CBSE Class 7 English Grammar – Verbs

CBSE Class 7 English Grammar – Verbs

A word that denotes an action or a state of being is called a verb,e.g.

  1. He plays football. (Action word)
  2.  Mr Gupta is a cashier. (State of being)

Types of Verb
The following types of verb are as follow
cbse-class-7-english-grammar-verbs-1

Principal Verbs
Action words are called Principal Verbs. All verbs in English language except 24 are principal (main) verbs.
cbse-class-7-english-grammar-verbs-2

Principal verbs are two types of verbs

1. Transitive Verb
A verb that takes object with them is called a Transitive Verb.
cbse-class-7-english-grammar-verbs-3

2. Intransitive Verb
A verb that does not take any object with it is called an Intransitive Verb,
cbse-class-7-english-grammar-verbs-4

Helping Verbs
Verbs that either help in the formation of tense or its mood. Generally helping verbs are used to show the state of being.
cbse-class-7-english-grammar-verbs-5

Helping verbs are of two types

1. Auxiliary Verb
Verbs that help in the formation of tense and mood. Here are some auxiliary verbs

  •  Been, being, is, am, are, was, were
  •  Do, does, did
  • Have, has, had
  • Shall, will

2. Modal Verbs
Verbs that denote the mode of action of the main verb are called Modal Verbs. Can, could, may, might, need, dare etc are modals.

Forms of Verb
There are three forms of verbs. When we change the verbs from one form to another, it is called conjugation of verbs.
cbse-class-7-english-grammar-verbs-6

Practice Questions and Solutions

Question 1:
In the following sentences identify the principles and helping verbs.

  1. Thieves where running with the loots.
  2. The mother cooks for the family.
  3. College can impart quality of education.
  4.  Plants make their food their by own.
  5. She must finish the work on time.

Solution:

  1.  Principal Verb : running
    Helping Verb : were
  2.  Principal Verb : cooks
    Helping Verb : X
  3.  Principal Verb : impart
    Helping Verb : can
  4.  Principal Verb : make
    Helping Verb : X
  5. Principal Verb : finish
    Helping Verb : must

Question 2:
In the following sentences identify the principles and verbs states its type.

  1.  The baby laughing heartily.
  2.  Students are reading the books.
  3.  Smita writes a long letter.
  4.  The crow was falying high in the sky.
  5. The man was jumping on the floor.

Solution:

  1.  Laughing (Intransitive)
  2.  Reading (Transitive)
  3. Writes (Transitive)
  4. Flying (Intransitive)
  5.  Jumping (Intransitive)

Question 3:
In the following sentences identify the subjects and the objects.

  1.  The foodballer kicks the ball.
  2.  A boy cry loudly in the park.
  3.  Mahi was sleeping in her room.
  4.  The hunter killed the lion.
  5.  Sheela has decorated her house.

Solution:

  1.  Subject : Footballer
    Object : the ball
  2.  Subject : A boy
    Object : X
  3.  Subject : Mahi
    Object : X
  4.  Subject : The hunter
    Object : The lion
  5. Subject : Sheela
    Object : her house

Question 4:
In the questions given below a word or a part of sentence has been underlined. Identify the underlined part and choose the correct option.

  1.  The storm caught the sailor.
    (a) Transitive verb         (b) Intransitive verb
    (c) Helping verb             (d) Modals
  2.  His friend told him not to pluck the flowers.
    (a) Object            (b) Complement
    (c) Pronoun        (d) Linker
  3.  According to me, she should work hard.
    (a) Object       (b) Complement
    (c) Modals      (d) Auxiliary
  4. The gardener trimmed the plants in the garden.
    (a) Object                      (b) Complement
    (c) Intransitive verb    (d) Transitive verb
  5.  The athlete has broken his own record.
    (a) Transitive verb     (b) Intransitive verb
    (c) Helping verb         (d) Modal

Solution:

  1.  (a)
  2. (a)
  3. (c)
  4. (d)
  5. (c)

Question 5:
Fill in the blanks with the correct verb from the options.

  1.  The old man liked to watch the children ……………… in the garden.
    (a) work          (b) see
    (c) play           (d) spit
  2.  Don’t disturb her. She is ……………… an application to her principal for leave.
    (a) wasting      (b) writing
    (c) spending    (d) working
  3.  The king of Spain ……………… to celebrate .Christopher Columbus’ return from his famous royage.
    (a) stated         (b) called
    (c) worte          (d) wished
  4.  His work has …………….. millions of people to escape a great deal of pain.
    (a) gained        (d) wanted
    (c) helped        (d) told
  5.  His duties included ……………… doctors during operations.
    (a) speaking     (b) throwing
    (c) calling         (d) assisting
  6. I would buy a big house If I ……………… Rs. 5 crore.
    (a) spent         (b) caught
    (c) flew           (d) earned
  7.  He could not come because he has ……………… sick.
    (a) met          (b) get
    (c) fallen       (d) visited
  8.  He wanted to ……………… his bungalow for Rs. 10 crore.
    (a) take               (b) sell
    (c) invented       (d) know
  9.  Pollution is ……………… detrimental effects on the lives of all.
    (a) causing        (b) giving
    (c) taking          (d) sharing
  10.  I ……………… my teacher what I wrote.
    (a) printed       (b) showed
    (c) erased         (d) copied

