Transformation Of Sentences - Class 8 English - Extra Questions

The boy made a kite.

The boy made a kite.

Verb: made.
The verb is in the active voice.

The active voice assertive sentences follow the following construction:
Subject + Verb + Object.
The boy + made + a kite.

Whereas, the passive voice sentences follow the following construction:
Object + to be + Past participle (3rd form of the verb) [+ by + Subject].

While in the passive voice, the focus is on the action and the object; in the active voice, the focus is on the subject performing the action. Here, the focus is on the subject "the boy" and the action "made". Therefore, the sentence is in active voice.


The boy was bitten by a dog.

The boy was bitten by a dog.

Verb: was bitten
The verb is in the passive voice.

The active voice assertive sentences follow the following construction:
Subject + Verb + Object.

Whereas, the passive voice sentences follow the following construction:
Object + to be + Past participle (3rd form of the verb) [+ by + Subject].
The boy + was + bitten + by + a dog.

While in the passive voice, the focus is on the action and the object, in the active voice, the focus is on the subject performing the action. Here, the focus is on the action "was bitten" and the object "the boy". Therefore, the sentence is in passive voice.


He made a very remarkable discovery.

Answer: A very remarkable discovery was made by him.
Explanation: When the subject of the sentence is the doer, the verb is in Active Voice. When the subject of the sentence is the receiver of the action, the verb is in Passive Voice. 
Here, the subject 'he' performs the action of making a very remarkable discovery. If the given sentence is changed into passive voice, then the subject in the active voice becomes object in the passive voice. Word 'by' is introduced. To convert Simple Past into passive form, we use was/were + 3rd form of the verb. Also, he changes into objective for 'him' as it is an object now. So, correct formation is:
New subject (A very remarkable discovery) + verb (was sold) + by + object (him).


The enemy have defeated our army.

Answer: Our army has been defeated by the enemy.
Explanation: When the subject of the sentence is the doer, the verb is in Active Voice. When the subject of the sentence is the receiver of the action, the verb is in Passive Voice. 
Here, the subject 'the enemy' performs the action of defeating. If the given sentence is changed into passive voice, then the subject in the active voice becomes object in the passive voice.. Word 'by' is introduced. To convert Present Perfect into passive form, we use has/have + been + 3rd form of the verb. So, correct formation is:
New subject (Our army) + verb (has been defeated) + by + object (our enemy).


I see a dark cloud.

I see a dark cloud.

Verb: see.
The verb is in the active voice.

The active voice assertive sentences follow the following construction:
Subject + Verb + Object.
I + see + a dark cloud.

Whereas, the passive voice sentences follow the following construction:
Object + to be + Past participle (3rd form of the verb) [+ by + Subject].

While in the passive voice, the focus is on the action and the object; in the active voice, the focus is on the subject performing the action. Here, the focus is on the subject "I" and the action "see". Therefore, the sentence is in active voice.


I will conquer him.

Answer: He will be conquered by me.
Explanation: When the subject of the sentence is the doer, the verb is in Active Voice. When the subject of the sentence is the receiver of the action, the verb is in Passive Voice. 
Here, the subject 'I' performs the action of conquering. If the given sentence is changed into passive voice, then the subject in the active voice becomes object in the passive voice. Word 'by' is introduced. To convert Simple Future into passive form, we use will/shall + be + 3rd form of the verb. Also, we use objective form of I i.e. me and subjective form of him i.e. 'he'. So, correct sentence is:
New subject (He) + verb (will be conquered) + by + object (me).


We prohibit smoking.

Answer: Smoking is prohibited. 
Explanation: When the subject of the sentence is the doer, the verb is in Active Voice. When the subject of the sentence is the receiver of the action, the verb is in Passive Voice. 
Here, the subject 'we' performs the action of 'prohibiting'.  If the given sentence is changed into passive voice, then the subject in the active voice becomes object in the passive voice and vice versa. Word 'by' is introduced. To change Simple Present into passive form, we use is/are + 3rd form of the verb. Moreover, when the active form involves the use of an indefinite or vague pronoun or noun (somebody, they, people, we, etc.) as subject ; that is, when we do not know the agent or when it is not clear enough who the agent is, we do not use that subject in the passive form. Thus, by + subject is not written here.


Name the Verbs in the following sentences, and tell whether they are in the Active or in the Passive Voice
The letter has just been posted.

Answer: Verb is "has been posted". It is in Passive Voice.
Explanation: 
Here, verb is in the passive voice as focus is on the object (the letter) and not the subject. However, "by + subject" structure is not followed because subject or doer of the action is not known.


Dhondu will bring the pony.

Answer: The pony will be brought by Dhondu.
Explanation: When the subject of the sentence is the doer, the verb is in Active Voice. When the subject of the sentence is the receiver of the action, the verb is in Passive Voice. 
Here, the subject 'Dhondu' performs the action of bringing. If the given sentence is changed into passive voice, then the subject in the active voice becomes object in the passive voice. Word 'by' is introduced. To convert Simple Future into passive form, we use will/shall+ be + 3rd form of the verb. So, correct answer is:
New subject (The pony) + verb (will be brought) + by + new object (Dhondu)
 


Some of the cargo had been damaged by the sea water.

Answer: Verb is had been damaged. It is in the Passive Voice
Explanation: 
Here, verb is in the Passive Voice which follows the structure: be + 3rd form of the verb. Focus is not on the subject but the object (some of the cargo). Moreover, "by + subject" structure is followed in passive voice. 


The dog was teased by the boy.

Answer: Verb is "was teased". It is in Passive Voice.
Explanation: 
Here, verb is in the passive voice as focus is on the object (the dog) and not the subject. The sentence follows "be + 3rd form of the verb" structure so, it is in the passive voice. However, "by + subject" structure is followed in passive voice.


They sell TVs here.

Answer: TVs are sold here.
Explanation: When the subject of the sentence is the doer, the verb is in Active Voice. When the subject of the sentence is the receiver of the action, the verb is in Passive Voice. 
Here, the subject 'they' performs the action of selling. If the given sentence is changed into passive voice, then the subject in the active voice becomes object in the passive voice. Word 'by' is introduced. To convert Simple Present into passive form, we use is/am/are + 3rd form of the verb. Moreover, when the active form involves the use of an indefinite or vague pronoun or noun (somebody, they, people, we, etc.) as subject; that is, when we do not know the agent or when it is not clear enough who the agent is, we do not use subject in the passive form. Thus, by + subject is not written here. So, correct sentence is:
New subject (TVs) + verb (are sold) + adverb (here).


We refused them admission.

Answer: They were refused admission.
Explanation: When the subject of the sentence is the doer, the verb is in Active Voice. When the subject of the sentence is the receiver of the action, the verb is in Passive Voice. 
Here, the subject 'we' performs the action of refusing.  If the given sentence is changed into passive voice, then the subject in the active voice becomes object in the passive voice and vice versa. Word 'by' is introduced. To change Simple Past into passive form, we use was/were + 3rd form of the verb. Moreover, when the active form would involve the use of an indefinite or vague pronoun or noun (somebody, they, people, we, etc.) as subject ; that is, when we do not know the agent or when it is not clear enough who the agent is, we do not use that subject in the passive form. Thus, by + subject is not written here. Also, we use subjective case 'they' in subject not them. 



The road was lined with people.

Answer: The people lined the road.
Explanation: When the subject of the sentence is the doer, the verb is in Active Voice. When the subject of the sentence is the receiver of the action, the verb is in Passive Voice. 
Here, the subject 'the road' receives the action 'lined'. People is an object. If the given sentence is changed into active voice, then the object in the active voice becomes subject in the passive voice and vice versa. Word 'with' is removed. Since the passive voice follows was/were + 3rd form of the verb structure, active voice will be in Simple Past form. So, the correct sentence is:
New subject (The people) + verb (lined) + new object (the road).


The telegraph wires have been cut.

Answer: They have cut the telegraph wires.
Explanation: When the subject of the sentence is the doer, the verb is in Active Voice. When the subject of the sentence is the receiver of the action, the verb is in Passive Voice. 
Here, 'telegraph wires' receives the action of cutting. Subject or doer of the action is unknown, so 'they' or any pronoun can be selected. If the given sentence is changed into active voice, then the object in the active voice becomes subject in the passive voice. Word 'by' is removed. Since the passive voice follows has/have + been + 3rd form of the verb structure, active voice will be in Present Perfect form. So, the correct sentence is:
New subject (they) + verb (have cut) + new object (the telegraph wires).


They saw the storm approaching.

