are on their way.’—She says that they are on their way.
Kina says, “All birds are friendly.”—Kina says that all birds are friendly.

2. If the reporting verb is in the past tense, we change the tense of the rest of the sentence being reported into corresponding past tense.

Sometimes, when universal truths are being reported we can choose to retain the original tense of the sentence or change it. Examples:

Mother said, “The earth revolves around the sun. Mother said that the earth revolves/revolved around the sun.
Jose said, “Hot air rises to the top.’ Jose said that hot air rises/rose to the top.

Time And Place Words When there are words that show time and place in direct speech, we have to change them appropriately in reported speech. Example:

Rajesh said, “I will finish this project by next week.’
Rajesh said that he would finish that project by the following week.

Here are a few such words: But this is done in accordance with the time and place of reporting. The expressions change if the time is long past. They do not change if the speech is reported in the same place and period of time.

Sayani says, “I will not come to school tomorrow.’ (said on 12 August)”
Sayani says that she will not come to school tomorrow. (also said on 12 August)
Sayani told me that she would not come to school the next day. (30 November)

Reporting Conversations

In normal conversation we don’t always speak in full sentences. But while reporting them we must complete these sentences. Avoid using said and told too many times.

Instead, use reporting verbs like added, informed, wanted, etc. Examples:

Direct speech:
Salim: How is Sanjay?
Sanjukta: He is fine now.
Salim: Was he seriously ill last month?
Sanjukta: Not exactly. But he had some minor ailments. He is at home now.

Reported speech: Salim asked Sanjukta how Sanjay was. She replied that he was fine then. Salim wanted to know if Sanjay had been seriously ill the previous month. Sanjukta said that he had not been seriously ill, but he had had some minor ailments. Then she added that Sanjay was at home then.

Omission Of That

In reported speech, that is often used to introduce the speaker’s words. But even if we omit that, the meaning would remain the same. Examples:

Zoey told me (that) Rosie, Anuja and Shehnaaz were going for a movie the next day.
Angmo said (that) she might not come to school the next day.

F. Read the following conversation and rewrite it in reported speech. Some reporting verbs you may want to use are informed, congratulated and thanked. Sneha: Good morning, Pari. How are you? Pari: Good morning, Sneha. I am getting on fine. You know, I got selected for the school table tennis team. We are going for the inter-school match on Friday. Sena: Wow! Great! Wish you the best of luck for Friday. I’m sure you’ll win the match. Pari: Thanks, Sneha. I hope we’ll win this time.

Sneha greeted Pari and asked ……………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………… Answer: Sneha greeted Pari and asked her how she was. Pari greeted Sneha back and told her that she was getting on fine. She also told Sneha that she had gotten selected for the school table tennis team, and that the team was going for the inter-school match on Friday .

Sneha exclaimed that was great, and then wished Pari the best of luck for Friday. She said that she was sure that Pari would win the match. Pari thanked Sneha and said that she hoped to win that time .

G. Here are a few lines from the famous story The Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle. Punctuate these sentences. 1. By Jove said Sherlock Holmes this is treasure trove indeed I suppose you know what you have got ……………………………………………………………………………… 2. A precious diamond said Peterson it cuts into glass as though it were putty ……………………………………………………………………………… 3. It is more than a precious stone said Holmes it is the precious stone ……………………………………………………………………………… 4. Not the Countess of Morcar’s blue carbuncle Watson exclaimed ……………………………………………………………………………… 5. Precisely so said Holmes ……………………………………………………………………………… Answer: 1. By Jove said Sherlock Holmes, this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you have got‘ By Jove!’ said Sherlock Holmes, ‘this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you have got!

2. A precious diamond, sir? said Peterson. It cuts into glass as though it were putty ‘A precious diamond, sir?’ said Peterson. ‘It cuts into glass as though it were putty.’

3. It is more than a precious stone said Holmes it is the precious stone ‘It is more than a precious stone.’ said Holmes, ‘it is the precious stone.’

4. Not the Countess of Morcar’s blue carbuncle Watson exclaimed ‘Not the Countess of Morcar’s blue carbuncle!’ Watson exclaimed.

5. Precisely so said Holmes ‘Precisely so.’ said Holmes.

Reported Speech Exercises for Class 8 CBSE With Answers

Reported speech is when we express or say things that have already been said by somebody else.

Looking for an easy way to Learning of new elementary english grammar and composition for class 8 answers, Solutions. You have to learn basic English Grammar topics like Tenses Verbs, Nouns, etc… In this article, we will review the best English Grammer Topics and compare them against each other.

Reported Speech Exercises for Class 8 CBSE With Answers Pdf

When we say things that have been said, we use two ways of expressing it. The first is direct speech when we express what the speaker said as it is and the second is indirect speech where we express what was said in our words.

How do we use reported speech?

Reporting Questions We use a special form when we report questions:

WH – Questions : Where is + Tom’s house? He asked where Tom’s house + was. Where does Tom live? He asked where Tom lived,

Yes/No Questions: Does Tom live in Miami? She asked if Tom lived in Miami. Is Tom happy? She asked if Tom was happy.

Say vs. Tell Say something June : “I love English.” June said (that) she loved English.

Tell someone something June: “I love English.” June told me (that) she loved English.

Modal Verbs and Reported Speech Must, might, could, would, should, and ought to stay the same in reported speech. We usually change may to might.

Reported Requests There’s more! What if someone asks you to do something (in a polite way)?

For example:

Direct speech: close the window, please
Or: Could you close the window please?
Or: Would you mind closing the window please?

All of these requests mean the same thing, so we don’t need to report every word when we tell another person about it. We simply use ‘ask me + to + infinitive’:

Reported speech: She asked me to close the window.
Here are a few more examples:

Reported Orders And finally, how about if someone doesn’t ask so politely? We can call this an ‘order’ in English, when someone tells you very directly to do something.

Direct speech: Sit down! In fact, we make this into reported speech in the same way as a request. We just use ‘tell’ instead of ‘ask’:

Changes in words showing proximity (time and place) Study the list given below to revise the changes in words showing the proximity of place and time when converting direct speech to indirect speech.

this becomes that these become those here becomes there now becomes then before becomes earlier/previously today becomes that day tomorrow becomes the next day yesterday becomes the previous day

Reported Speech Practice Exercises for Class 8 CBSE

A. Write the following sentences in indirect speech. The first one has been done for you.

1. He said, “I will meet you outside the post office at three tomorrow afternoon.” He said that he would meet me outside the post office at there the following afternoon .