Solution:

  1.  (c)
  2.  (b)
  3. (d)
  4.  (c)
  5.  (d)
  6. (d)
  7.  (c)
  8.  (b)
  9. (a)
  10.  (b)

Question 6:
Use the correct form of the verb given in the brackets to complete the following paragraph.
Mr Koch, the mathematics teacher ……………… (1) (give) Albert the reference he ……………… (2) (want).
Albert ……………… (3) (get) summoned to the head teacher’s room. The head teacher told Albert that his work ……………… (4) (be) terrible and he (will) be punished if he ……………… (5) (continue) the same way. Albert was ……………… (6)(tempt) to say a few words, then thought otherwise.
Solution:

  1.  gave
  2. wanted
  3.  was
  4.  would
  5.  continued
  6. tempted

CBSE Class 7 English Grammar – Preposition

CBSE Class 7 English Grammar – Preposition

Definition of Preposition
A preposition is a word that is placed before a noun or a pronoun and establishes the positional relation with other words in the sentence.
e.g.

  1. He is sitting on a chair.
  2. The ball went across the boundary,
  3. She committed the mistake in spite of great care.

Types of Preposition
The following types of preposition are given below
Simple Preposition
On, onto, in, into, to, from, by, with etc.

Compound Preposition
Among, between, about, beside, across, before etc.

Phrasal Preposition
Due to despite, in spite of, in front of, in addition to etc.

Uses of Some Important Prepositions

 1. In
To show a stationary position inside a premise.
e.g.

  1.  I am in the room.
  2. She is in the class.

To-show the names of big countries cities or areas.
e.g.

  1.  I live in India.
  2.  Mayuri lives in Mumbai.

To show time or the seasons.
e.g.

  1.  Chitra was’ born in July.
  2.  I went there in the summer.

To show occupation and the activities.
e.g.

  1. He works in a plastic factory.
  2.  She is busy in cooking.

2. Into
To show the movement that is directed inwards,
e.g.

  1.  Hari jumped into the river.
  2.  Manager came hurriedly into the cabin.

To show the change in state of something, e.g.

  1.  Milk is converted into curd.
  2.  Cheese is modified into cheese-pakoda.

3. At
To show time and definite place, e.g.

  1.  I get up at 7 am.
  2.  She was at the conference.

Used before colony, village or smaller areas, e.g.

  1.  I live at Mandawali in Delhi.
  2.  She studies at Pitampura.

To show the rate.
e.g.

  1.  Mango is sold at ? 60 a kilogram.
  2.  Milk is sold at ? 50 a litre.

To show some special place.
e.g.

  1.  BJP headquarter is at Ferozshah road.
  2.  Bal Bhawan is at DDU Marg.

4. On
To show the position of object, e.g.

  1.  The pencil is on the table.
  2.  The cat is on the porch.

Used before day and date.
e.g.

  1.  I shall go there on Tuesday.
  2.  She was born on 30th July.

5. Upon
To show a movement which is directed upwards, e.g.

  1.  She fell upon him.
  2.  Buses move upon the hilly roads.

6. To
To show the change in place, e.g.

  1.  Mahi goes to school.
  2.  Maninder went to Shimla.

To show a consequence.
e.g. (i) The building is thrashed to ashes.
(ii) She brought the goodness to the society.

To compare two nouns or pronouns.
e.g.

  1. She is junior to me.
  2. I am elder to my brother.

To show time.
e.g.

  1.  It is five minutes to nine.
  2.  It is just a day to Sunday.

 7. From
To show the source of something.
e.g.

  1.  Milk comes from cow.
  2.  I love the verses from Macbeth.

To show positional relation.
e.g.

  1.  Mohit had come from the school.
  2.  Aliens come from the space.

To show a point of time.
e.g.