Answer: The storm was seen approaching. 
Explanation: When the subject of the sentence is the doer, the verb is in Active Voice. When the subject of the sentence is the receiver of the action, the verb is in Passive Voice. 
Here, the subject 'they' performs the action of seeing.  If the given sentence is changed into passive voice, then the subject in the active voice becomes object in the passive voice and vice versa. Word 'by' is introduced. To change Simple Past into passive form, we use was/were + 3rd form of the verb. Moreover, when the active form would involve the use of an indefinite or vague pronoun or noun (somebody, they, people, we, etc.) as subject; that is, when we do not know the agent or when it is not clear enough who the agent is, we do not use that subject in the passive form. Thus, by + subject is not written here. 


My watch was lost.

Answer: I lost my watch.
Explanation: When the subject of the sentence is the doer, the verb is in Active Voice. When the subject of the sentence is the receiver of the action, the verb is in Passive Voice. 
Here, the subject 'my watch' receives the action 'of loosing. If the given sentence is changed into active voice, then the object in the active voice becomes subject in the passive voice. Word 'by' is removed. Since the passive voice follows was/were + 3rd form of the verb structure, active voice will be in Simple Past form. Moreover, we will assume subject as 'I' due to its absence in the passive form. So, the correct sentence is:
New subject (I) + verb (lost) + object (my watch).


We elected Balu captain.

Answer: Balu was elected captain.
Explanation: When the subject of the sentence is the doer, the verb is in Active Voice. When the subject of the sentence is the receiver of the action, the verb is in Passive Voice. 
Here, the subject 'we' performs the action 'elected'.  If the given sentence is changed into passive voice, then the subject in the active voice becomes object in the passive voice and vice versa. Word 'by' is introduced. Moreover, when the active form involves the use of an indefinite or vague pronoun or noun (somebody, they, people, we, etc.) as subject ; that is, when we do not know the agent or when it is clear enough who the agent is, we do not use by + subject. To make the passive form of Simple Past, we use was/were + 3rd form of the verb. So, the correct sentence is:
New subject (Balu) + verb (was elected) +object (captain).


They found him guilty of murder.

Answer: He was found guilty of murder.
Explanation: When the subject of the sentence is the doer, the verb is in Active Voice. When the subject of the sentence is the receiver of the action, the verb is in Passive Voice. 
Here, the subject 'they' performs the action of finding.  If the given sentence is changed into passive voice, then the subject in the active voice becomes object in the passive voice and vice versa. Word 'by' is introduced. To change Simple Past into passive form, we use was/were + 3rd form of the verb. Moreover, when the active form would involve the use of an indefinite or vague pronoun or noun (somebody, they, people, we, etc.) as subject; that is, when we do not know the agent or when it is not clear enough who the agent is, we do not use that subject in the passive form. Thus, by + subject is not written here. Also, we use subjective form 'he' in subject not him. 


Premchand wrote this novel.

This novel was written by Premchand.
Explanation: When a sentence changes from active to passive voice, the subject and the object interchange their positions. In passive voice, the focus is on the action (was written) rather than on the subject (Premchand). The verb changes into past participle form in passive voice regardless of the tense. Only the auxiliary changes according to the tense.


The Swiss regarded him as an impostor and called him a villain.

He was regarded as an imposter and called a villain by the Swiss.

The sentence has been changed from active to passive voice. When a sentence is changed from active to passive, the subject and the object of the sentence interchange positions. The subject is agent that performs the action and it is the main focus in active voice. However, it can be dropped when the sentence is changed to passive voice because in the passive voice the focus is on the action and the object receiving it.

Here, the Swiss performed the actions of regarding him as a an imposter and calling him a villain.


The public will learn with astonishment that war is imminent

Answer: It will be learnt by the public with astonishment that war is imminent.
Explanation: When the subject of the sentence is the doer, the verb is in Active Voice. When the subject of the sentence is the receiver of the action, the verb is in Passive Voice. 
Here, the subject 'the public' performs the action of learning.  If the given sentence is changed into passive voice, then the subject in the active voice becomes object in the passive voice. Word 'by' is introduced. To convert Simple Future into passive form, we use will/shall + be + 3rd form of the verb. Moreover, only first clause will be changed into passive voice. 



They showed a video of 'The Titanic'.

Answer: A video of 'The Titanic' was shown by them.

Explanation: When a sentence changes from active to passive voice, the subject and the object interchange their positions. In passive voice, the focus is on the action rather than on the subject. The verb changes into past participle form in passive voice regardless of the tense. Only the auxiliary changes according to the tense.


They enjoy bathing.

Answer: Bathing is enjoyed by them.

Explanation: When a sentence changes from active to passive voice, the subject and the object interchange their positions. In passive voice, the focus is on the action rather than on the subject. The verb changes into past participle form in passive voice regardless of the tense. Only the auxiliary changes according to the tense.


He taught me to read Persian.

Answer: I was taught to read Persian by him.

Explanation: When a sentence changes from active to passive voice, the subject and the object interchange their positions. In passive voice, the focus is on the action rather than on the subject. The verb changes into past participle form in passive voice regardless of the tense. Only the auxiliary changes according to the tense.


I opened the door.

Answer: The door is opened by me.

Explanation: When a sentence changes from active to passive voice, the subject and the object interchange their positions. In passive voice, the focus is on the action rather than on the subject. The verb changes into past participle form in passive voice regardless of the tense. Only the auxiliary changes according to the tense.


One expects better behaviour from a college student.

Answer: Better behaviour is expected from a college student.

Explanation: When a sentence changes from active to passive voice, the subject and the object interchange their positions. In passive voice, the focus is on the action rather than on the subject. The verb changes into past participle form in passive voice regardless of the tense. Only the auxiliary changes according to the tense.
Here the agent "one" is not a specific person or important or implied in the sentence so it should be dropped.


The boy is climbing the cliff.

Answer: The cliff is being climbed by the boy.

Explanation: When a sentence changes from active to passive voice, the subject and the object interchange their positions. In passive voice, the focus is on the action rather than on the subject. The verb changes into past participle form in passive voice regardless of the tense. Only the auxiliary changes according to the tense.


I bought the baby a doll.

Answer: A doll was brought for the baby. / The baby was brought a doll.

Explanation: When a sentence changes from active to passive voice, the subject and the object interchange their positions. In passive voice, the focus is on the action rather than on the subject. The verb changes into past participle form in passive voice regardless of the tense. Only the auxiliary changes according to the tense.
As there are two objects, either of the answers can be written.


We admire the brave.

The brave are admired (by us).
Explanation: When a sentence changes from active to passive voice, the subject and the object interchange their positions. In passive voice, the focus is on the action (are admired) rather than on the subject (us). The verb changes into past participle form in passive voice regardless of the tense. Only the auxiliary changes according to the tense.


I read the book long ago.

Answer: The book was read by me long ago.

Explanation: When a sentence changes from active to passive voice, the subject and the object interchange their positions. In passive voice, the focus is on the action rather than on the subject. The verb changes into past participle form in passive voice regardless of the tense. Only the auxiliary changes according to the tense.


They know me.

Answer: I am known to them.

Explanation: When a sentence changes from active to passive voice, the subject and the object interchange their positions. In passive voice, the focus is on the action rather than on the subject. The verb changes into past participle form in passive voice regardless of the tense. Only the auxiliary changes according to the tense.


Who taught you Urdu?

By whom were you taught Urdu ?
"Who” is a pronoun used as a subject to refer to people. When used as an object of preposition "by", “who” becomes “whom".
Explanation: When a sentence changes from active to passive voice, the subject and the object interchange their positions. In passive voice, the focus is on the action (were taught) rather than on the subject (who). The verb changes into past participle form in passive voice regardless of the tense. Also the subject takes the object position.


He showed me the greatest respect.

I was shown the greatest respect.
Explanation: When a sentence changes from active to passive voice, the subject and the object interchange their positions. In passive voice, the focus is on the action (was shown) rather than on the subject (I). The verb changes into past participle form in passive voice regardless of the tense. Only the auxiliary changes according to the tense.


Shall I ever forget those happy days ?

Answer: Will those happy days be ever forgotten?
Explanation: When a sentence changes from active to passive voice, the subject and the object interchange their positions. In passive voice, the focus is on the action (will be forgotten) rather than on the subject. The verb changes into past participle form in passive voice regardless of the tense. Only the auxiliary changes according to the tense.
Here subject 'I' is not needed to be mentioned in passive voice.


Alas! we shall hear his voice no more.

Alas! his voice will be heard no more.
Explanation: When a sentence changes from active to passive voice, the subject and the object interchange their positions. In passive voice, the focus is on the action (will be heard) rather than on the subject (his). The verb changes into past participle form in passive voice regardless of the tense. Only the auxiliary changes according to the tense.


He made his wife do the work.

