In the following question, a sentence has been given in Direct/Indirect speech. Out of the four alternatives suggested, select the one which best expresses the same sentence in Indirect/Direct speech.
The coach said, "Don't move, boys."
- AThe coach told to the boys don't move.
- BThe coach said to the boys not to be moving.
- CThe coach asked the boys not to move.
- DThe coach told to them, don't move boys.
Solution & Step-by-step Explanation
When converting a negative imperative sentence (e.g., "Don't move") into indirect speech:
The reporting verb "said" changes to an appropriate verb like "asked", "told", "ordered", or "forbade" depending on the context and addressing the audience ("the boys").
"Don't" changes to "not to" followed by the base form of the verb (not+to+V
1
).
"told to" is grammatically incorrect because "told" does not take the preposition "to" directly when followed by an object.
Thus, option C, "The coach asked the boys not to move," is grammatically correct and best conveys the meaning.
The reporting verb "said" changes to an appropriate verb like "asked", "told", "ordered", or "forbade" depending on the context and addressing the audience ("the boys").
"Don't" changes to "not to" followed by the base form of the verb (not+to+V
1
).
"told to" is grammatically incorrect because "told" does not take the preposition "to" directly when followed by an object.
Thus, option C, "The coach asked the boys not to move," is grammatically correct and best conveys the meaning.