  1.  She has been reading from morning to evening.
  2.  The work will go on from January to December.

8. Between
It is used to talk about two nouns/pronouns are available,
e.g.

  1.  Distribute the fruits between Ram and Hari.
  2.  He slept between me and his brother.

9. Among
It is used when possession is to be shown and there are more than two nouns or pronouns,
e.g.

  1. I distributed the apples among children.
  2. Government had decided to go among the public.

10. Before
It is used to show the order of the two or more events that has taken place one after another,
e.g.

  1. I came here before you.
  2. The minister resigned before the tenure.

11.  About
It is used to describe or to say something,
e.g.

  1. The boy is saying about the picture.
  2. I knew about the tactics.

12. Due to
It is used to show the reason of a consequence,
e.g.

  1. His absence is due to heavy rain.
  2. His failure is due to his poverty.

13. In Spite of
It is used when an action was done with the conditions that were unfavourable.
e.g.

  1. In spite of his poverty, he managed to educate himself.
  2. He came here in spite of his busy schedule.

 14. In front of
To show the position of a noun/pronoun when it is opposite to the other noun/pronoun.
e.g.

  1. His office is in front of a theatre.
  2. The post office is in front of the temple.

Practice Questions and Solutions

Question 1:
In the sentences given below fill in the blanks with suitable prepositions.

  1. The baby is sleeping ……………….. the bed.
  2. Television is kept ……………….. the room.
  3. Mother came ……………….. the room after an hour.
  4. Vishnu goes ……………….. temple on Saturday.
  5. Ice-cream is made ……………….. milk and cream.
  6. The artist is insulted ……………….. the music director.
  7. Farmer is familiar ……………….. the agricultural problems.
  8. This piece of land was a dispute ……………….. the four boys.
  9. The two children were not ready to distribute the money ……………….. them.
  10. A poet knows ……………….. the figures of speech well.
  11. Rohan is sitting ……………….. his mother in the party.
  12. I came ……………….. a very good news.
  13. The patient had died ……………….. the surgery was carried out.
  14. I couldn’t attend the meeting ……………….. my sickness.
  15. ……………….. my warnigs to him, he went to circus.
  16. Police caught and beat the thief ……………….. the whole crowd.
  17. I purchased a book ……………….. the perfumes for my younger brother.
  18. Players have a strong zeal ……………….. the final game.
  19. This book is very useful ……………….. me.
  20. I request you to think ……………….. the matter again.

Solution:

  1. in
  2. in
  3. into
  4. to
  5. from
  6. by
  7. with
  8. among
  9. between
  10. about
  11. beside
  12. across
  13. before
  14. due to
  15. despite
  16. in front of
  17. in addition to
  18. for
  19. to
  20. over

Question 2:
Choose the correct option.

  1.  Agra is very famous ……………….. the Taj Mahal.
    (a) to                (b) for
    (c) in                (d) by
  2.  Indians have strong faith ……………….. God.
    (a) in              (b) to
    (c) on             (d) into
  3.  I help those who are junior ……………….. me.
    (a) than          (b) in
    (c) to              (d) for
  4.  Manish was surprised ……………….. my coming there.
    (a) by           (b) for
    (c) on           (d) at
  5.  I felt very sorry ……………….. the poor and hungry boy.
    (a) for             (b) to
    (c) with         (d) from
  6. When will you bring a gift ……………….. me?
    (a) with           (b) for
    (c) to               (d) by
  7.  I don’t know much ……………….. it.
    (a) upon          (b) over
    (c) with           (d) about
  8.  Go and sit ……………….. your place, please.
    (a) to           (b) at
    (c) in           (d) on
  9.  ……………….. which month does the session begin?
    (a) In            (b) On
    (c) At           (d) Within
  10. She purchased it ……………….. Surat Bazar.
    (a) on             (b) for
    (c) to             (d) from

Solution:

  1.  (b) for
  2.  (a) in
  3.  (c)to
  4.  (d) at
  5.  (a) for
  6.  (b) for
  7.  (d) about
  8.  (b) at
  9.  (a) In
  10.  (d) from

Question 3:
Match the entries in List I and List II in order to form complete sentences.
cbse-class-7-english-grammar-preposition-1
Solution:

(i) (b)                   (ii) (f)                 (iii) (a)
(iv) (i)                  (v) (g)                (vi) (c)
(vii) (d)               (viii) (i)              (ix) (e)
(x) (h)

Question 4:
There is a passage given below with five blanks in it. Every blank has been numbered. These numbers are again printed below the passage along with four options. Fill in the blanks with most correct (appropriate) options.
A galaxy is a system ………………..(1) stars, stellar remnants, gas, dus, dark matter etc bound ………………..(2) one another gravitationay. Galaxies range ………………..(3) size. They range ………………..(4) dwarfs to giants. Many galaxies are thought ………………..(5) have black holes at their active centres.