Answer: His wife was made to do the work.
Explanation: When the subject of a sentence receives the action, the verb is in Passive Voice.
Here, the subject 'wife' receives the action. The action was making her do the work. Object in active voice i.e. his wife becomes subject in the passive form. Passive voice follows the structure of subject + auxiliary verb + main verb (3rd form of verb) + by + agent. Agent is optional in some cases. In this case, agent or doer of the action i.e. he is omitted because his in the sentence denotes the male gender. Moreover, when active voice is in simple past tense we use was/were + third form of the verb in passive form.


They have pulled down the old house.

Answer: The old house has been pulled down.
Explanation: When active voice is in present perfect tense, passive voice uses has/have + been + third form of the verb structure. Agent i.e. they is omitted here as it is unknown. 


Macbeth hoped to succeed Duncan.

It was hoped by Duncan that he would succeed Macbeth.
Explanation: When a sentence changes from active to passive voice, the subject and the object interchange their positions. In passive voice, the focus is on the action (was hoped) rather than on the subject (Macbeth). The verb changes into past participle form in passive voice regardless of the tense. Only the auxiliary changes according to the tense.


Lincoln emancipated four million African slaves.

Answer: Four million African slaves were emancipated by Lincoln.
Explanation: When the subject of a sentence receives the action, the verb is in Passive Voice.
Here, the subject 'four million African slaves' receives the action. The action was of emancipating. Object in active voice i.e. four million African slaves becomes subject in the passive form. Passive voice follows the structure of subject + auxiliary verb + main verb (3rd form of verb) + by + agent. Agent is optional in some cases. In this case, agent or doer of the action is Lincoln. Moreover, when active voice is in simple past tense we use was/were + third form of the verb in passive form.


Nature teaches beasts to know their friends.

Answer: Beasts are taught by nature to know their friends.
Explanation: When the subject of a sentence receives the action, the verb is in Passive Voice.
Here, the subject 'beasts' receives the action. The action was of getting taught by nature. Object in active voice i.e. beasts becomes subject in the passive form. Passive voice follows the structure of subject + auxiliary verb + main verb (3rd form of verb) + by + agent. Agent is optional in some cases. In this case, agent or doer of the action is nature. Moreover, when active voice is in simple present tense we use is/are + third form of the verb in passive form.


The French surrendered Quebec to the English in 1759.

Quebec was surrendered to the English in 1759 by the French.

Explanation: When a sentence changes from active to passive voice, the subject and the object interchange their positions. In passive voice, the focus is on the action rather than on the subject. The verb changes into past participle form in passive voice regardless of the tense. Only the auxiliary changes according to the tense.
Here the focus is on the action of Quebec being surrendered to England. The agent is specific and cannot be dropped in this sentence.


One cannot gather grapes from thistles.

Grapes cannot be gathered from thistles.
Explanation: When a sentence changes from active to passive voice, the subject and the object interchange their positions.
In passive voice, the focus is on the action (cannot be gathered) rather than on the subject (one). The verb changes into past participle form in passive voice regardless of the tense.


He pretended to be a baron.

It was pretended by him that he is baron.
Explanation: When a sentence changes from active to passive voice, the subject and the object interchange their positions.
In passive voice, the focus is on the action (was pretended) rather than on the subject (he, which is omitted). The verb changes into past participle form in passive voice regardless of the tense. 


He ordered the police to pursue the thief.

The police were ordered to pursue the thief.
Explanation: When a sentence changes from active to passive voice, the subject and the object interchange their positions.
In passive voice, the focus is on the action (were ordered) rather than on the subject (He). The verb changes into past participle form in passive voice regardless of the tense.


The King immediately gave orders that he should be imprisoned.

Orders that he should be imprisoned were immediately given by the king.
Explanation: When a sentence changes from active to passive voice, the subject and the object interchange their positions.
In passive voice, the focus is on the action (should be imprisoned were immediately given) rather than on the subject (king). The verb changes into past participle form in passive voice regardless of the tense. 


Somebody has put out the light.

The light has been put out.
Explanation: When a sentence changes from active to passive voice, the subject and the object interchange their positions.
In passive voice, the focus is on the action (has been put) rather than on the subject (somebody, which is omitted). The verb changes into past participle form in passive voice regardless of the tense. 


I have kept the money in the safe.

The money has been kept in the safe.
Explanation: When a sentence changes from active to passive voice, the subject and the object interchange their positions.
In passive voice, the focus is on the action (has been kept) rather than on the subject (I, which is omitted). The verb changes into past participle form in passive voice regardless of the tense. 


I saw him opening the box.

He was seen opening the box.
Explanation: When a sentence changes from active to passive voice, the subject and the object interchange their positions.
In passive voice, the focus is on the action (was seen) rather than on the subject (I). The verb changes into past participle form in passive voice regardless of the tense.


They laughed at his warnings and objected to all his proposals.

Answer: His warnings were laughed at and all his proposal (were) objected to.
Explanation: When a sentence changes from active to passive voice, the subject and the object interchange their positions.
In passive voice, the focus is on the action (were laughed at and were objected to) rather than on the subject (they, which is omitted). The verb changes into past participle form in passive voice regardless of the tense. 


The legend tells us how the castle received its name.

The legend tells us how the castle received its name. (Active)

We are told by the legends how the castle receive its name. (Passive)

Active Voice refers to a sentence in which the subject (you) is performing the action.

Passive Voice refers to a sentence in which the subject undergoes the action.

In passive voice "we" is the subject on which the action is done.


Change the following sentences into the Active form.
We shall be blamed by everyone.

Answer: Everyone will blame us.

Explanation:
When a subject is directly acting on the object, the sentence is in Active voice and when the object is acted upon by the subject, the sentence is in Passive voice.


Change the voice.
My watch has been stolen.

Answer: Someone has stolen my watch.

Explanation:
When a subject is directly acting on the object, the sentence is in Active voice. The subject is the 'doer' of the action. When the object is acted upon by the subject, the sentence is in Passive voice. Passive forms are made up of the verb be with a past participle.


Do not insult the weak.

Do not insult the weak.(Active)

Let the weak not be insulted. (Passive)

Active Voice refers to a sentence in which the subject is performing the action.

Passive Voice refers to a sentence in which the subject undergoes the action.

In passive voice "weak" is the subject on which the action is done.


Change the voice.
He will be gladdened by the sight.

Answer: The sight will gladden him.

Explanation:
When a subject is directly acting on the object, the sentence is in Active voice. The subject is the 'doer' of the action. When the object is acted upon by the subject, the sentence is in Passive voice. Passive forms are made up of the verb be with a past participle.


Change the voice.
The telephone was invented by Alexander Graham Bell.

Answer: Alexander Graham Bell invented the telephone.

Explanation:
When a subject is directly acting on the object, the sentence is in Active voice. The subject is the 'doer' of the action. When the object is acted upon by the subject, the sentence is in Passive voice. Passive forms are made up of the verb be with a past participle.


Why did he defraud you of your earnings?

Why did he defraud you of your earnings?

Why were you defrauded of your earning by him?

Active Voice refers to a sentence in which the subject (he) is performing the action.

Passive Voice refers to a sentence in which the subject (you) undergoes the action.

In passive voice "you" is the subject on which the action is done.


Did you never hear that name?

Did you never hear that name. (Active)
Was that name never heard by you. (Passive)

Active Voice refers to a sentence in which the subject (you) is performing the action.

Passive Voice refers to a sentence in which the subject undergoes the action.

In passive voice "the name" is the subject on which the action is done.


By whom was this jug broken?

By whom was this jug broken? (Passive voice)

Who broke the jug? (Active voice)

Active Voice refers to a sentence in which the subject is performing the action.

Passive Voice refers to a sentence in which the subject undergoes the action.

The given sentence is in passive voice. We can say so because the action is performed on the subject (whom) by the object (jug) in the given sentence.

'Who' is doer in active voice sentence.



Without effort nothing can be gained.

Without effort, nothing can be gained. (passive)

Without efforts you can gain nothing (Active)

Active Voice refers to a sentence in which the subject is performing the action.

Passive Voice refers to a sentence in which the subject undergoes the action.

In active voice "you" is the doer of action here.


The poor man exclaimed, 'Will none of you help me?'

Answer: The poor man exclaimed whether none of them would help him. 
Explanation: When we report a sentence in our own words or without quoting the exact words of the speaker, it is called Indirect Speech.
Here, quoted sentence or reported clause is in the form of question, so the reporting verb exclaimed remains same. Verb 'will' changes into 'would'. 'You' will change into 'them' as it act as the object of preposition 'of'. Singular pronoun is not suitable here.
Note:- When the question is not introduced by an interrogative word, the reporting verb is followed by whether or if.