2. The teacher told us, “The freezing point of water is 0°c.” _______________________________________ 3. “When I dropped the jug, it smashed to pieces,” my little brother says. _______________________________________ 4. The man said, “I have seen you somewhere before.” _______________________________________ 5. The mechanic said, “Your car was ready last night, but you did not come to get it.” _______________________________________ 7. He said, “I shall return your magazines tomorrow.” _______________________________________ 8. “My car broke down, and I had to walk two kilometers to get to a phone-booth,” the man said. _______________________________________ 9. “An English play is being held in the school hall now,” she told us. _______________________________________ 10. “The building burnt down many years before we moved here,” my father told me. _______________________________________

B. Write the following sentences into indirect speech.

1. “Don’t leave your bag out here, Tommy,” Kiren said. _______________________________________ 2. “Stand at attention!” the captain commanded his men. _______________________________________ 3. “Don’t touch it! Leave it alone!” I said _______________________________________ 4. “Please take me to the park, Father,” the little boy said. _______________________________________ 5. “Please tell me exactly what happened,” she said. _______________________________________ 6. “Speak up. I can’t hear you,” he said to the new boy. _______________________________________ 7. “Don’t shake the table while I am writing!” Pawan told his brother. _______________________________________ 8. “Please bring your own plates and spoons,” she told us. _______________________________________ 9. “Return to the ship immediately!” the officer ordered his men. _______________________________________ 10. “Open that drawer and bring me the scissors,” Deepak told his brother. _______________________________________

C. Write the following sentences in indirect speech.

1. “The Prince and Princess lived happily ever after,” the storyteller told the children. _______________________________________ 2. “Don’t push!” the conductor said to the passengers who were boarding the bus. _______________________________________ 3. “I’m sorry but I can’t join you for lunch,” he told his friend. _______________________________________ 4. “Do the exercises from pages sixty to sixty-two,” Miss Malhotra told the pupils. _______________________________________ 5. “Do you know how to operate a computer?” asked the personnel officer. _______________________________________ 6. “Help! Help! Help!” I heard someone shout. _______________________________________ 7. “Are you mad at me?” asked the elder sister. _______________________________________ 8. The cheerleaders shouted, “Hurray! Fight them! Show them all your might!” _______________________________________ 9. “Keep the change,” the rich man said to the waitress. _______________________________________ 10. I said to myself, “I will definitely beat him in the next event.” _______________________________________

D. Rewrite these sentences in direct speech. The first one has been done for you.

1. My mother asked me to buy a dozen eggs from the shop. “Can you buy me a dozen eggs from the shop?” asked my mother .

2. I told myself that I would finish painting the gate by that afternoon. _______________________________________ 3. The judge asked the defendant to speak louder. _______________________________________ 4. The engineer wanted the workers to complete the project by the following day. _______________________________________ 5. Anu reported to the police about her purse being snatched. _______________________________________

E. Use past tenses, present perfect or past perfect tenses to complete the sentences.

We _____________ in Bristol from January to March. (stay) Where is my wine? Someone _____________ my wine! (drink) When you _____________ you _____________ fast? (crash, drive) I’m sorry. Dad isn’t here. He _____________ our neighbour’s flat since the morning. (decorate) What a nice coat! Where _____________ you _____________ it? (buy) At 6 o’clock he _____________ there for three hours! (sit) I want to learn French. But I _____________ yet. (not start) We didn’t want to spend our holiday in Strobl because _____________ already _____________ there. (be) What _____________ ? You are so dirty! (do) Oh, no! I _____________ my way. What shall I do? (lose) Jim _____________ the dishes after dinner. The kitchen sink is full of plates. (not wash) She _____________ three clients since the morning. (contact) I couldn’t help you. I _____________ your problems. (not understand) Does he know about it? _____________ him yet? (tell) Bill admitted that he _____________ the catalogue to the agency. (not send) As soon as I _____________ the message, I _____________ my house (get, leave) While Maggie _____________ a new Jumper, Jill and I _____________ (knit, read) Here he is! He _____________ for me all the time, he _____________ for Ann! (not look, wait) _____________ you in your room at 5.30? Yes, I think I _____________ my suitcase. (be, pack) Nice to meet you! I _____________ uyou for 10 years. What _____________ you _____________ all this time? (not see, do) He _____________ but he’ll be back home today. The doctors ____________ to cure him. (die, manage) After we _____________ to the top of hill we had a great view of the bay. (elimb) The pigeon finally delivered the news after it _____________ for the whole day. (fly)

F. In the following sentences the speakers are all saying something different to what they told you before. Write replies to their statements as given in the example. Example:

“I’m going out with Alisha.” But you said you weren’t going out with her .

1. “I haven’t finished my project.” I thought you said ________________ 2. “I’m better at tennis than golf.” But you told me ________________ 3. “I enjoy parties.” I remember you saying ________________ 4. “I’ve got a video recorder.” But you said yesterday ________________ 5. “I’m applying for the job.” I thought you told me ________________ 6. “I like Indian food more than Chinese.” But you said ________________ 7. “I prefer pop music to classical music.” You told me ________________

G. Change the following sentence to indirect speech.

1. Our teacher said, “Time is precious, so spend your free time in the best possible way.” ________________________________________________ 2. “Ugh! This toilet is so smelly,” Rita said. ________________________________________________ 3. Chetan said, “Please buy me a bar of chocolate.” ________________________________________________ 4. “Polish your boots,” the army officer said to his men. ________________________________________________ 5. “Get me a glass of water,” he said to her. ________________________________________________ 6. “What a beautiful car!” he remarked. ________________________________________________ 7. “Please spare me some money,” the beggar said. ________________________________________________ 8. “You must listen to me!” his mother cried. ________________________________________________ 9. “Pass me that salt, please,” the man said to her. ________________________________________________ 10. “Get out or I’ll call the police!” the lady said to him. ________________________________________________

H. Change the following to reported speech by completing the sentence.

1. She asked, “Have you been here before?” She asked me if _________________ 2. “Is your sister still asleep?” my mother asked. My mother asked _________________ 3. The policeman said, “Show me your license.” The policeman demanded _________________ 4. “Shall I open the windows for you?” he asked. He asked me whether _________________ He offered to _________________ 5. “Where will you be going for your holidays?” she asked. She wanted to know _________________ 6. “When will you be visiting the hospital? I want to come along,” she said. She wanted to know _________________ 7. “Is the ship leaving on Monday or Tuesday?” She inquired. She inquired whether _________________ 8. “What’s wrong with your cheek? Have you been fighting again?” my mother asked. My mother asked what _________________ 9. “Did you learn anything interesting at the seminar?” he inquired. He inquired _________________ 10. “The purpose of this project is to encourage teamwork and inculcate a sense of belonging,” he said. He said that _________________

I. Change these sentences from Direct to Indirect Speech. Example

“Oh!” she cried in fright on seeing him.
“Why did you suddenly appear like this?”

She exclaimed in fright when she saw him and asked him why he had suddenly appeared like that.

1. “I am sorry,” she said to me, “but my brother won’t be back until late tonight.” ___________________________________________________ 2. The guard reported, “I heard some shots and ran out into the compound to investigate.” ___________________________________________________ 3. “When will he be back?” Sheela said. “I have something important to tell him.” ___________________________________________________ 4. “Did you go to the circus that’s performing here?” Jatin asked me. “It was a wonderful show.” ___________________________________________________ 5. “Good morning!” she said when she saw me. “How are you today? I heard you had been quite ill.” ___________________________________________________ 6. “Come here at once!” he ordered the frightened boy. “If you don’t, I shall give you a beating.” ___________________________________________________ 7. “Don’t do too much heavy work now,” the doctor advised Mrs. Birla. “Get as much rest as possible.” ___________________________________________________ 8. “Please come,” he said. “I want to show you my new fish. My father bought it yesterday.” ___________________________________________________ 9. “Are you going out now? If you are, see that you are back by ten,” my mother said to! me. ___________________________________________________ 10. “Yes, please do so,” I answered her. “I will wait here until you return.” ___________________________________________________

Perfectyourenglish.com

English Grammar Lessons And Worksheets

Class 8 worksheets

Direct And Indirect Speech Exercise For Class 8

by Manjusha · September 16, 2021

Sentences are given in the direct speech. Change them into indirect speech. You can learn about the rules of direct and indirect speech here.