  1.  (a) in           (b) within
    (c) of            (d) for
  2.  (a) with      (b) for
    (c) onto      (d) at
  3.  (a) from     (b) at
    (c) into        (d) in
  4.  (a) on         (b) than
    (c) from      (d) of
  5.  (a) upon    (b) to
    (c) about    (d) towards

Solution:

  1.  (c)
  2.  (a)
  3.  (d)
  4.  (c)
  5.  (b)

Question 5:
Five prepositions have been provided in the following bracket followed by five sentences, pick up a preposition each for every sentence and complete the sentence using your own imagination.
cbse-class-7-english-grammar-preposition-2

  1.  A gang of wolves started emerging ………………..
  2.  Neha was trying ………………..
  3.  They are asked to complete the task ………………..
  4.  What are the advantages ………………..
  5.  Do you know ………………..

Solution:

  1.  A gang of wolves started emerging from the West of the forest.
  2.  Neha was trying to convince her with the importance of education.
  3.  They are asked to complete the task within a week.
  4.  What are the advantages of reading on a variety of topics?
  5.  Do you know in which direction he went?

CBSE Class 7 English Grammar – Adverbs

CBSE Class 7 English Grammar – Adverbs

Adverbs

Adverbs are the words that add meaning to the verbs, adjectives or to an adverb itself,
cbse-class-7-english-grammar-adverbs-1

Types of Adverbs

The following types of adverbs are given below.

1. Adverbs of Time
Such adverbs which are used to reflect time.
e.g.

  1. I went there early.
  2. She will come tomorrow.

These are ago, after, already, late, afterward, early, immediately, now, soon, then, shortly, quickly, recently, today, tonight, tomorrow, yesterday etc.

2. Adverbs of Frequency
Adverbs that are used to show how often an event takes place.
e.g.

  1. I have seen him once.
  2. You always make a noise.

These are seldom, often, never, ever, again, once, twice, thrice, always, frequently, usually etc.

3. Adverbs of Manner
Adverbs that are used to show how or in what manner an event takes place,
e.g.

  1. I shall go there certainly.
  2. Read the facts carefully.

These are peacefully, quickly, certainly, loudly, well, carefully, gladly, so, thus, badly, fast etc.

4. Adverbs of Place
Adverbs that are used to show place where an action took place.
e.g.

  1. God is present everywhere.
  2. You may come forward.

These are near, far, away, anywhere, here, there, somewhere, nowhere, forward, backward, in, up, out, down, above, below, inside, outside, within, without, everywhere etc.

5. Adverbs of Quantity/Extent/Degree
Adverbs that are used to show ‘how much’,
e.g.

  1. Yours dress is fantastically awesome.
  2. Poorab is perfectly, fine now.

These are partly, fully, pretty, as, almost, very, more, much, so, enough, any, none, too, rather, little, quite, wholly, perfectly etc.

6. Adverbs of Reason
Adverbs that are used to show a reason of any action.
e.g.

  1. He was late so he was punished.
  2. I didn’t go to office because it was raining.

These are hence, so therefore, because, since, on account of, as a result, consequently, thereby etc.

7. Interrogative Adverbs
Adverbs that show a sense of question,
e.g.

  1. When do they visit the zoo?
  2. How should I explain you?

These are where, when, why, how, how much, how far, how long, how many, how often, etc.

8. Relative Adverbs
Adverbs that are used to join two sentences or two clauses. Relative adverbs indicate their antecedents in the process of joining.
e.g.

  1. This is the way to prepare a chart.
  2. She let me know how to cook halwa.

These are why, how, where, when etc.

9. Position of Adverbs
When adverbs of different types come in a single sentence then the position of adverbs is observed as follows.
M—Adverbs of Manner
P—Adverbs of Position
T—Adverbs of Time
e.g.

  1. Sameer did it beautifully in the school yesterday.
  2. You have to get there soon.

Practice Questions and Solutions

Question 1:
In the following sentences find the adverbs and also indicate its types.

  1. A poor begger stood there for long.
  2. She made this issue very sensational.
  3. Tiger never changes his principle.
  4. Why was the class cancelled by him?
  5. I remember the beautiful place where our bus halted for one hour.

Solution:

  1. there – Adverb of position
  2. very – Adverb of degree
  3. never – Adverb of frequency
  4. Why – Interrogative adverb
  5. where – Relative adverb

Question 2:
Fill in the blanks with suitable adverb
cbse-class-7-english-grammar-adverbs-2

  1. The movie was ……….. entertaining.
  2. I reached the station an hour …………
  3. He worked …………. when he is in trouble.
  4. Mona was wise …………. to be fool him.
  5. This question is ……….. difficult for me.

Solution:

  1. very
  2. ago
  3. only
  4. enough
  5. too

Question 3:
Match the following.
cbse-class-7-english-grammar-adverbs-3
Solution:
(i) (d)
(ii) (e)
(iii) (a)
(iv) (b)
(v) (c)

Question 4:
In each of the following examples, choose the correct adverb of place to fill in the gap.