He enquired, 'When do you intend to pay me ?'

Answer: He enquired when I intended to pay him. 
Explanation: When we report a sentence in our own words or without quoting the exact words of the speaker, it is called Indirect Speech.
Here, quoted sentence or reported clause is in the form of question, so the reporting verb 'enquired' will not change. Tense of reported clause changes from simple past to simple present. 'You' will change into 'I' or any other pronoun because listener is not mentioned. 'Me' changes into objective form of he i.e. 'him' as speaker is he and acts as an object here.


Change the voice.
He handed her a cheque.

Solution: Passive voice
A cheque was handed to her (by him).
Or
She was handed a cheque (by him).  

Explanation: 
When verbs that take both a direct and an indirect object in the active voice are changed to the passive, either object may become the subject of the passive verb, while the other is retained.
When a subject is directly acting on the object, the sentence is in Active voice. The subject is the 'doer' of the action. When the object is acted upon by the subject, the sentence is in Passive voice. Passive forms are made up of the verb be with a past participle.


Change the voice.
The guard refused his admittance. 

Solution: Admittance was refused to him by the guard. (Passive)
Or
He was refused admittance by the guard. 

Explanation: 
When verbs that take both a direct and an indirect object in the active voice are changed to the passive, either object may become the subject of the passive verb, while the other is retained.
When a subject is directly acting on the object, the sentence is in Active voice. The subject is the 'doer' of the action. When the object is acted upon by the subject, the sentence is in Passive voice. Passive forms are made up of the verb be with a past participle.


Mr. Krishanji teaches us grammar.

Solution: Grammar is taught to us by Mr Krishanji. (Passive)
Or
We are taught grammar by Mr. Krishanji. (Passive)

Explanation: 
When verbs that take both a direct and an indirect object in the active voice are changed to the passive, either object may become the subject of the passive verb, while the other is retained.
When a subject is directly acting on the object, the sentence is in Active voice. The subject is the 'doer' of the action. When the object is acted upon by the subject, the sentence is in Passive voice. Passive forms are made up of the verb be with a past participle.


Change the voice.
Some boys were helping the wounded man.

Solution: The wounded man was being helped by some boys. 
Explanation: 
When a subject is directly acting on the object, the sentence is in Active voice. The subject is the 'doer' of the action. When the object is acted upon by the subject, the sentence is in Passive voice. Passive forms are made up of the verb be with a past participle.
The object of the transitive verb in the active voice becomes the subject of the verb in passive voice. 


'Do you really come from China ?' said the prince

Answer: The prince asked if/whether I really came from China.
Explanation: When we report a sentence in our own words or without quoting the exact words of the speaker, it is called Indirect Speech.
Here, quoted sentence or reported clause is in the form of question, so the reporting verb 'asked' will come. Tense of reported clause changes from simple present to simple past. 'You' will change into 'I' or any other pronoun because listener is unknown. 
Note:- When the question is not introduced by an interrogative word, the reporting verb is followed by whether or if.


He said to us, 'Why are you all sitting about there doing nothing ?'

Answer: He asked us why we were all sitting about there doing nothing.
Explanation: When we report a sentence in our own words or without quoting the exact words of the speaker, it is called Indirect Speech.
Here, quoted sentence or reported clause is in the form of question, so the reporting verb 'asked' will come. When the question is introduced by an interrogative word like why, whom, what, who etc, that word doesn't change. Tense of reported clause changes from present continuous to past continuous. 'You' will change into 'we' because listener is us here. 
Note:- When the question is not introduced by an interrogative word, the reporting verb is followed by whether or if.


Change the voice.
Who taught you French?

Solution: By whom was French taught to you?
Or Who were you taught French by?
Or By whom were you taught French?
(Passive voice)
Explanation: 
When verbs that take both a direct and an indirect object in the active voice are changed to the passive, either object may become the subject of the passive verb, while the other is retained.
When a subject is directly acting on the object, the sentence is in Active voice. The subject is the 'doer' of the action. When the object is acted upon by the subject, the sentence is in Passive voice. Passive forms are made up of the verb be with a past participle.


Change to passive:
The manager will give you a ticket.

Solution: A ticket will be given to you by the manager. (Passive)
Or
A ticket will be given to you by the manager. (Passive)

Explanation: 
When verbs that take both a direct and an indirect object in the active voice are changed to the passive, either object may become the subject of the passive verb, while the other is retained.
When a subject is directly acting on the object, the sentence is in Active voice. The subject is the 'doer' of the action. When the object is acted upon by the subject, the sentence is in Passive voice. Passive forms are made up of the verb be with a past participle.


"Which is the proper way to answer this question, father?" the boy enquired.

Answer: The boy inquired of his father which the proper way to answer that question was.
Explanation: When we report a sentence in our own words or without quoting the exact words of the speaker, it is called Indirect Speech.
Here, quoted sentence or reported clause is in the form of question, so the reporting verb inquired remains same. When the question is introduced by an interrogative word like why, whom, what, who, which etc, that word doesn't change. Tense of reported clause changes from present continuous to past continuous. 'This' will change into 'that'. 
Note:- When the question is not introduced by an interrogative word, the reporting verb is followed by whether or if.



"Have you anything to say on behalf of the prisoner?" said the judge finally.

Answer: The judge finally asked if/whether I had anything to say on the behalf of the prisoner. 
Explanation: When we report a sentence in our own words or without quoting the exact words of the speaker, it is called Indirect Speech.
Here, quoted sentence or reported clause is in the form of question, so the reporting verb 'asked' will come. Tense of reported clause changes from present perfect to past perfect. 'You' will change into 'I' or any other pronoun because listener is unknown. 
Note:- When the question is not introduced by an interrogative word, the reporting verb is followed by whether or if.


"Have you anything to tell me, little bird?" asked Ulysses.

Answer: Ulysses asked little bird whether it had anything to tell him.
Explanation: When we report a sentence in our own words or without quoting the exact words of the speaker, it is called Indirect Speech.
Here, quoted sentence or reported clause is in the form of question, so the reporting verb 'asked' will come. Tense of reported clause changes from present perfect to past perfect. 'You' will change into 'it' because bird is addressed.
Note:- When the question is not introduced by an interrogative word, the reporting verb is followed by whether or if.



'Which way did she go?' asked the young Rakshas.

Answer: The young Rakshas asked which way she had gone.
Explanation: When we report a sentence in our own words or without quoting the exact words of the speaker, it is called Indirect Speech.
Here, quoted sentence or reported clause is in the form of question, so the reporting verb 'asked' will come. When the question is introduced by an interrogative word like why, whom, what, who etc, that word doesn't change. Tense of reported clause changes from simple past to past perfect. 
Note:- When the question is not introduced by an interrogative word, the reporting verb is followed by whether or if.


"Who are you, sir, and what do you want?" they cried.

Answer: They asked who he was and what he wanted.
Explanation: When we report a sentence in our own words or without quoting the exact words of the speaker, it is called Indirect Speech.
Here, quoted sentence or reported clause is in the form of question, so the reporting verb 'asked' will come. Reported clause consists of two clauses, so tense of first clause changes from present continuous to past continuous and tense of second clause changes from simple present to simple past. 'You' will change into 'he' because sir is addressed. Moreover, when question begins with an interrogative word like who, what, when etc, that word remains same. 
Note:- When the question is not introduced by an interrogative word, the reporting verb is followed by whether or if.



Aladdin said to the magician, "What have I done to deserve so severe a blow?"

Answer: Aladdin asked the magician what he had done to deserve so severe a blow.
Explanation: When we report a sentence in our own words or without quoting the exact words of the speaker, it is called Indirect Speech.
Here, quoted sentence or reported clause is in the form of question, so the reporting verb asked will come.  When the question is introduced by an interrogative word like when, who, whom, what etc, that word remains same. Tense of reported clause changes from present perfect to past perfect. 'I' will change into 'he' because magician is a male. 
Note:- When the question is not introduced by an interrogative word, the reporting verb is followed by whether or if.


"Do you write in a good hand?" he said.

Answer: He asked if/whether I wrote a good hand.
Explanation: When we report a sentence in our own words or without quoting the exact words of the speaker, it is called Indirect Speech.
Here, quoted sentence or reported clause is in the form of question, so the reporting verb asked will come. Tense of reported clause changes from simple present to simple past. 'You' will change into 'I' or any other pronoun because listener is not mentioned. 
Note:- When the question is not introduced by an interrogative word, the reporting verb is followed by whether or if.


The young sparrow said, 'Mother, what is that queer object?'