Direct and indirect speech exercise for class 8

1. The man said, ‘I am waiting for the bus.’

2. Suma said, ‘Last week, I attended a seminar on the harmful consequences of global warming.’

3. Julia said, ‘I will be delighted to help.’

4. The plumber said, ‘I have fixed the leakage in the bathroom.’

5. The teacher said, ‘All students should submit their assignments before Friday.’

6. The master told the servant, ‘Clean the barn before you leave.’

7. The doctor said to the patient, ‘You have to quit smoking.’

8. The mother said to the boy, ‘I am taking you to the doctor.’

9. The girl said, ‘I am hungry.’

10. The clerk said to the manager, ‘I want to leave early today.’

1. The man said that he was waiting for the bus. (Present continuous in the direct speech becomes past continuous in the indirect speech.)

2. Suma said that she had attended a seminar on the harmful consequences of global warming the previous week. (Simple past in the direct speech becomes past perfect in the indirect speech)

3. Julia said that she would be delighted to help. (Will in the direct speech becomes would in the indirect speech.)

4. The plumber said that he had fixed the leakage in the bathroom. (Present perfect in the direct speech becomes past perfect in the indirect speech.)

5. The teacher said that all students had to submit their assignments before Friday. (Should in the direct speech becomes had to in the indirect speech.)

6. The master instructed the servant to clean the barn before he left. (Imperatives are reported with to-infinitives.)

7. The doctor told the patient to quit smoking. / The doctor told the patient that he had to quit smoking.

8. The mother told the boy that she was taking him to the doctor.

9. The girl said that she was hungry .

10. The clerk told the manager that he wanted to leave early that day. (Simple present in the direct speech becomes simple past in the indirect speech.)

Direct And Indirect Speech Worksheet For Class 7
Direct And Indirect Speech Basic Rules
Direct And Indirect Speech Worksheet For Class 10
Direct and indirect speech worksheet
How To Change Direct Speech Into Indirect Speech
Direct and indirect speech exercise
Direct and indirect speech worksheet for class 7

Tags: direct and indirect speech exercise direct and indirect speech worksheet direct speech reported speech exercise reported speech worksheet

Hi, I am Manjusha. This is my blog where I give English grammar lessons and worksheets. You may also want to check out my other blogs IELTS Practice and NCERT Guides

Next story Transformation Of A Simple Sentence To A Complex Sentence
Previous story Kinds Of Phrases Worksheet For Class 8

Explore perfectyourenglish.com

Useful links

English Grammar
Business English
A word a day
B2 First (Cambridge English)
Bank PO English
CBSE Grammar Worksheets
Class 10 worksheets
Class 11 Worksheets
Class 2 Worksheets
Class 3 worksheets
Class 4 worksheets
Class 5 worksheets
Class 6 worksheets
Class 7 worksheets
Class 9 and 10 worksheets
Class 9 worksheets
Grammar exercises
Karnataka Board English
Kerala Syllabus English
Maharashtra Syllabus English
Phrasal verbs
PSC Coaching
Reading comprehension
Sample Letters
Tamil Nadu Board English
Test Preparation
Uncategorized
Vocabulary exercises

Never Miss an Update!

Enter your email address to receive our lessons in your inbox:

Delivered by FeedBurner

Sites in our network

Discovering India

Learn Maths Online | Free NCERT Maths Solutions

Suggestions for you See more

Where Does Food Come From?

Reported questions, reported speech, 10.1k plays, possessive adjectives and possessive pro..., 4th - 6th .

Grade 8_Direct and Indirect Speech

20 questions

Introducing new Paper mode

No student devices needed. Know more

My brother says “I met Tom at the party last night”

My brother says that he had met Tom at the party last night.

My brother said that he had met Tom at the party last night.

My brother says that he met Tom at the party last night.

My brother says that he meets Tom at the party last night”

Mary told John “my father warned me last night”

Mary told John that her warned her last night.

Mary told John that her father had warned her last night.

Mary told John that his father had warned me last night.

Mary told John that her father warns her last night.

Demian said, “I am going out of town.”

Demian said that I am going out of town.

Demian said that he is going out of town.

Demian said that he went out of town.

Demian said that he was going out of town.

He asked me “Open your book!”

He asked me to open my book.

He asked me opening my book.

He asked me to open your book.

He asks me to open my book.

The teacher said to the students “Be quiet while I am talking”

The teacher said to the students to be quiet while she is talking.

The teacher said to the students to be quiet while I am talking.

The teacher said to the students to be quiet while she told.

The teacher said to the students to be quiet while she talks.

Mother asked John, "Don't smoke too much!"

Mother asked John to do not smoke too much.

Mother asked John that not t smoke too much.

Mother asked John to not smoke too much.

Mother asked John to smoke too much.

John asked Mary, "Why do you get angry with me?"

John asked Mary why she got angry with him.

John asked Mary why she gets angry with him.

John asked Mary why she had gotten angry with him.

John asked Mary why she is angry with him.

Mr. Burchell asked the girl, "What is your name?"

Mr. Burchell asked the girl what is your name.

Mr. Burchell asked the girl what was your name.

Mr. Burchell asked the girl what is her name.

Mr. Burchell asked the girl what her name was.

We asked them, "Will you go to the movie with us?"

We asks them whether they will go to the movie with us.

We asks them whether they would go to the movie with us.

We asked them whether they would go to the movie with us.

We asked them whether they will go to the movie with us.

Mother asked Ben, "Are you going to marry her?"

Mother asked Ben if he was going to marry her.

Mother asked Ben if he is going to marry her.

Mother asks Ben if he is going to marry her.

Mother asks Ben if he was going to marry her.