  1. Arjun scanned ………………  for water. But he found it now here.
    (a) near
    (b) everywhere
    (c) within
    (d) above
  2. As you go ……………… in the air, a pressure drops.
    (a) away
    (b) above
    (c) now here
    (d) up
  3. The lady asked them to come ……………… but they resisted.
    (a) out
    (b) far
    (c) inside
    (d) within
  4. Have you kept the knife ……………… the basket?
    (a) upon
    (b) up
    (c) forward
    (d) in
  5. They waited ……………… for some time and then started off.
    (a) out
    (b) here
    (c) far
    (d) near

Solution:

  1. (b) everywhere
  2. (d) up
  3. (c) inside
  4. (d) in
  5. (b) here

Question 5:
In the given sentence an adverb is underlined. For the underlined adverbs four options are marked. Choose the correct options.

  1. When do you go to sleep at night?
    (a) Adverb of degree
    (b) Relative adverb
    (c) Interrogative adverb
    (d) Adverb of place
  2. He knows how to ride a bike.
    (a) Interrogative adverb
    (b) Relative adverb
    (c) Adverb of manner
    (d) Adverb of number
  3. She is too shy to be a model.
    (a) Adverb of degree
    (b) Adverb of place
    (c) Adverb of manner
    (d) Adverb of time
  4. I have never seen a girl like you.
    (a) Adverb of place
    (b) Relative adverb
    (c) Adverb of time
    (d) Adverb of frequency
  5. He received the guest gladly.
    (a) Adverb of number
    (b) Adverb of manner
    (c) Adverb of place
    (d) Adverb of time

Solution:

  1. (c)
  2. (b)
  3. (a)
  4. (d)
  5. (b)

Question 6:
Given below is a passage that has five blanks. Every blank has been numbered and below the passage are printed with four options each. Choose the appropriate option that suits the blank best.

It was Ruhi’s birthday yesterday. We went to the party. She was arrayed in a ……………… (1) beautiful dress. The hall was decorated ……………… (2) with beautiful flowers and balloons. Her parents welcomed everyone ……………… (3) These were cold- drinks, chocolates to enjoy. Children danced ……………… (4) on the tunes of various songs. Adults also enjoyed themselves. Everyone took delight in having the lavish dinner. Ruhi accepted the gifts quite  ……………… (5).

  1. (a) fair
    (b) very
    (c) extreme
    (d) big
  2. (a) magnificently
    (b) acutely
    (c) wisely
    (d) badly
  3. (a) largely
    (b) rightly
    (c) definitely
    (d) heartly
  4. (a) beautiful
    (b) merrily
    (c) properly
    (d) courageously
  5. (a) humbly
    (b) sweetness
    (c) however
    (d) simply

Solution:

  1. (b) very
  2. (a) magnificently
  3. (d) heartly
  4. (b) merrily
  5. (a) humbly

CBSE Class 7 English Grammar – Word Power

CBSE Class 7 English Grammar – Word Power

Better English comes from vocabulary. If you have a sound vocabulary then you have advantage in learning English. Basically, vocabulary comprises antonyms (The opposite word), synonyms (The similar word), Homophones (The words with same sound), one word substitution (one word replacing a group of words) etc.

Synonyms
cbse-class-7-english-grammar-word-power-1
cbse-class-7-english-grammar-word-power-2
cbse-class-7-english-grammar-word-power-3
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Antonyms

Antonyms are the words that have opposite meanings.
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One Word Substitution

One word substitution are defined as single words that are used in place of a group of words to denote a person, an object, a place etc.

  1. A person/object of a foreign origin.                                      Alien
  2. Condition of no government.                                                 Anarchy
  3. One that lives in water.                                                           Aquatic
  4. A group of hearers.                                                                  Audience
  5. One who has no money to pay debt.                                    Bankrupt
  6. One hundred years.                                                                Century
  7. People who work in same office.                                          Colleagues
  8. One who believes easily of anybody.                                   Credulous
  9. Compilation of meanings of words.                                     Dictionary
  10. A vehicle that carries dead body.                                        Hearse
  11. A high spirited (boisterous girl)                                          Hoyden
  12. Against the laws.                                                                    Illegal
  13. That which can’t be heard.                                                   Inaudible
  14. Which can’t be cured.                                                           Incurable
  15. Which can’t be dissolved.                                                    Insoluble
  16. Which can’t be seen.                                                              Invisible
  17. To carry someone with force.                                               Kidnap
  18. A place where books are kept.                                              Library
  19. One who does anything for money.                                     Mercenary
  20. Concerned with marriage.                                                    Matrimonial
  21. One who has bad reputation.                                                Notorious
  22. One who knows everything.                                                  Omniscient
  23. Through which light can’t pass.                                            Opaque
  24. One who prescribes glasses.                                                  Optician
  25. One who sees the brighter side of things.                           Optimist
  26. A child without parents.                                                         Orphan
  27. A remedy for all ills.                                                                 Panacea
  28. One who doesn’t see the brighter side of things.               Pessimist
  29. One who steals from other’s pockets.                                   Pick-pocket
  30. One who is liked by many.                                                      Popular
  31. The medical examination after the death.                            Postmortem
  32. A child born after the death of his father.                            Posthumous
  33. Sexual assault on a lady by a force.                                        Rape
  34. Allowance given to intelligent students.                               Scholarship
  35. One who doesn’t take alcoholic drinks.                                 Teetotaler
  36. An object through which light can pass.                              Transparent
  37. Which can’t be avoided.                                                           Unavoidable
  38. Something which is applied to all.                                        Universal
  39. That is one of a kind.                                                               Unique
  40. One’s own free will.                                                                  Voluntary
  41. A woman whose husband is no more.                                   Widow
  42. A place where birds and animals are kept for visitors.      Zoo

