
Fill in the blank with the most appropriate option:
Alice said,” I’m at my office.”
Alice said that _________________
A. I’m at my office
B. She was at her office
C. I’m at her office
D. You have been at your office
Answer
500.1k+ views
Hint: In order to answer this question one must understand the difference between direct and indirect speech. While changing the speech from direct to reported speech, the tense changes one tense back
Complete step by step answer:
Reported speech is often known as indirect speech in English. When we talk about reported speech, we are usually talking about the past. Now let's take a look at some rules which are necessary in understanding Reported speech.
1. The DIRECT SPEECH changes into INDIRECT SPEECH
2. Present simple tense changes to past simple tense
3. Present progressive tense changes to past progressive tense
Ex- Can into could
Ex- This night into that night
While changing the speech from direct to reported speech, the tense changes one tense back. For example, if the direct speech is in the present tense and the reporting verb is in the past tense then the indirect speech will be in the past tense.
Also, when the speech is indirect the point of narrative also changes from I to she/he and from my to his/her.
Now let us discuss the options one by one.
Option A) I’m at my office
This option is incorrect because “I’m at my office” is still in the direct speech, whereas it should be transformed into indirect speech.
Option B) she was at her office
This option is correct because the given sentence is in the simple present tense. Hence the reported speech will be in the simple past tense.
Option C) I’m at her office
This option is incorrect because the meaning has been changed. The narrative of the subject I must change to” she”.
Option D) you have been at your office
This option is incorrect because this has changed the meaning. As the speech is reported it must be in the third person.
So, the correct answer is “Option b”.
Note: in order to answer such types of questions it is very important to read the sentence carefully so as to know in which tense the sentence is written. It is imperative to know the rules of Reported speech along with its rules. Also there is no change in the verb tenses if the reported sentence contains a time clause.
Complete step by step answer:
Reported speech is often known as indirect speech in English. When we talk about reported speech, we are usually talking about the past. Now let's take a look at some rules which are necessary in understanding Reported speech.
1. The DIRECT SPEECH changes into INDIRECT SPEECH
2. Present simple tense changes to past simple tense
3. Present progressive tense changes to past progressive tense
Ex- Can into could
Ex- This night into that night
While changing the speech from direct to reported speech, the tense changes one tense back. For example, if the direct speech is in the present tense and the reporting verb is in the past tense then the indirect speech will be in the past tense.
Also, when the speech is indirect the point of narrative also changes from I to she/he and from my to his/her.
Now let us discuss the options one by one.
Option A) I’m at my office
This option is incorrect because “I’m at my office” is still in the direct speech, whereas it should be transformed into indirect speech.
Option B) she was at her office
This option is correct because the given sentence is in the simple present tense. Hence the reported speech will be in the simple past tense.
Option C) I’m at her office
This option is incorrect because the meaning has been changed. The narrative of the subject I must change to” she”.
Option D) you have been at your office
This option is incorrect because this has changed the meaning. As the speech is reported it must be in the third person.
So, the correct answer is “Option b”.
Note: in order to answer such types of questions it is very important to read the sentence carefully so as to know in which tense the sentence is written. It is imperative to know the rules of Reported speech along with its rules. Also there is no change in the verb tenses if the reported sentence contains a time clause.
Recently Updated Pages
Master Class 9 General Knowledge: Engaging Questions & Answers for Success

Master Class 9 English: Engaging Questions & Answers for Success

Master Class 9 Science: Engaging Questions & Answers for Success

Master Class 9 Social Science: Engaging Questions & Answers for Success

Master Class 9 Maths: Engaging Questions & Answers for Success

Class 9 Question and Answer - Your Ultimate Solutions Guide

Trending doubts
Fill the blanks with the suitable prepositions 1 The class 9 english CBSE

Difference Between Plant Cell and Animal Cell

Given that HCF 306 657 9 find the LCM 306 657 class 9 maths CBSE

The highest mountain peak in India is A Kanchenjunga class 9 social science CBSE

What is the difference between Atleast and Atmost in class 9 maths CBSE

What was the capital of the king Kharavela of Kalinga class 9 social science CBSE