11. Multiple Choice Edit 45 seconds 1 pt 1. How do we write the following in direct speech? Kelly said I am feeling sick today. Kelly said "I am feeling sick today." Kelly said, "I am feeling sick today". Kelly said, "I am feeling sick today." Kelly said, "I am feeling sick today?
12. Multiple Choice Edit 45 seconds 1 pt 2. What is missing in the sentence that follows? James asked "Are you coming to my house today?" ! ? , .
13. Multiple Choice Edit 45 seconds 1 pt 3. Which of the following sentences is correct? Mai said, "My family is going to the market today." "We want candy!" The children shouted. "I told you not to go there." My father said. Chloe asked, "where is my timetable?"
14. Multiple Choice Edit 45 seconds 1 pt 4. Which of these is correct? "Could you help me carry these bags?" He asked. "Could you help me carry these bags?" he asked. "Could you help me carry these bags" he asked? "Could you help me carry these bags," he asked?
15. Multiple Choice Edit 45 seconds 1 pt 5. Which of these is correct? Jamal said, “We passed by a beautiful lake in Goa". Jamal said, We passed by a beautiful lake in Goa. Jamal said, “We passed by a beautiful lake in Goa.” Jamal said, “we passed by a beautiful lake in Goa.”
16. Multiple Choice Edit 45 seconds 1 pt 6. What's missing from this sentence? He said, “be quiet, please, and listen to my words.” Quotation marks A capital letter An exclamation mark A question mark
17. Multiple Choice Edit 45 seconds 1 pt 7. Which is correct? He said, “Could you please repeat the question"? He said, Could you please repeat the question?” He said, "could you please repeat the question?” He said, “Could you please repeat the question?”
18. Multiple Choice Edit 45 seconds 1 pt 8.What's wrong with this sentence? I said to him, “Why are you working so hard”? "Why" should be lowercased There should not be a comma before the spoken words begin. There should be a full-stop after "hard". The question mark should be eN closed by quotation marks.
19. Multiple Choice Edit 45 seconds 1 pt 9. What needs to be corrected? Kiran asked, "did you see the match on television last night" add a question mark at the end. capitalize did and add a question mark after night. capitalize did and add an exclamation mark at the end. capitalise "did" and add a question mark at the end.
20. Multiple Choice Edit 45 seconds 1 pt 10. Which of these is correct? "We lost our keys last night", my parents said. "We lost our keys last night," my parents said. "We lost our keys last night", My parents said. "We lost our keys last night." My parents said.

Explore all questions with a free account

Continue with email

Continue with phone

100+Direct and Indirect Speech Exercises and Answers

Improve your knowledge of Direct and Indirect Speech with our comprehensive set of Direct and Indirect Speech Exercises and Answers . Practice converting quotes to reported speech, understand the rules and techniques involved, and master the difference between direct and indirect speech. Sharpen your language skills and get a better grasp of the English language with our direct and indirect Speech exercises and answers.

Direct and Indirect Speech Exercises and answers are given in the following for practice. It’s important for students as well as for competitive Exams. For practice and easy comprehension, Direct and indirect speech Exercises and answers have been arranged according to different rules in the following.

With these Direct and indirect speech exercises with answers , the students will make themselves able to change Direct speech into indirect speech and indirect speech into direct speech with a Change of tenses, change of pronouns, and change of time and place words in different sentences .

Exercises on How to Change Tenses with Answers

Change the mode of narration from direct Speech to indirect speech .

(1) He said to me, “I can’t recall your name.” Ans: He told me that he could not recall my name.

(2) Poulami says, “I am fine.” Ans: Poulomi says that she is fine.

(3) He said, “I did it.” Ans: He said that he had done it.

(4) “I know her address,” said Gopi. Ans: Gopi said that he knew her address.

(5) Ram said, “The earth is round.” Ans: Ram said that the Earth is round.

(6) “We planted it ourselves,” said the grandfather. Ans: The Gran Father said that they had planted it themselves.

(7) Debu said, “I have been playing rugby.” Ans: Debu said that he had been playing rugby.

(8) Purbasha said to me,” I am afraid of ghosts.” Ans: Purbasha told me that she was afraid of ghosts.

People also like

Change the following mode of narration from direct Speech to indirect speech .

(1) The boys said, “It has been raining since morning. We cannot play today.” Ans: The boys said that it had been raining since morning so they could not play that day.

(2) Anjan’s mother said, “Your father has left for Mumbai.” Ans: Anjan’s mother said that my father had left for Mumbai.

(3) My teacher said, “Practice makes a man perfect.” Ans: My teacher said that practice makes a man perfect.

(4) He says, “I go to the temple every morning.” Ans: He says that he goes to the temple every morning.

(5) He said to me, “I will not get down from the bus.” Ans: He told me that he would not get off the bus.

(6) Rita says to Mita, “I will go with you.” Ans: Rita tells Mita that she will go with her.

(7) The boy said to his friend, “I went to school yesterday.” Ans: The boy told his friend that he had gone to school the previous day.

(8) You said, “I was right.” Ans: You said that you had been right.

(9) “I ‘ll go to the top,” said the young lady. Ans: The young lady said that she would go to the top.

(10) I ‘ve got my rules,” the conductor said to me. Ans: The conductor told me that he had got his rules.

Change of Pronouns Exercises and Answers

(1) He said to me, “ I have done the job.” Ans: He told me that he had done the job.

(2) Rohit said, “ I was absent yesterday.” Ans: Rohit said that he had been absent the previous day.

(3) The boy said, “ My father died two years ago.” Ans: The boy said that his father had died two years before.

(4) He said, “ My goal is to climb Mt Everest. “ Ans: He said that his goal was to climb Mount Everest.

(5) “ I shall certainly do nothing of this kind”, the woman. Ans: The woman said that she would certainly do nothing of that kind.

(6) The man said, “ I am exhausted.” Ans: The man said that he was exhausted.

(7) He said, “ I am washing my hands.” Ans: He said that he was washing his hands.

(8) Mother bird said to her little ones, “Today I will teach you how to fly.” Ans: Mother bird told her little ones that that day, she would teach them how to fly.

(9) Rita’s father says. “ I have done this for you. Ans: Rita’s father says that he had done that for her.

(10) Sumana said to her sister, “ I want to play with you.” Ans: Sumana told her sister that she wanted to play with her.

Change of Time & place for Direct Indirect Speech

Change the following sentences into indirect speech.

(1) The boy said to his father, “I had my tiffin in school yesterday. “ Ans: The boy told his father that he had had his tiffin in school the previous day .

(2) The captain informed, “The tournament was postponed last year. “ Ans: The captain informed us that the tournament was postponed the previous year .

(3) She said, “We have been living here for two years.” Ans: She said that they had been living there for two years.

(4) Arnab said to Ajit,” I am happy today .” Ans: Arna told Ajit that he was happy that day.

(5) My friend said to me, “We went to the zoo yesterday. “ Ans: My friend told me that they had gone to the zoo the previous day.

(6) The clerk said, “I’ll do the work now. “ Ans: Clark said that he would do the work then.

(7) Hiten said to Mihir, “I received this letter yesterday. “ Ans: Hiten told me that he had received that letter the previous day.

(8) Rajib said to me. “I shall go to the picture today. “ Ans: Rajiv told me that he would go to the picture that day.

(9) He said, “We are very happy here. “ Ans: He said that they were very happy there.

(10) The farmer said, “I’ll sow the seeds now. “ Ans: The farmer said that he will show the seats then.

(12) The man said to me, “I received your gift yesterday. “ Ans: The man told me that he had received my gift the previous day.

(15) I said to my friend, “You were present in the class yesterday. “ Ans: I told my friend that he had been present in the class the previous day.

Assertive Sentences Exercises with Answers

Change the following sentences converting the direct speeches into indirect speeches.

(1) The teacher said to the boy, “You have forgotten the lesson.” Ans: The teacher told the boy that he had forgotten the lesson.

(2) The boy said, “I shall go out and play.” Ans: The boy said that he would go out and play.

(3) He said, “I am happy to be here today.” Ans: He said that he was happy to be there that day.

(4) They said, “We shall play the game again tomorrow.” Ans: They said that they would play the game again the next day.

(5) The boy said, “Two and two make four.” Ans: The boy said that two and two make four.

Change the form of narration from indirect speech into direct speech.