Homophones

Homophones are the words that pronounce the same, but have different meaning are called Homophones.
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Idioms and Phrases

The expression that have a different meaning from its literal meaning.
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CBSE Class 7 English Grammar – Narration

CBSE Class 7 English Grammar – Narration

A narration sentence is the statement made by the subject to one or more listener.
Look at the following sentences.

  1.  Raj said to Meera, “Come here now”.
  2. Hari says to Sheela, “You have done it”.

The above sentences are examples of a narration sentence.

Types of Narration Sentence
Direct Narration (Direct Speech)
When the subject of the sentence states something to the object,
e.g.

  1. He said to me, “Do this instantly”.
  2. The father said to son, “Study hard”.

Indirect Narration (indirect Speech)
When the words/statements of the subject are stated by a third person in his own words then it is indirect narration.
See the below given sentences
e.g.

  1. He told me to do that instantly.
  2. The father told son to study hard.

Parts of a Narration Sentence
A narration sentence has two parts. These are Reported Speech
The part of the narration sentence which is, in the inverted commas is in called Reported Speech.
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Reporting Verb Reported Speech

Reporting Verb
The part which is outside the inverted commas is called Reporting Verb.
Change from Direct Narration to Indirect Narration
When a direct narration is changed into indirect narration, then there are three major changes that take place

  1. Change of person
  2. Change of other parts of speech
  3. Change of tense

Change of Person
First and second person pronouns are changed to third person or according to the person spoken to or spoken about. We must take care that during the change of person, number and case of the pronoun remains same. The number and case can be changed by the following way
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Change of Other Parts of Speech
The parts of speech that have been used in the reported speech also undergo changes. Below, we give you a list of words that undergo changes. Remember these words by heart. There is no ground rule for the changes of these words.
Now – Then
Ago – Before
Today – That day
Tonight – That night
Here – There
Can – Could
May – Might
Shall – Should
Will – Would
This – That
These – Those
Tomorrow — Next/following day
Yesterday – Last/previous day

Change of Tense
During the change of a direct narration into indirect narration, change of tense also takes place. Change of tense only takes place when the reported verb is in past tense. If, reported verb is in present or in future tense then change of tense doesn’t take place.
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  1. When reported verb is in past tense.
    1. Direct: Avi said to Savy, “I need some time!
      Indirect: Avi told Savy that he needed some time.
    2. Direct: The shopkeeper said, “This is the latest model”.
      Indirect: The shopkeeper said that it was the latest model.
    3. Direct: The customer said to him, “ I will come to your shop tomorrow”.
      Indirect: The customer told him that he would go to his shop the next day.
    4. Direct Snehal said to her friend, “You didn’t meet me yesterday”.
      Indirect: Snehal told her friend that she had not met her the previous day.
    5. Direct: The mother said to the daughter “I have prepared sandwich for you”.
      Indirect: The mother told her daughter that she had prepared sandwich for her.
  2. When reporting verb is in ‘present’ or ‘future’ tense.
    1. Direct: My father says to me, “We don’t have to work today.
      Indirect: My father tells me that we don’t have to work today.
    2. Direct: Kamak says to her teacher, “I could not do my homework last night”.
      Indirect: Kamak says to her teacher that she could not do her homework last night.
    3. Direct: The man will say, “ You rogue, you do not listen to me carefully and make many mistakes”.
      Indirect: The man will scold him calling rogue and will say that he does not listen to him carefully and makes many mistakes.
    4. Direct: Param will say, to Vicky, “You didn’t return my suit”.
      Indirect: Param will tell Vicky that he didn’t return his suit.
    5. Direct: Bhakti says to Jiya, “ I am your friend and will remain forever”.
      Indirect: Bhakti tells Jiya that she is her friend and will remain forever.

Exception
The tense of the reported speech is kept as it is.