Answer: The young sparrow asked its mother what that queer object was.
Explanation: When we report a sentence in our own words or without quoting the exact words of the speaker, it is called Indirect Speech.
Here, quoted sentence or reported clause is in the form of question, so the reporting verb 'asked' will come. Tense of reported clause changes from Present continuous to past continuous. 
Note:- When the question is not introduced by an interrogative word, the reporting verb is followed by whether or if.



Then aloud he said, "Tell me, boy, is the miller within?"

Answer: Then aloud he asked the boy to tell him whether the miller was within.
Explanation: When we report a sentence in our own words or without quoting the exact words of the speaker, it is called Indirect Speech.
Here, quoted sentence or reported clause is in the form of question, so the reporting verb 'asked' will come. Tense of reported clause changes from Present continuous to past continuous. 'Me' will change into 'him' because speaker is referring to himself. 
Note:- When the question is not introduced by an interrogative word, the reporting verb is followed by whether or if.



"Don't you know the way home?" asked I.

Answer: I asked if/whether he didn't know the way home.
Explanation: When we report a sentence in our own words or without quoting the exact words of the speaker, it is called Indirect Speech.
Here, quoted sentence or reported clause is in the form of question, so the reporting verb asked will come. Tense of reported clause changes from simple present to simple past. 'You' will change into 'he' or any other pronoun because listener is not mentioned. 
Note:- When the question is not introduced by an interrogative word, the reporting verb is followed by whether or if.


The Rajah was deeply grieved, and said to his wife, "What can I do for you?"

Answer: The Rajah was deeply grieved and asked his wife what he could do for her.
Explanation: When we report a sentence in our own words or without quoting the exact words of the speaker, it is called Indirect Speech.
Here, quoted sentence or reported clause is in the form of question, so reporting verb 'asked' will come. When the question begins with an interrogative word like what, when etc., that word remains same. The modal can will change into could. Pronoun 'I' changes into 'he' as Rajah is the speaker.
Note:- When the question is not introduced by an interrogative word, the reporting verb is followed by whether or if.



He said to me, "Wait until I come."

Answer: He asked me to wait until he came.
Explanation: When we report a sentence in our own words or without quoting the exact words of the speaker, it is called Indirect Speech.
Here, quoted sentence or reported clause is in the imperative form (expressing order, request, suggestion, etc.) and reporting verb 'asked' will come as it is used when one wants someone to do or give something. Simple present changes into simple past. No conjunction is used after reporting clause. We add 'to' or 'not to' before the verb of the reported clause. 


She said to him, 'What is it that makes you so much stronger and braver than any other man ?'

Answer: She asked him what it was that made him so much stronger and braver than any other man.
Explanation: When we report a sentence in our own words or without quoting the exact words of the speaker, it is called Indirect Speech.
Here, quoted sentence or reported clause is in the form of question, so the reporting verb 'asked' will come. Tense of reported clause changes from Present continuous to past continuous. 'You' will change into 'him' i.e. objective form of he. Moreover, the question begins from an interrogative word like when, where etc so, that word will remain same.
 Note:- When the question is not introduced by an interrogative word, the reporting verb is followed by whether or if.



The teacher said to him, "Do not read so fast."

Answer: The teacher advised him not to read so fast.
Explanation: When we report a sentence in our own words or without quoting the exact words of the speaker, it is called Indirect Speech.
Here, quoted sentence or reported clause is in the imperative form (expressing order, request, suggestion, etc.) and reported clause is an advice, so the reporting verb 'advised' will come. No conjunction is used after reporting clause. We add 'to' or 'not to' before the verb of the reported clause. 


"Take off your hat." the king said to the Hatter.

Answer: The king ordered the Hatter to take off his hat.
Explanation: When we report a sentence in our own words or without quoting the exact words of the speaker, it is called Indirect Speech.
Here, quoted sentence or reported clause is in the imperative form (expressing order, request, suggestion, etc.) and it an order, so the reporting verb 'ordered' will come. No conjunction is used after reporting clause. We add 'to' or 'not to' before the verb of the reported clause. Pronoun 'your' changes into 'his' as listener is a Hatter.


"Halt!" shouted the officer to his men.

Answer: The officer shouted to his men to halt.
Explanation: When we report a sentence in our own words or without quoting the exact words of the speaker, it is called Indirect Speech.
Here, quoted sentence or reported clause is in the imperative form (expressing order, request, suggestion, etc.) so, reporting verb 'shouted' will not change. No conjunction is used after reporting clause. We add 'to' or 'not to' before the verb of the reported clause. 


"Dear bird," she said, stroking its feathers, "have you come to comfort me in my sorrow?"

Answer: Stroking the bird's feathers, she asked whether it had come to comfort her in her sorrow.
Explanation: When we report a sentence in our own words or without quoting the exact words of the speaker, it is called Indirect Speech.
Here, quoted sentence or reported clause is in the form of question, so the reporting verb 'asked' will come. Tense of reported clause changes from Present perfect to past perfect. 'You' will change into 'it' because bird is addressed. 'Me' and 'my' change according to the speaker that is 'she'. 
Note:- When the question is not introduced by an interrogative word, the reporting verb is followed by whether or if.



'Sit down, boys.' said the teacher.

Answer: The teacher ordered the boys to sit down.
Explanation: When we report a sentence in our own words or without quoting the exact words of the speaker, it is called Indirect Speech.
Here, quoted sentence or reported clause is in the imperative form (expressing order, request, suggestion, etc.) so, reporting verb 'ordered' will come here. No conjunction is used after reporting clause. We add 'to' or 'not to' before the verb of the reported clause. 


'Bring me a drink of milk.' said the swami to the villagers.

Answer: Swami ordered the villagers to bring him a drink of milk.
Explanation: When we report a sentence in our own words or without quoting the exact words of the speaker, it is called Indirect Speech. Here, reported clause is an imperative sentence. Thus, we will use reporting verb 'ordered' in indirect speech. Pronoun 'me' changes to 'him' as Swami is a male.


'What a rare article milk is, to be sure, in London !' said Mr. Squeers with a sigh.

Answer: Mr. Squeers exclaimed with a sigh that milk was, to be sure, a very rare article in London.
Explanation: When we report a sentence in our own words or without quoting the exact words of the speaker, it is called Indirect Speech.
Here, In reporting exclamations and wishes the Indirect Speech is introduced by some verb expressing exclamation or wish. Reporting verb 'exclaimed' will come. Verb 'is' changes into 'was'. 


'How smart you are!' she said.

Answer: She exclaimed that I/he/she was very smart.
Explanation: When we report a sentence in our own words or without quoting the exact words of the speaker, it is called Indirect Speech.
Here, In reporting exclamations and wishes the Indirect Speech is introduced by some verb expressing exclamation or wish. Any pronoun can come as listener is not known. 


He said, 'Alas! our foes are too strong.'

Answer: He exclaimed sadly that their foes were too strong.
Explanation: When we report a sentence in our own words or without quoting the exact words of the speaker, it is called Indirect Speech.
Here, In reporting exclamations and wishes the Indirect Speech is introduced by some verb expressing exclamation or wish.


He said, 'What a lazy boy you are! How badly you have done your work!'

Answer: He exclaimed that I/he was a  very lazy boy and that I/he had done my/his work very badly.
Explanation: When we report a sentence in our own words or without quoting the exact words of the speaker, it is called Indirect Speech.
Here, In reporting exclamations and wishes the Indirect Speech is introduced by some verb expressing exclamation or wish. Simple present changes into simple past. Any pronoun i.e. I or he can come as listener is not known.


"What a stupid fellow you are!" he angrily remarked.

Answer: He angrily remarked that I/she was a very stupid fellow.
Explanation: When we report a sentence in our own words or without quoting the exact words of the speaker, it is called Indirect Speech.
Here, In reporting exclamations and wishes the Indirect Speech is introduced by some verb expressing exclamation or wish. Verb 'is' will change into 'was'. Any pronoun 'I' or 'she' can come as listener is not known.


He said, 'My God! I am ruined.'

Answer: He exclaimed sadly that he was ruined.
Explanation: When we report a sentence in our own words or without quoting the exact words of the speaker, it is called Indirect Speech.
Here, In reporting exclamations and wishes the Indirect Speech is introduced by some verb expressing exclamation or wish. Simple present tense changes into simple past. 


"Hurry up," he said to his servant, "do not waste time."

Answer: He ordered his servant to hurry up and not to waste time.
Explanation: When we report a sentence in our own words or without quoting the exact words of the speaker, it is called Indirect Speech.
Here, quoted sentence or reported clause is in the imperative form (expressing order, request, suggestion, etc.) and reporting verb 'ordered' will come as reported clause is an order. No conjunction is used after reporting clause. We add 'to' or 'not to' before the verb of the reported clause. 


He said, "Daughter, take my golden jug, and fetch me some water from the well."