(1) She told them that she had lost her books and theirs too. Ans : “I have lost my books and yours too”, she told them.

(2) The princess says that she has lost her way. Ans: The princess says, “I have lost my way.”

(3) They say that they must keep their locality clean. Ans: They say, “We must keep our locality clean.”

(4) The girl says that those books are theirs, but that one is hers. Ans: The girl says, “These books are theirs, but this one is mine.”

(5) The Happy prince said that he had led the dance in the Great Hall. Ans: The Happy Prince said, “I led the dance in the great hall.”

Interrogative Sentences Direct and Indirect Speech Exercises

Turn the following sentences from direct speech to indirect speech.

(1) Bulbuli said to her friend, “Will you come tomorrow?” Ans: Bulbuli asked her friend if she would on the next day.

(2) The policeman said to the stranger, “What are you looking for?” Ans: The police asked the stranger what he was looking for.

(3) Nikhil said to me, “Why do you look sad? Ans: Nikhil asked me why I looked sad.

(4) I said to her, “Did you take tea ?” Ans: I asked her if she had taken tea.

(5) The girl said to her mother, “Will you give me your bangles ?” Ans: The girl asked her mother if she would give her her bangles.

(6) Father said to me, “Why are you so upset?” Ans: Father asked me why I was so upset.

Change the following indirect speech into Direct speech.

(1) She asked me if I had called her. Ans: She said to me, “Did you call me ?”

(2) He asked me if I was writing a letter. Ans: He asked me, “Are you writing a letter ?”

(3) The man asked the child how he had got there. Ans: “How did you get here, child ?”, the man said.

(4) The police asked me if I could show my identity card. Ans: The police said to me, “Can you show your identity card ?”

(5) He asked us if we were attending the meeting that day. Ans: He said to us, “Are you attending the meeting today?”

(6) I asked her if she had taken medicine. Ans: I said to her, “Did you take medicine ?”

(7) Raja asked Dipu if he would go to school that day. Ans: Raja said to Dipu, “Will you go to school today?

Imperative Sentences Exercises with Answers

Change the following sentences from direct speech to indirect speech.

(1) The teacher said to the students, “Keep quiet.” Ans: The teachers ordered the students to keep quiet.

(2) My teacher said to me. “Do not neglect your studies.” Ans: My teacher advised me not to neglect my studies.

(3) The man said to his son, “Always try to be honest.” Ans: The man advised it’s on to always try to be honest.

(4) Mother said to Raju, “Do not run in the sun.” Ans: Mother ordered Raju not to run in the sun.

(5) The man said to me, “Brother, please help me.” Ans: Addressing as a brother, the man requested me to help him.

(6) The students said, “Please allow us to play in the field.” Ans: The students requested to allow them to play on the field.

(7) He said to me, “Please give me some money.” Ans: He requested me to give him some money.

Exercise 10

Change the following sentences from Indirect speech to Direct Speech of narration.

(1) He advised me not to waste my valuable time. Ans: He said to me, “Don’t waste your valuable time.”

(2) The grandson advised the children not to pluck flowers. Ans: The gardener said to the children, “Do not pluck flowers.”

(3) Tom forbade Sid to shake him. Ans: Tom said to Sid, “Don’t shake me.”

(4) The master ordered the servant to sort the door. Ans: The master said to the servant, “Shut the door.”

(5) The commander ordered the soldiers to stand at ease. Ans: The commander said to the soldiers, “Stand at ease.”

(6) Addressing as sethji, the vendor told him not to rob the poor. Ans: “Sethji, don’t rob the poor”, said the vendor.

(7) The doctor advised the patient to take proper vitamins to stay healthy. Ans: The doctor said to the patient, “Take proper vitamins to stay healthy.”

(8) The teacher ordered the students to do it then. Ans: The teacher said to the students, “Do it now.”

Direct and indirect speech Exercises Answers with “Let”

Exercise 11.

Change the following sentences from direct speech to indirect speech mode of narration.

(1) Rahim said, “Let us decide the matter together.” Ans: Rahim suggested that they should decide the matter together.

(2) The boy said to me, “Let us play cricket.” Ans: The boy proposed that they should play cricket.

(3) He said, “Let me go home.” Ans: He wished that he might go home.

(4) He said to me, “Let him say whatever he likes.” Ans: He wished me that he might say whatever he liked.

(5) He shouted, “Let me go out. Ans: He shouted at me to go out.

Exercise 12

Change the following sentences from indirect speech to direct speech mode of narration.

(1) She proposed that they should go to the cinema. Ans: She said, “Let us go to the cinema.”

(2) He suggested that they should drop the matter. Ans: He said, “Let us drop the matter”

(3) They suggested that they should make him give them their fears back. Ans: “Let’s make him give us our fares back,” they said.

(4) Shabnam proposed Chandni that they should go for a walk. Ans: “Let us go for a walk.” said Shabnam to Chandni.

(5) The leader suggested that they should hold a meeting the next day. Ans: The leader said, “Let’s hold a meeting tomorrow.”

Direct and indirect speech Exercises Answers of Optative Sentences

Exercise 13.

Change the following from Direct Speech to Indirect Speech.

(1) I said to him, “May you be happy.” Ans: I wished that he might be happy.

(2) Mother said to me, “May God bless you.” Ans: Mother prayed that God might bless me.

(3) He said, “May his soul rest in peace.” Ans: He prayed that his soul might rest in peace.

(4) The girl said, “Oh, had I the wings of a dove.” Ans: The girl wished that she could have the wings of a dove.

(5) I said to him, “May you live long.” Ans: I wished him that he might live long.

Exercise 14

Change the following from Indirect Speech to Direct Speech.

(1) Nilima wished me that I might recover soon. Ans: Nilima said to me, “May you recover soon.”

(2) Mother wished him that God might grant him a long life. Ans : Mother said to him, “May God grant you a long life.”

(3) The holy man wished that peace might prevail. Ans: The holy man said, “May peace prevail.”

(4) She wished that Mother Teresa might recover from illness soon. Ans: She said, “May Mother Teresa recover from illness soon.”

(5) He wished that he could bring his departed friend back to life. Ans: He said, “Oh, if I could bring my departed friend back to life.”

Direct and Indirect Speech Exercises of Exclamatory Sentences

Exercise 15.

(1) The boys triumphantly said, “Hurrah! We have won the match.” Ans: The boys exclaimed in joy that they had won the match.

(2) The old man said to the girl, “May you be happy !” Ans: The old man wished the girl that she might be happy.

(3) He said, “What good news!” Ans: He exclaimed in joy that it was very good news.

(4) The children said, “How happy we were there!” Ans: The children gloomily said that they had been very happy there.

(5) He said to you. “May God bless you.” Ans: He wished you that God might bless you.

(6) My friend said to me. “What a fool you are!” Ans: My friend exclaimed in despair that she was a big fool.

Exercise 16

(1) Piyali exclaimed in sorrow that she had lost her phone. Ans: “Alas! I have lost my phone”, said Piyali.

(2) Mother wished Roy that his dreams might come true. Ans: Mother said to Roy, “May your dreams come true.”

(3) The girl exclaimed that she had been very sensible. Ans: How insensible I have been!”, said the girl.