  1.  If, it is a “universal truth” ‘or’ ‘habitual action’ ‘historical’ fact; irrespective of the reporting verb.
    e.g.

    1. Direct: Our teacher says/will say/said, “the Earth is round”.
      Indirect: Our teacher says/will say/said that the Earth is round.
    2. Direct: My father said to me yesterday, “ God always observes our passion for our dreams.”
      Indirect: My father told me yesterday that God always observes our passion for our dreams.
  2.  If the reported speech is about two simultaneously happening actions, e.g.
    Direct: Sahil said, ” The dogs were barking while I was walking in the park”.
    Indirect: Sahil said the dogs were barking while he was walking in the park.
  3. If the reported speech is about an imaginary sentence e.g.
    Direct: Mohan said, ‘If I were a bird, I would fly everywhere”.
    Indirect: Mohan said (that) if he were a bird he would fly everywhere.

Interrogative Sentences into Indirect Speech
When we have to change a direct question into indirect speech, it is necessary to make the following changes.

  1. Tense, pronouns, possessive adjectives and adverbs of time change as in statements.
  2. The interrogative change to the assertive form.
  3. The question mark is omitted.
  4. The reporting verb says/tells is changed to ask etc.

(A) Verbal (Yes-No Type Questions)
While changing these questions into indirect speech ‘if’ or ‘whether’ is used instead of ‘ that’
e.g. ” Is there anybody?” she asked.
She asked if/whether anybody, was there

  1. Direct: Santa said to Banta” Do you like Sonakshi?
    Indirect: Santa asked Banta whether he liked Sonakshi.
  2. Direct: The lady said, “DO you want to ask any question?”.
    Indirect: The lady asked if they wanted to ask any question.
  3. Direct: Charles said to bis mother, “Shall we go for the party tonight ?”
    Indirect: Charles asked his mother if they would go for the party that night.
  4. Direct: The policeman says to the man, “Have you seen the burglars?”
    Indirect: The policeman asks the man whether he has seen the burglars.
  5. Direct: I said to my sister, “Can you iron my clothes for me?”.
    Indirect: I asked my sister if she could iron my clothes for me.

(B) Wh-Type Questions
In these type of questions no external connector is used. The wh-used itself acts as a connector.

  1. Direct: He said to me, “Where do you live?”
    Indirect: He asked me where I lived.
  2. Direct: Shatayu said to his father, “How did you write this ?”
    Indirect: Shatayu asked his father how he had written it.
  3. Direct: She said to the shopkeeper, “How much is the price of this book ?”
    Indirect: She asked the shopkeeper how much the price of the book was.
  4. Direct: Father asks his son, “What all do you know about her? ”
    Indirect: Father asks his son what all he knows about her.
  5. Direct: “What is the name of your pet cat?” said Shamli to her niece.
    Indirect: Shamli asked her niece what the name of her pet cat was.

Imperative Sentences into Indirect Speech
Imperative sentences are of three kinds: advice, order and request. So, according to the type of sentence the reporting verb ‘said/said to’ is changed into ordered requested, advised etc. And/instead of ‘that’ ‘to’ is used to join the reported speech.
e.g.

  1. Direct: Neena said to him, ” Open your book”.
    Indirect: Neena ordered him to open his book.
  2. Direct: Inspector said to his constables, “Go and find them everywhere.”
    Indirect: The Inspector ordered his constables to go and find them everywhere.
  3. Direct: Shahista said to me, “Please, allow me to help you”
    Indirect: Shahista requested me to allow her to help me.

Exclamatory Sentences into Indirect Speech
While changing exclamatory sentences into indirect speech, the reporting verb is changed into exclaimed with joy, sorrow etc.
‘What, how’ are changed into very, great etc.
e.g.

  1. Direct: He said, “What a great idea!”
    Indirect: He exclaimed that it was a great idea.
  2. Direct: The players said, “Hurrah! we won the match”.
    Indirect: The players exclaimed with joy and said that they had won the match.
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Practice Questions and Solutions

Question 1:
Change the given sentences into indirect narration.

  1.  He says to Ram, “I am your teacher”.
  2.  She says to Hari, “He is the owner”.
  3.  Rani says to Sheela, “We went to Agra”.
  4.  They say to him, “We have grown potatoes”.
  5.  Police said to man, “Do not make a rumour”.
  6.  Sahil will say to mother, “Let me go to park”.
  7.  Farmer said to labourer, “Plant the crops well”,
  8.  Vidya says to Maya, “Why do you not study”?
  9.  Sameer said to Vijay, “Are you free today?”
  10.  Man says to his wife, “Cook the food for me”.
  11.  Vikas said to Jay, “We celebrated his birthday.”
  12.  He said to us, “Have you seen this ever?”
  13.  Doctor said, “Health is your wealth”.
  14.  Driver said to the boss, “I am not feeling well,”
  15.  She said to her mother, “Cut this fruit to eat”.
  16.  Vaibhav will say, “I am going to be a doctor”,
  17.  Boy said to his friends, “We will play now”,
  18.  Mother said to me, “Groom yourself well”.
  19.  Teacher said to students, “Why were you absent?”
  20.  Veer says to Dheer, “Here is a pot of water”.
  21.  Mayank said, “Sun gives us energy.”
  22.  Carpenter said, “I shall be on leave tomorrow”.