Answer: He asked his daughter to take his golden jug and fetch him some water from the well.
Explanation: When we report a sentence in our own words or without quoting the exact words of the speaker, it is called Indirect Speech.
Here, quoted sentence or reported clause is in the imperative form (expressing order, request, suggestion, etc.) and reporting verb 'asked' is used when one wants someone to do or give something. Pronoun 'my' and 'me' changes into 'his' and 'him' respectively as speaker says about himself. No conjunction is used after reporting clause. We add 'to' or 'not to' before the verb of the reported clause. 


"Go down to the bazaar. Bring me some oil and a lump of ice." ordered his master.

Answer: His master ordered him to go down to the bazaar and bring him some oil and a lump of ice.
Explanation: When we report a sentence in our own words or without quoting the exact words of the speaker, it is called Indirect Speech.
Here, quoted sentence or reported clause is in the imperative form (expressing order, request, suggestion, etc.) so the reporting verb 'ordered' will not change. No conjunction is used after reporting clause. We add 'to' or 'not to' before the verb of the reported clause. Pronoun 'me' changes into 'him' as speaker is master i.e. male here.


"Run away, children." said their mother.

Answer: Their mother ordered the children to run away.
Explanation: When we report a sentence in our own words or without quoting the exact words of the speaker, it is called Indirect Speech.
Here, quoted sentence or reported clause is in the imperative form (expressing order, request, suggestion, etc.) and reporting verb 'ordered' will come as reported clause is an order. No conjunction is used after reporting clause. We add 'to' or 'not to' before the verb of the reported clause. 


He asked his father when the next letter would come.

Answer: He said to his father, "When will the next letter come?"
Explanation: When we report a sentence in the actual words of the speaker, it is called Direct Speech.
Here, reporting verb 'asked' will change into 'said to'. Asked states that quoted sentence is in the question form. Reported clause will be placed in double quotes. 'Will' changes into 'would' in indirect speech so, in direct speech 'would' will change into 'will'. 


He asked Rama to go with him.

Answer: He said to Rama ,"Come with me."
Explanation: When we report a sentence in the actual words of the speaker, it is called Direct Speech.
Here, reporting verb 'asked' will change into 'said to'. Asked was used when one wants someone to do or give something. In this sentence he wanted Rama to go with him. Reported clause will be placed in double quotes. 'Come' changes into go in indirect speech so, in this case 'go' will come in direct speech. Pronoun 'him' changes into 'me' as the speaker is referring to himself so, first person 'me' comes here. 


The master requested that they would attend carefully to what he was saying.

Answer:  The master said, "Please attend carefully to what I am saying."

Explanation:

Here, reporting verb is in past tense and the tense of clause in indirect speech is past tense. As there's "requested" in indirect speech, we need to mention its presence in direct speech, which is mostly done in form of 'please'.



Rama replied that he could not do so

Answer: Rama replied, "I cannot do so."
Explanation: When we report a sentence in the actual words of the speaker, it is called Direct Speech.
Here, reporting verb 'replied' doesn't change. Conjunction joining the two clauses i.e. that will be removed. Reported clause will be placed in double quotes. Modal 'can' changes into 'could' in indirect speech so, in this case can will come in direct speech. Pronoun 'he' changes into 'I' as the speaker is referring to himself.


His father replied that there might not be another that year.

Answer: "There may not be another this year," replied his father. 
Explanation: When we report a sentence in the actual words of the speaker, it is called Direct Speech.
Here, reporting verb 'replied' remains the same. Conjunction joining the two clauses i.e. that will be removed. Reported clause will be placed in double quotes. May changes into might in indirect speech so, may will come here. Adverb 'this' changes into 'that' in indirect speech so, 'that' will become 'this' in direct speech.


He said, 'How cruel of him!'

Answer: He exclaimed that it was very cruel of him.
Explanation: When we report a sentence in our own words or without quoting the exact words of the speaker, it is called Indirect Speech.
Here, In reporting exclamations and wishes the Indirect Speech is introduced by some verb expressing exclamation or wish.


He said, 'What a pity you did not come!'

Answer: He exclaimed that it was a great pity I/he/she/they had not come.
Explanation: When we report a sentence in our own words or without quoting the exact words of the speaker, it is called Indirect Speech.
Here, In reporting exclamations and wishes the Indirect Speech is introduced by some verb expressing exclamation or wish. Any pronoun can come as listener is not known. Simple past changes into past perfect. 


Rama asked me what had become of Hari.

Answer: Rama said to me, "What has become of Hari?"
Explanation: When we report a sentence in the actual words of the speaker, it is called Direct Speech.
Here, reporting verb 'asked' will change into 'said to'. Asked states that quoted sentence is a question. Reported clause will be placed in double quotes. Since indirect speech is in past perfect, direct speech will be in present perfect. 


I told him that I had not seen him for months.

Answer: I said to him, "I have not seen you for months."
Explanation: When we report a sentence in the actual words of the speaker, it is called Direct Speech.
Here, reporting verb 'told' will change into 'said to'. Conjunction joining the two clauses i.e. that will be removed. Reported clause will be placed in double quotes. Since indirect speech is in past perfect, direct speech will be in present perfect. Pronoun 'him' changes into 'you' as it was the actual word used by the speaker.


He said, 'Oh ! that's a nuisance.'

Answer: He exclaimed that it was a nuisance.
Explanation: When we report a sentence in our own words or without quoting the exact words of the speaker, it is called Indirect Speech.
Here, In reporting exclamations and wishes the Indirect Speech is introduced by some verb expressing exclamation or wish. Simple present changes into simple past.


Change to direct speech.
He said that he was tired, and that he wished to go to bed.

Answer: He said, "I am tired and I wish to go to bed."

Explanation:
When an indirect speech in past tense is converted to direct speech, it is changed to simple present tense.



I told them to be quiet.

Answer: I said to them, "Be quiet."
Explanation: When we report a sentence quoting the exact words of the speaker, it is called direct Speech.
Here, the words spoken are placed between quotation marks. Reporting verb 'said to' will come in direct speech as 'told' is given in indirect speech. 


Change to Direct speech.
Rama asked Hari if he would change places with him.

Answer: Rama said to Hari, " Will you change places with me?"

Explanation:
If indirect speech is in the past tense, the sentence in direct speech is converted to present tense so here would is converted to its present form 'will'. We enclose a direct speech in double inverted commas.  We know that a question is always reported in the form of a statement. 




Change to direct speech.
Abdul said that he had seen that picture.

Answer: Abdul said, " I have seen this picture."

Explanation:
When the indirect speech is in past perfect tense the sentence in direct speech changes to present perfect tense so had seen is changed to have seen, that changes to this and the sentence is enclosed in double inverted commas.


He observed that he had never liked doing that.

Answer: He observed, "I have liked doing that."
Explanation: When we report a sentence quoting the exact words of the speaker, it is called Indirect Speech.
Here, the words spoken are placed between quotation marks. Since the indirect speech is in past perfect, direct speech will be in present perfect. Pronoun 'I' will come as speaker is talking about himself.  


Change to direct speech.

He asked me where I was going.
2.He asked me what I wanted.

Answers:

1. He said, "Where are you going?"
2. He said, "What do you want?"

Explanation:

Here, as the reported speech is in past tense, so we changed the direct speech in simple present tense and enclosed it in double inverted commas.
If there is a usage of what/where/when as the “question-word” then that word itself acts as a joining clause.




Change to direct speech.
He said that the earth moves round the sun.

Answer: He said, "The Earth moves round the sun."

Explanation:
When we state a universal truth, there is no change in the tense of the given sentence.


I wrote that I would visit him next day.

Answer: I wrote, "I will visit you/him tomorrow."

Explanation: Here, reporting verb is in past tense and the tense of clause in indirect speech is past tense. Thus, in direct speech, would changes to will; him could be you or him itself; next day changes to tomorrow in direct speech.


Change to direct speech.
John said that he wanted to be a soldier.

Answer: John said, "I want to be a soldier." 

Explanation:
Here the indirect speech is in simple past tense so we changed it to simple present tense in direct speech and enclosed it in double inverted commas.


Change to direct speech.
The stranger asked Alice where she lived.

Answer: The stranger said to Alice, " Where do you live?"

Explanation:
If there is a usage of what/where/when as the “question-word” then that word itself acts as a joining clause.
As the reported speech is in past tense, so we changed the direct speech in to simple present tense and enclosed it in double inverted commas.


Change to direct speech.
The mother asked her boy where he had been all the afternoon.

Answer: The mother said to her boy, "Where have you been all the afternoon?"

