Mastering Indirect Speech in English Grammar

1. Jim asked me, 'Are you going to help us?' I replied ....

If I was going to help them.

That I will help them

When I am planning to lend a hand

Whether I will assist them

The correct answer uses the indirect question structure following Jim's inquiry.

Explanation

The correct answer uses the indirect question structure following Jim's inquiry.

About This Quiz

This revision exercise focuses on reported speech and the necessary tense changes involved. It enhances understanding of direct and indirect speech transformations, critical for effective communication and comprehension in English. Ideal for students looking to refine their grammatical precision.

2. Fred asked me if Mary would arrive by five.

If Mary arrives by five.

If Mary would arrive by five.

If Mary will arrive by five.

If Mary arrived by five.

The correct response uses 'would' as it is the appropriate auxiliary verb for the past tense in reported speech.

Explanation

The correct response uses 'would' as it is the appropriate auxiliary verb for the past tense in reported speech.

3. The man said that if I gave him some money, he would help me.

Giving him some money, he will help me.

Give him some money, he will help me.

Gave him some money, he would help me.

Gave him some money, he will help me.

The correct answer is in the past tense because the conditional statement in the question is hypothetical and refers to a possibility that may or may not happen in the future.

Explanation

The correct answer is in the past tense because the conditional statement in the question is hypothetical and refers to a possibility that may or may not happen in the future.

4. Jill asked me if I wanted to go to the cinema.

When I wanted to go to the cinema.

If I wanted to go to the cinema.

Whether I wanted to go to the cinema.

That I wanted to go to the cinema.

The correct structure for the reported speech in this context is 'if' to introduce a yes/no question.

Explanation

The correct structure for the reported speech in this context is 'if' to introduce a yes/no question.

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