Solution:

  1.  He tells Ram that he is his teacher.
  2.  She tells Hari that he is the owner.
  3.  Rani tells Sheela that they went to Agra.
  4.  They tell him that they have grown potatoes.
  5.  Police told man not to make a rumour.
  6.  Sahil will tell mother to let him go to park.
  7.  Farmer told labourer to plant the crops well,
  8.  Vidya tells Maya why she does not study.
    Or
    Vidya asks Maya why she does not study.
  9.  Sameer asked Vijay if he was free that day.
  10.  Man tells his wife to cook the food for him.
  11.  Vikas told Jay that they had celebrated his birthday.
  12. He asked us if we had seen that ever.
  13.  Doctor told that health is your wealth.
  14.  Driver told the boss that he was not feeling well.
  15.  She told her mother to cut that fruit to eat.
  16.  Vaibhav will say that he is going to be a doctor,
  17.  Boy proposed his friends that they would play then.
  18.  Mother told me to groom myself well.
  19.  Teacher asked students why they had been absent.
  20.  Veer tells Dheer that there was a pot of water.
  21.  Mayank told that Sun gives us energy.
  22.  Carpenter said that he would be on leave the next day.

Question 2:
In each of the following examples, a sentence in indirect speech has been given along with for option sentences that are in direct speech. Find out the correct sentence in indirect speech for the given question.

  1. Tanu told Manu that she had learnt fine arts in Koikata.
    (a) Tanu said to Manu, “I am learning five arts in Koikata.”
    (b) Tanu says to Manu, “I have learnt fine arts in Koikata.”
    (c) Tanu said to Manu, “I have learnt fine arts in Kolkata.”
    (d) Tanu said to Manu, “I will learn fine arts in Kolkata”.
  2. Ravi asked me if I would come back.
    (a) Ravi said to me, “When will you come back?”
    (b) Ravi said to me, “Do you come back?”
    (c) Ravi said to me, “How will you come back?”
    (d) Ravi said to me, “Will you come back?”
  3. The officer ordered the soldiers, to make a round of the ground.
    (a) The officer said to the soldiers, “Make a round of the ground.”
    (b) The officer said to the soldiers, “Will you make a round of the ground?”
    (c) The officer said to the soldiers, “You will make a round of the ground.”
    (d) None of the above
  4. Vishi told his friends that he had gone to Fun and Food Village the previous day.
    (a) Vishi said to his friends, “He had gone to the Fun and Food Village yesterday.”
    (b) Vishi said to his friends, “I have gone to the Fun and Food Village yesterday.”
    (c) Vishi said to his friends “I go to Fun and Food Village yesterday.”
    (d) Vishi said to his friends “I went to Fun and Food Village yesterday.”

Solution:

  1.  (c)
  2.  (d)
  3.  (a)
  4.  (d)

Question 3:
In each of the following examples, one sentence is in direct speech and its indirect speech have been given. There may be any error in the indirect speech. Three parts of the sentence have been given in the options. Mark you answer as the number of that part. If the sentence (indirect speech) is correct, mark option ‘d’ as your answer.

  1. Direct: I said to her, “I do not like hollywood movies.”
    Indirect: I told her that I do not like hollywood movies.
    (a) I -> She                                            (b) do -> did
    (c) like -> liked                                    (d) No correction required
  2. Direct: Udai said to me, “Do you go to office everyday?”
    Indirect: Udai asked me that I went to office everyday.
    (a) I -> you                                            (b) that -> whether
    (c) everyday-> the previous day       (d) No correction required
  3. Direct: Ravi said to Raj, “Will you drop me to my college?”
    Indirect: Ravi asked Raj whether he would drop him to her college.
    (a) he -> she                                         (b) him -> her
    (c) whether -> to                                 (d) No correction required
  4. Direct: Madhumati said, “Ah! I got the clue.”
    Indirect: Madhumati exclaimed with sorrow that she had got the clue.
    (a) exclaimed->  asked                      (b) sorrow -> joy
    (c) She -> they                                    (d) No correction required

Solution:

  1.  (d) No correction required
  2.  (b) that -> whether
  3.  (b) him -> her
  4.  (b) sorrow ->  joy

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