(4) The girl exclaimed in sorrow that she had torn her frock. Ans: The girl said, “Oh dear! I have torn my frock.”

(5) She exclaimed in sorrow that she was undone. Ans: She said, “Alas! I am undone.”

(6) They wished me happy birthday. Ans: They said to me. “Happy birthday!”

(7) The students bade their teacher good morning. Ans: “Good morning, Madam!”, said the students to the teacher.

Practice Direct and Indirect Speech Exercises

A . Change the following into reported speech .

1. Rita says, “Kishore sang a song”.

2. The saint said, “Man is mortal”

3. You said, “we are learning our lesson’.

4. He said to me, “My father went to Mumbai last week.

5. I said to her, “Are you leaving tonight?”

6. He said to her, “Can you lend me your umbrella?”

7. She said, “I saw a tiger here’.

8. The principal said, “well done! my boys”.

9. She said, “Let them play.”

10. I said to Harsh, “Please help me.”

B. Change the direct speech into Indirect Speech

1. He asked me, “Where has he gone?”

2. The Prime Minister said, “National Integrity will be preserved at all costs.

3. She said, “My uncle came yesterday.”

4. Sheela said to us, “You must work hard.”

5. They said, “We trust in God.”

6. The officer said to him. “You will be dismissed if you do not attend the office in time.'”

7. He said to me “I am reading a book.”

8. He said, “Thanks for reminding me.’

9. She said,” Keep this room open.’

10. I said to him, “I went there on Tuesday.”

C. Choose the correct option .

1. I advised him ____________ it.

(a) to not do

(b) not to do

2. She told me ____________ careful.

3. She asked me if I ____________ my lunch.

(b) have eaten

4. She asked me ____________ going to the movies

(a) that I was

(b) if was I

5. The dentist suggested ____________ get a new toothbrush.

(b) that I should

6. She said that no one ____________ me

7. He asked me ____________ to deserve such a cruel punishment.

(a) what had he done

(b) what he had done

8. He promised he ____________ do it by the end of the week.

9. She said that ____________ me before.

(a) she hadn’t met

(b) she did not meet

10. I requested her____________ me.

(b) to help

D. Complete the sentences in reported speech.

1. The girl said that it ___________ to be there that evening.

(a) gave her great pleasure

(b) gives her great pleasure

2. The man said that he ___________ as soon as possible.

(a) must go

(b) had gone

3. She said that she ___________ to se any of them.

(a) does not want

(b) did not want

4. The teacher says that if you work hard you ___________

(a) would pass

(b) will pass

5. He said that he ___________

(b) has won

6. He proposed that they ___________ for her return.

(a) shall wait

(b) will wait

7. Alice exclaimed how clever ___________

(a) she was

(b) was she

8. The young man asked which way she ___________

(a) has gone

9. He asked me where ___________ going.

10. She requested them to wait there till she ___________

(a) returns

(b) returned

E. Complete the sentence in reported speech.

1. Ravi said, “I love this place”.

Ravi said _______________

2. “Do you like football?” He asked me.

He asked me_______________

3. “I can’t drive a lorry”, he said.

He said _______________

4. “Be nice to your brother”, he said

He asked me _______________

5. “Don’t be nasty, “he said

He urged me _______________

6. “Don’t waste your money “she said,

She told the boys _______________

7. “What have you decided to do? “she asked

him. She asked him _______________

8. “I always wake up early”. he said,

He said_______________

9. “You should revise your lessons’, he said,

He advised the students _______________

10. “Where have you been? “he asked me

He wanted to know _______________

F. Complete the sentence in reported speech.

1. She said, “I went to cinema yesterday,”

She said _______________

2. You said, “I will do this for him.”

You said _______________

3. He said, “I am writing a test tomorrow,

4. She said, “I am not hungry now”,

5. They said, “We have never been here before.”

They said _______________

6. They said, “We were in London last week.”

7. He said, “They won’t sleep.”

8. “Have you been shopping?” he asked us.

9. She said, “It is very quiet here.

10. “I don’t speak Italian”, she said.

She said_______________

Direct and Indirect Speech Answers Key

1. Rita says that Kishore sang a song.

2. The saint said that the man is mortal.

3. You said that you were learning your lesson.

4. He hold me that his father had gone to Mumbai the previous week.

5. I asked her if she was leaving that night.

6. He asked her if she could lend him her umbrella.

7. She said that she had seen a tiger there.

8. The principal exclaimed with applause that the boys had done well.

9. She suggested that they should be allowed to play.

10. I requested Harsh to help me.

1. He asked me where he had gone.

2. The Prime Minister declared that the National Integrity would be preserved at all costs.

3. She said that her uncle had come the previous day.

4. Sheela told us that we must work hard.

5. They said that they trusted in God.

6. The officer warned him that he would be dismissed

if he did not attend the office in time.

7. He told me that he was reading a book.

8. He thanked me for reminding him.

9. She ordered to keep that room open.

10. I told him that I had gone there on Tuesday.

1. (b) not to do

2. (b) to be

3. (c) had eaten

4. (c) if I was

5. (b) that I should

6. (c) had called

7. (b) what he had done

8. (b) would

9. (a) she hadn’t met

10. (b) to help

1. (a) gave her great pleasure.

2. (a) must go

3. (b) did not want

4. (b) will pass

5. (c) had won

6. (c) should wait

7. (a) she was

8. (b) had gone

9. (a) I was

10. (b) returned

1. that he loved that place

2. whether I liked football

3. that he couldn’t drive a lorry

4. to be nice to my brother

5. not to be nasty

6. not to waste their money

7. what he had decided to do

8. that he always wake up early

9. to revise their lessons

10. where I had been

1. that she had gone to cinema the previous day.

2. that you would do that for him.

3. that he will be writing a test the next day.

4. that she was not hungry then.

5. that they had never been there before.

6. that they had been in London the previous week.

7. that they wouldn’t sleep.

8. whether we had been shopping.

9. that it was very quiet there.

10. that she didn’t speak Italian.

FAQs on Direct and Indirect speech

Q: what’s the purpose of the indirect speech.

A: Indirect speech allows us to convey someone else’s words without quoting them verbatim. It’s useful for summarizing and paraphrasing.

Q: Are tense changes mandatory in indirect speech?

A: Yes, tense changes are often necessary to accurately reflect the timing of the original statement.

Q: Can reporting verbs be used interchangeably?

A: While reporting verbs can be interchangeable to some extent, their nuances can impact the meaning of the reported speech.

Q: Is it possible to transform any direct speech into indirect speech?

A: Yes, most direct speech can be converted into indirect speech, although some cases may require adjustments.

Q: How can I identify indirect speech in a sentence?

A: Look for keywords like “said,” “asked,” or other reporting verbs, as well as changes in pronouns, tenses, and time expressions.

Q: Why is mastering direct and indirect speech important?

A: Mastering these skills enhances communication clarity, adds variety to language use, and fosters effective expression.

Conclusion:

Direct and indirect speech exercises and answers are invaluable tools for effective communication. By honing this skill, you’ll not only convey information accurately but also showcase your language expertise. Remember that practice makes perfect, and the more you engage in these exercises, the more naturally you’ll incorporate them into your everyday language use.