Explanation:

If there is a usage of what/where/when as the “question-word” then that word itself acts as a joining clause.
As the reported speech is in past perfect tense, so we changed the direct speech in to present perfect tense and enclosed it in double inverted commas.


Change to the direct speech.
The King asked the philosopher whom he considered the happiest man living.

Answer: The King said to the philosopher, "Whom do you consider the happiest man living?"

Explanation:
Simple past tense is converted to simple present tense while converting to direct speech. Hence, 'considered' is converted to 'consider'.
If there is a usage of wh-words as the “question-word” then that word itself acts as a joining clause.


Change to direct speech..
Hari asked Rama if he had read the letter

Answer: Hari said to Rama, "Have you read the letter?"

Explanation:
'Had' is converted to 'have' as per the rules of narration.
When the joining clause begins with if or whether then the direct speech sentence begins with an auxiliary verb/helping verb.


Change to direct speech.
He ordered him to leave the room and forbade him to return.

Answer: He said to me, "Leave the room and do not return." 

Explanation:

Here, the sentence in indirect speech is the infinitive so the direct speech will change to imperative mood in direct speech.


Change to direct speech.
He said that he had come to see them.

Answer: He said, " I have come to see you."

Explanation:
Here, the tense in indirect speech is in past perfect tense, so we changed it present perfect tense.


Change to direct speech.
He said that though he had come, it was against his will.

Answer: He said, "Even though I have come, it is against my will."

Explanation:

Here, the sentence in indirect speech is in past perfect tense, so the sentence in direct speech should be changed to past perfect tense.



Change to direct speech.
He asked me if I would accompany him.

Answer: He said to me, "Will you accompany me?"

Explanation:

If the joining clause begins with if or whether, direct speech sentence begins with an auxiliary verb/helping verb.
Here, the sentence in indirect speech is 'would' is used which is changed into 'will' in direct sentence.



Change to direct speech.
I asked Mary if she would lend me a pencil.

Answer: I said to Mary, "Will you lend me a pencil?"

Explanation:

When the joining clause begins with if or whether then the direct speech sentence begins with an auxiliary verb/helping verb.





Change to direct speech.
The lady inquired if he was now quite well again.

Answer: The lady said, " Are you now quite well again?"

Explanation:

When the joining clause begins with if or whether then the direct speech sentence begins with an auxiliary verb/helping verb.


Change to direct speech.
He told us that he had waited an hour.

Answer: He said, "I have waited an hour."

Explanation:

When an indirect speech is in past perfect tense then we change the tense to  present perfect tense in direct speech.


Change to direct speech.
The magistrate asked the prisoner what he was doing with his hand in the gentleman's pocket. 

Answer: The magistrate said to the prisoner, "What are you doing with your hand in the gentleman's pocket?"

Explanation:
Here, the sentence in indirect speech is in past continuous tense so we changed it to present continuous tense in direct speech.



The fox cried out to the goat that a thought had just come in to his head

Answer: The fox cried out to the goat, "A thought has just come in to my head."
Explanation: In direct speech, words are put in the manner they are said. Here, reporting verb 'cried' will remain same. Tense and pronoun in reported clause will change. 


The lion told the fox that he was very weak, that his teeth had fallen out, and that he had no appetite.

Answer: The lion said to the fox, "I am very weak, my teeth have fallen out, and I have no appetite.
Explanation: In direct speech, words are put in the way they are spoken. Here, reporting verb 'said' is used. Here, in the reported clause first-person pronoun is used. The tense is changed accordingly. 


Telemachus replied , 'How can I drive away the mother, who bore me and nourished me?'

Telemachus asked how he could drive away the mother, who had borne him and nourished him.

In indirect speech, the reported clause's tense is changed according to the tense of the reporting verb. Here, the reporting verb is in past tense so the entire reported clause will be changed to past tense. Consequently, the past tense verb will be changed to past perfect tense: "had borne and nourished". As it is an interrogative sentence, it will be first converted to an assertive sentence. "Me" will change to "him" as it is referring to the speaker.


But the sea-god cried, 'Do not be afraid, noble prince. I have taken pity on you and will help you.' 

Answer: But the sea-god asked the noble prince to not be afraid and told him that he had taken pity on him and would help him.

Explanation: When we change direct speech to reported speech, the tense of the quoted sentence changes according to the tense of the reporting verb. The reporting verb is in past tense, so the entire sentence will be in past tense. As the sentence starts with an imperative sentence, we will change the reporting verb to "asked".


He advised his sons not to quarrel amongst themselves, when he was dead but to remain united.

Answer: He said to his sons, "Do not quarrel amongst yourselves when I am dead but remain united."
Explanation: In Direct speech words are written in the way they are spoken. Here, reporting verb 'said to' is written. Pronoun 'I' is written as direct words will be used. 


'What a horse they are losing for want of skill and spirit to manage him!', exclaimed Alexander.

Alexander exclaimed that they were losing a great horse for the want of skill and spirit to manage him.

In indirect speech, the reported clause's tense is changed according to the tense of the reporting verb. Here, the reporting verb is in past tense so the entire reported clause will be changed to past tense. As it is an exclamatory sentence, it will be first converted to an assertive sentence. "Great" is added before "horse" to show emphasis as the exclamatory sentence is converted to assertive.


'No,' said the child, 'I won't kneel, for if I do, I shall spoil my new breeches.'

The child replied negatively that he would not kneel, for if he did, he would spoil his new breeches.

In indirect speech, the reported clause's tense is changed according to the tense of the reporting verb. Here, the reporting verb is in past tense so the entire reported clause will be changed to past tense. As "no" is written in the question, it will be shown using the word "negatively". "Said" here is changed to "replied" as "no" seems to be a reply to some statement or question.


'Cheer up, mother, I'll go and get work somewhere.' said Jack.

Answer: Jack asked his mother to cheer up as he would go and get work somewhere.

Explanation: When we change direct speech to reported speech, the tense of the quoted sentence changes according to the tense of the reporting verb. The reporting verb is in past tense, so the entire sentence will be in past tense. As the sentence starts with an imperative sentence, we will change the reporting verb to "asked".


Rewrite these sentences using the passive voice.
My uncle will visit me on my birthday
He will give me a watch

I will be visited by my uncle on my birthday. I will be given a watch by him / A watch will be given by him to me.


Turn the following Conversation into Indirect speech.

The visitor: How beautiful the Taj looks!
The Guide: We are proud of this historical monument.
The visitor: Who built this wonder of the world?
The Guide: Shahjhan the great emperor.

The visitor exclaimed that the Taj looked very beautiful. To this the guide stated that they were proud of that historical monument. The visitor asked him who built that wonder of the world. The guide replied that the great emperor Shah Jahan built it.


Change the following statement in reported speech:
The teacher said to Ramesh, "Will you do my work now?"
The teacher asked Ramesh ________

In the given sentence, while converting it into indirect speech, we must change the pronouns 'you' to 'he' and 'my' to 'his/her', 'will' to 'would' and 'now' to 'then'. Hence the correct answer is as given below.
The teacher asked Ramesh if he would do his/her work then.



Change the following statement in reported speech:
The boys said, "Hurray! we have won the match."
The boys exclaimed with joy __________.  [Intermediate]

'The boy exclaimed with joy that they had won the match.'
This is the correct answer because in the indirect speech, 'hurray' is changed to ' exclaimed with joy', 'we' is changed to 'they' and 'have' to 'had'.
The verb in the given sentence is in present perfect tense. Therefore it changes to past perfect tense as we convert into reported speech.


Change the following statement in reported speech:
The Principal said to the clerk, "Do this work or leave the office."
The Principal ordered the clerk _________ .

As a rule of conversion of direct to indirect speech, we do not change the tense of the phrase inside quotations. Also, we change 'this' to 'that'.
The Principal ordered the clerk to either do that work or leave the office.


Change the following statement in reported speech:
The Minister said, "You can open the new bridge for the public today."
The Minister said ___________ .

The Minister said that they could open the new bridge for the public that day.
This is the correct form of indirect speech because 'you' is changed to 'they', 'can' to 'could' and 'today' is changed to 'that day'.



Complete the reported speech of the following sentence given in direct form:
"Our study group has spent decades studying the health effects of diet quality and composition," said co-author Eric Rimm.
Co-author Eric Rimm ______________________. [Advanced]

When we change a speech from direct to reported, the tense of the sentence will go one tense back.
So, in this sentence,"Our study group has spent decades studying the health effects of diet quality and composition",
the tense is present perfect tense; "has spent" is the verb form that expresses this tense.
Hence the sentence will be in past perfect tense, and the relevant subject and words will change in that manner.

Hence the answer is:
Co-author Eric Rimm said that their study group had spent decades studying the health effects of diet quality and composition.


