In the following question, a sentence has been given in Direct/Indirect speech. Out of the four alternatives suggested, select the one, which best express the same sentence in Indirect/Direct speech.
The intern said to the manager, 'Can I go?'
- AThe intern asked the manager if he could go.
- BThe intern asked the manager whether he can go.
- CThe intern asked the manager whether he can be going.
- DThe intern asked the manager whether he can be gone.
Solution & Step-by-step Explanation
When changing an interrogative sentence from direct to indirect speech:
"said to" changes to "asked".
If the reported speech begins with a modal/helping verb ("Can"), the conjunction "if" or "whether" is used.
The sentence structure changes from interrogative to assertive ("I can go" becomes "he could go").
The present tense modal "can" changes to past tense "could".
Therefore, Option A is the correct indirect form.
"said to" changes to "asked".
If the reported speech begins with a modal/helping verb ("Can"), the conjunction "if" or "whether" is used.
The sentence structure changes from interrogative to assertive ("I can go" becomes "he could go").
The present tense modal "can" changes to past tense "could".
Therefore, Option A is the correct indirect form.