English Grammar
Grammar Exercises
Direct And Indirect Speech Exercises

Direct and Indirect Speech Exercises

Direct and indirect speech is one topic in English grammar that confuses most language learners. It need not necessarily be so; if you understand how it works, you can easily use it in your writing.

Direct and Indirect Speech Exercises with Answers

When converting direct speech to indirect speech or vice-versa, you will have to take care to convert the verb , pronoun and the adverb appropriately. Go through the following exercises and try them out. Answers are given below each exercise; refer to them to see if your answers are right.

Exercise 1: Change into indirect speech

Read the following sentences and convert them into indirect speech.

Rahul told to me, “When are you leaving?”
“Where do you live?” the stranger asked Aladdin.
The teacher said to Shelly, “Why are you laughing?”
Dhronacharya said to Arjun, “Shoot the bird’s eye.”
“Call the first convict,” said the jury.
“Call the ambulance,” said the man.
Bruce said to me, “I shall do the work.”
My mother said to me, “You were wrong.”
Mr Richard said to me, “Please wait here till I return.”
The captain said to me, “Bravo! You have played well.”
Raj said, “Alas! My pet died.”
Ruchi said, “I may go there.”
Bucky said to Steve, “Do you hear me?”
The boy said, “Let me come in.”
Granny said to me, “May God bless you.”

Answers –

Rahul asked me when I was leaving.
The stranger asked Aladdin where he lived.
The teacher asked Shelly why he was laughing.
Dhronacharya ordered Arjun to shoot the fish’s eye.
The jury ordered to call the first convict.
The man urged to call the ambulance.
Bruce said to me he would do the work.
My mother told me that I was wrong.
Mr Richard requested me to wait there till he returned.
The captain applauded me, saying that I had played well.
Raj exclaimed sadly that his pet died.
Ruchi said that she might go there.
Bucky asked Steve if he heard him.
The boy asked to let him come in.
Granny prayed that God might bless me.

Convert the following into Direct Speech

Read the following passage and convert it into direct speech.

One of them told Issac that the latter had forgotten one thing that belonged to a mill. Issac enquired what that was. The friend asked where the miller was. Issac replied that (absence of the miller) was true – and he must look for one.

“But Issac,” said one of them, “you have forgotten one thing that belongs to a mill.”

“What is that?” asked Issac.

“Why, where is the miller?” said his friend.

“That is true – I must look for one,” said Issac.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is direct narration.

When the actual words/sentences as spoken by the speaker are quoted in a speech, it’s called direct speech/narration.

What is indirect speech?

When the quoted speech is reported in the form of a narrative without changing the meaning of the actual quotation/words by the speaker, it’s called indirect speech/narration.

Register with BYJU'S & Download Free PDFs

All Home / Blog / All / Direct and Indirect speech exercise for class 8, 9, 10 Direct and Indirect speech exercise for class 8, 9, 10

PRACTICE EXERCISE: 1

Direct and indirect speech exercise for class 8.

Q1. Change the following into indirect speech:

He says, ‘I am going soon.”
She said sadly, ‘I have forgotten to lock the door.”
The crocodile said to the monkey, ‘My wife wants to eat your heart.” “My heart is in the tree,’ said the monkey.
You have kept the rule but broken its spirit, the judge said to the lawyer.
The teacher said to the students. The students will not go unless the work is over.’
He said to his friend, ‘I have plans to set up my own industry.” ‘I don’t have any such plans and I depend on my job,’ stated his friend.
Jesus said, “You always have the poor with you.
” She says, ‘I am tired, yet I will try to do well.” ‘I don’t believe her,’ says the coach.
He said, ‘Nancy, let us put our Christmas presents away and keep them awhile. They are too nice to be used just at present.’
The children said to me, “Sir, we went on a picnic last year.’
The teacher said, ‘The sun rises in the east.”
He said to us, ‘I do not know how to write an essay.”

Direct and Indirect speech exercise for class 8

REPORTING QUESTIONS The reporting verb most often used for reporting wh-questions is ask. Questions may also be reported more formally using enquire or inquire.

The teacher said to him, “Why are you late?” (direct) The teacher asked him why he was late. (indirect)

He said to her, ‘How have you been able to do all this?” (direct) He asked her how she had been able to do all that. (indirect)

The teacher said to her, ‘Where are you going?” (direct) The teacher enquired of her where she was going. (indirect)

When we report a yes/no question, we use an if-clause beginning with the conjunction if or a whether-clause beginning with the conjunction whether. We use if when the speaker has suggested one possibility that may be true:

She asked him, ‘Do you know swimming?” (direct) She asked if he knew swimming. (indirect)

We use whether when the speaker has suggested one possibility but has left open the question of other possibilities:

He said to him, ‘Do you still live there or at your own house?” (direct) He asked whether he still lived there or at his own house. (indirect)

PRACTICE EXERCISE: 2

Direct and indirect speech exercise for class 8, 9, 10, q2. change the following questions into indirect speech:.

Where have you been all these years?” he said to his friend.
The teacher said to the pupils, “What is the shape of the earth?”
He said to his friend, “How shall we do this big task?”
Why were you absent yesterday?” the teacher said to me.
Why have you come late?” he shouted at his colleague. Who are you to question me?” his colleague shot back.
The teacher said, “Students, do you want to go on a tour?”
The student said to the teacher, ‘Sir, may I get in?’
Sheela said to Leela, ‘Have you ever been to Chennai?”
The students said to one another, ‘Is mathematics really easy?”
How much money do you want?” he said to his son.
‘What help do you expect from me?’ I said to my friend.
The passenger said to the clerk, ‘When will the next train leave for Hyderabad?”
Manul said, ‘Parul, where did you keep the book?”
I said to John, ‘To whom have you given the new bat?’
The teacher said to the students, ‘Why did you leave the class?”
He said to her, ‘How much work is left?’

REPORTING ORDERS, REQUESTS, ADVICE, AND INTENTIONS IMPERATIVE SENTENCES)

We can report order, request, or advice of someone else by using a to-infinitive clause after a reporting verb such as tell, order, request, command, advise, etc. The person being addressed, who is to perform the action, is mentioned as the object of the reporting verb.

The imperative mood is thus changed to the infinitive:

He said to his servant, ‘Go and bring some food.’ (direct) He ordered his servant to go and bring some food. (indirect)

He said to him, ‘please help me.’ (direct) He requested him to help him. (indirect)

He said to him, ‘Take exercise daily.’ (direct) He advised him to take exercise daily. (indirect)

PRACTICE EXERCISE: 3

Change the following into indirect speech:.

He said to his servant, ‘Switch off the light before going to bed.”
The master said to the servant, “Go and bring a cup of tea at once.
The policeman said to the man, ‘Tell me your name and address.’
The child said, ‘Take me to my house, please.’
Please wait here till I return,’ he said to her.
The beggar said, ‘Give me something to eat.’
‘Abhijit, do not forget tomorrow’s match,” said Simran.
Write fast,’ the examiner said, ‘don’t waste your time.’
The mother said, “Daughter, dress yourself properly before going to the party.
Father said to his children, ‘Do not go near the fire.
The beggar said to the man, “Kindly give me a rupee.’
Dick said to me, ‘Don’t trust that rascal.”