Form a Wh-question to get the part in inverted commas as an answer:

'In the nineteenth century', there were third-class carriages.

The part in inverted commas 'in the nineteenth century' tells us the time. The question word 'when' also asks about the time.
So, the answer is:
When were there third-class carriages?


"Why are you crying?" said the woman to a little boy. "I want a balloon," he said.
Change it into Indirect Speech:

When we're reporting a speech, we're narrating things that happened or were said in the past. So, the speech will go one tense back.
In reported speech, we add a reporting verb (usually 'said'), the subject changes in narration ('he', 'she', 'it' or 'they') and the related words also change.
So, the reported/indirect speech for the given sentences is:
The woman asked a little boy why he was crying. He replied that he wanted a balloon.


Change the voice of the following sentence:

Sit down, please.

The given sentence is imperative (a sentence that expresses a request or a command) and is in the active voice.
The answer for this is:
Please be seated.

The passive form of the verb 'sit down' is 'be seated'.


Rewrite the following sentence beginning with 'Her ashes...':
He scattered her ashes over the Himalayas.

The given sentence is in active voice. The subject 'He' performs an action 'scattered' against the object 'her ashes' in a certain place 'over the Himalayas'.
If we begin it with 'Her ashes...', we're changing it to passive voice. The subject 'Her ashes' receives an action 'were scattered' in a certain place 'over the Himalayas' by the object 'by him'.

So, the answer is:
Her ashes were scattered over the Himalayas by him.


$$(1)$$ ''I want to work for you,'' I said.
(Change it into indirect speech)

$$(2)$$ I can't pay you.
(Rewrite making it affirmative)

Indirect speech:
I said that I wanted to work for him.

Affirmative sentence: I am unable to pay you.


Look at these pairs of sentences.
Penny said to Jody, "Will you be back before dinner?"
Penny asked Jody if he would be back before dinner.
"How are you feeling, Pa?" asked Jody.
Jody asked his father how he was feeling.

Here are some questions in direct speech. Put them into reported speech.

  1. Penny said, "Do you really want it son?"
  2. Mill-wheel said, "Will he ride back with me?"
  3. He said to Mill-wheel, "Do you think the fawn is still there?"
  4. He asked Mill-wheel, "Will you help me find him?"
  5. He said, "Was it up here that Pa got bitten by the snake?"

  1. Penny asked his son if he really wanted the fawn.
  2. Mill-wheel enquired if Jody would ride back with him.
  3. Jody asked Mill-wheel if he thought the fawn was still there.
  4. He asked Mill-wheel if he would help him find the fawn.
  5. Mill-wheel wanted to know if that was the place where Pa had got bitten by the snake.


Write appropriate question words in the blank spaces in the following dialogue.
Neha:  did you get this book?
Sheela: Yesterday morning.
Neha:  is your sister crying?
Sheela : Because she has lost her doll.
Neha:  room is this, yours or hers?
Sheela: Its ours
Neha: . do you go to school?
Sheela: We walk to the school. It is nearby.

Neha: When did you get this book?
Sheela: Yesterday morning.
Neha: Why is your sister crying?
Sheela : Because she has lost her doll.
Neha: Whose room is this, yours or hers?
Sheela: Its ours
Neha: How do you go to school?
Sheela: We walk to the school. It is nearby.


Change the following sentence into Passive.
The minister will take a bride from the common man.

A bride will be taken from the common man by the minister.

Explanation:
When we change voice, the subject is changed to object and object to the subject.


Change into passive voice.
CBSE has introduced Yoga in curriculum.

Yoga has been introduced in curriculum by CBSE.

Explanation:
When we change voice, the subject is changed to object and object to the subject.


Change the following text using I in place of Rita.
Rita wants to be a teacher. She has good command over languages. She also teaches Maths and help others.
Start this way : I want ........

Sentence in first person: I want to be a teacher. I have a good command over languages. I also teach Math and help others.


Turn the following conversation into indirect speech. 

Vatsal : Where are you going?
Nirav : I am going to play.
Vatsal : Lets go to the library.
Nirav : What a wonderful idea !

Vatsal asked Nirva where he was going, to which he replied that he was going to play. Vatsal then suggested that they should go to the library. Nirva exclaimed that this was a wonderful idea.


Turn the following conversation into the indirect speech:
The King : What are you doing here? Didn't you go home?
The beggar : Sir, I have lost a rupee. I have been searching for it since morning.
The King : You are a very greedy fellow.

The King asked the beggar what he was doing there and why he did not go home. The beggar replied that he had lost his rupee and that he was searching for it since morning. The King remarked that he was a greedy fellow.


Do as indicated in the following statement:
The teacher said to the students, "Why are you not doing your homework?" 
(Change into indirect speech) [Intermediate]

In an indirect speech, the present continuous tense is always converted into past continuous tense.
In 'Wh' questions, we use the same question word in the indirect speech.
NOTE: We can't put a question mark at the end of an indirect sentence and hence the sentence should be a simple sentence.
ANSWER: The teacher asked the students why they were not doing their homework.


Do as indicated in the following statement:
He is helping his brother.
(Change into passive voice) 

Let's first put the object of the active voice 'his brother', as the subject of the passive voice. Then, we will use the auxiliary 'is' to describe the subject's state of being in the passive voice. We always add 'being' when the sentence is in the present continuous tense, and the verb always remains in the past participle form. We use 'by' and the subject of the active voice 'he' as the objective form.
'His brother is being helped by him.' is the correct answer.


You must have noticed that when we report someones exact words, we have to make some changes in the sentence structure. In the following sentence fill in the blanks to list the changes that have occurred in the above pairs of sentences. One has been done for you.
If the Verb in direct speech is in the present continuous tense, the verb in reported speech changes to ____ tense. For example, ____ changes to was getting.

past continuous, is getting


You must have noticed that when we report someones exact words, we have to make some changes in the sentence structure. In the following sentence fill in the blanks to list the changes that have occurred in the above pairs of sentences. One has been done for you.
When the sentence in direct speech contains a word denoting respect, we add the adverb ____ in the reporting clause

respectfully


Some verbs of reporting are given. Choose the appropriate verbs and fill in the blanks in the sentences:
(were complaining, shouted, replied, remarked, ordered, suggested).
The children  ________ that the roads were crowded and noisy.

were complaining


Re-write the following sentence according to the instruction given after each. Make other changes that may be necessary, but do not change the meaning of each sentence. 
We have had no rain since January, Ramu said.
(Being: Ramu said that they ......................................)

Ramu said that they had had no rains since January.


Some verbs of reporting are given. Choose the appropriate verbs and fill in the blanks in the sentences:
(were complaining, shouted, replied, remarked, ordered, suggested).
“Leave me alone,” my mother ________

shouted


Some verbs of reporting are given. Choose the appropriate verbs and fill in the blanks in the sentences:
(were complaining, shouted, replied, remarked, ordered, suggested).
“I am not afraid”, _____  the woman.

replied


We will arrange a training program. (Find the correct passive form)

Answer
By making it the correct passive form we will get '' A training program will be arranged by us''.Explanation:
In passive voice, the action of the verb is on the target point.It means that the subject is either less important or not present at all. In an active voice, the scenario is different. The subject has more importance than the verb and the whole emphasis is on it.


What is/are the preposition(s) of the following sentence?: The constant talking from the audience members next to us was very rude and almost ruined the movie.

A preposition is a word used before a noun or a pronoun to express its relation with other words or elements of the sentence
Answer
There are two propositions in the sentence:1) from
2) to
Explanation:
The constant talking [ from  the audience members ]
next [ to us ] was very rude and almost ruined the movie.
There are two prepositions in this sentence
1) from 2) to
They each form part of a prepositional phrase with a noun (or a pronoun in the "object" case) as the object of the preposition
1) "from the audience members" is the entire prepositional phrase,with the noun "members" as the object of the proposition "from."
2) "to us" is the entire prepositional phrase,with the pronoun "us" as the object of the preposition "to".


Some verbs of reporting are given. Choose the appropriate verbs and fill in the blanks in the sentences:
(were complaining, shouted, replied, remarked, ordered, suggested).
“Let’s go and look at the school ground”, _____  the sports teacher.

suggested


Some verbs of reporting are given. Choose the appropriate verbs and fill in the blanks in the sentences:
(were complaining, shouted, replied, remarked, ordered, suggested).
“Perhaps he isn’t a bad sort of a chap after all”, ________ the master.

remarked


Some verbs of reporting are given. Choose the appropriate verbs and fill in the blanks in the sentences:
(were complaining, shouted, replied, remarked, ordered, suggested).
The traffic police _______  all the passers- by to keep off the road.

ordered


Class 8 English Extra Questions