REPORTING EXCLAMATIONS AND WISHES

We can report exclamations and wishes by a verb expressing exclamation or wish:.

He said, “Alas! He is no more.”(direct) He exclaimed with sorrow that he was no more. (indirect)

He said, ‘Goodbye, Sunil!’ (direct) He bade Sunil goodbye. (indirect)

She said, ‘Good morning, mummy.’ (direct) She wished her mummy good morning. (indirect)

The coach said, ‘Bravo, you have done well.’ (direct) The coach applauded the players saying that (indirect) they had done well.

PRACTICE EXERCISE: 4

Change the following sentences into indirect speech:.

He cried. ‘Oh! How weak I feel.’
‘What a fine weather!’ said she.
The teacher said, ‘How intelligent she is!’
‘How wonderful the house is!’ said the man.
The old man said, ‘Oh God! How great You are!’
‘I am ruined!’ cried the student who had failed.
In his agony he cried, “Alas! I have nursed you all my life and now I die here helpless in sight of you.’
He said, ‘What a fine horse! What a saddle!’
He said, ‘Hurrah! Our team has won the match.’
I am a broken man with no wealth and none to care for me!’ said the old man.
He said to me, ‘How clever you are!’
How kind of you to offer me this job!’ said he.

CHANGING INDIRECT SPEECH INTO DIRECT SPEECH

Having understood the process of conversion of direct speech into indirect speech, the conversion of indirect into direct speech presents no difficulties. See the following examples carefully:

He assured me that his father would certainly help me. (indirect) My father, will certainly help you,’ said he to me. (direct)

He disclosed that the result has already been declared. (indirect) The result has already been declared,” said he. (direct)

The Prime Minister advised his countrymen to remain vigilant. (indirect) The Prime Minister said, ‘Countrymen, remain vigilant.” (direct)

She requested her father to let her go to meet her friend. (indirect) She said, ‘Please father, let me go to meet my friend.’ (direct)

He enquired of Akil why he had not attended his birthday party. (indirect) He said to Akil, “Why didn’t you attend my. birthday party? (direct)

She asked him when he would visit his uncle who had been hospitalised. (indirect) She said to him, “When will you visit your uncle who has been hospitalised?” (direct)

He asked her if she was going to watch a movie. (indirect) He said to her, ‘Are you going to watch a movie?” (direct)

The beggar asked me whether I would give him ten rupees. (indirect) The beggar said to me, “Will you give me ten rupees?” (direct)

She cried with joy that she had won the match. (indirect) She said, ‘Hurrah! I have won the match.” (direct)

The king warned that their enemy was too strong to be defeated. (indirect) The king said, ‘Behold! Our enemy is too strong to be defeated.” (direct)

PRACTICE EXERCISE: 5

Change the following sentences into direct speech:.

He boasted that he could do that task easily.
The Minister said that the country was going through a drought situation and that everyone should work to ease the situation.
The boy told his father that he had taken up the examination in order to become a doctor.
The man ordered his servant to bring some vegetables from the market.
He requested his father to give him money to buy a good bat.
The teacher advised the students not to fight.
The passenger inquired of the station-master when the next train for Hyderabad would leave.
The customer asked the shopkeeper how much money he would have to pay for the shirt.
He asked his brother whether he would go to the market and buy some books.
Vakil enquired of Sunil whether his teacher had finished the syllabus.
The audience exclaimed that the drama was wonderful.
Dick regretted that it was very foolish of him to listen to his friend’s advice.
She regretted that he had not attended the school.

for more tips and tricks follow is on Instagram

Reported speech

Worksheets - pdf exercises.

Reported statements - worksheet
Worksheet - reported questions
Reported yes/no questions
Worksheet - reported speech
Reported speech - exercises pdf
Indirect speech - exercises
Reported speech - exercises
Mixed reported speech 1
Mixed reported speech 2
Reported speech 1
Reported speech 2
Reported speech 3
Reported speech 4
Reported speech 5
Reported wh- questions
Reported speech - worksheet
Reported commands
Reported questions
Reported speech 1
Reported speech 2
Reported requests and orders
Reported speech exercise
Reported questions - worksheet
Indirect speech - worksheet
Worksheets pdf - print
Grammar worksheets - handouts

Grammar - lessons

Reported speech - grammar notes
How to use reported speech - lesson
Tense changes - grammar

NCERT Guides.Com

Free NCERT Solutions

Class 8 NCERT Solutions

Reporting Questions | Reported Speech Worksheet For Class 8

by Manjusha · Published June 24, 2021 · Updated February 22, 2022

When we report a question we normally use the reporting verb asked.

Note that a reported question has the same word order as a sentence. That means in a reported question, the subject goes before the verb.

Study the examples given below.

The teacher said to the boy, ‘What are you doing there?’
The teacher asked the boy what he was doing there . (NOT The teacher asked the boy what was he doing there.)

A reported question does not have a question mark.

Reported speech worksheet for classes 7 and 8.

Report the questions given below.

1. He asked me, ‘Why did you insult my brother?’

2. ‘Where did you go yesterday?’ the man said to his servant.

3. ‘When will your classes start?’ the father said to his daughter.

4. The teacher asked, ‘Why were you absent yesterday?’

5. ‘How far the railway station is from here?’ the old man enquired.

6. ‘Where can I buy that book?’ the boy said.

7. ‘When do you usually reach office?’ I said to him.

8. ‘Where does he keep his money?’ they asked her.

9. ‘Why are you in a hurry, young man?’ said the Sage.

10. ‘When are you leaving for Delhi?’ He asked me.

11. ‘Where were you all the time?’ the father asked the daughter.

12. ‘Why didn’t you consult a doctor?’ she asked me.

1. He asked me why I had insulted his brother.

2. The man asked his servant where he had gone the previous day.

3. The father asked his daughter when her classes would start.

4. The teacher asked me why I had been absent the day before.

5. The old man asked how far the railway station was from there.

6. The boy asked where he could buy that book.

7. I asked him when he usually reached office.

8. They asked her where he kept his money.

9. The Sage asked the young man why he was in a hurry.

10. He asked me when I was leaving for Delhi.

11. The father asked the daughter where she had been all the time.

12. She asked me why I hadn’t consulted a doctor.

More Direct and Indirect Speech Worksheets And Exercises

Direct and indirect speech worksheet for class 7
Direct and indirect speech worksheet for classes 7 and 8
Changing yes/no questions from direct speech to indirect speech
Reported speech worksheet for class 7
Direct and indirect speech worksheet for class 8
Direct and indirect speech worksheet for class 10
Direct and indirect speech worksheet for class 6

Tags: class 8 reported speech worksheet direct and indirect speech worksheet for class 8 reported speech worksheet for class 8 reporting questions worksheet

Next story Reporting Yes/No Questions Worksheet For Class 8| Changing Yes/No Questions From Direct Speech To Indirect Speech
Previous story Participles Worksheet For Class 8 | Combine Using Participles

Adjective Phrases Exercise For Class 8

September 30, 2021

by Manjusha · Published September 30, 2021 · Last modified September 7, 2023

Noun Phrases Worksheet For Class 8

June 20, 2021

by Manjusha · Published June 20, 2021 · Last modified September 17, 2023