RML MAINS 2025
English
Hard
Convert the following into indirect speech: He said, 'I am happy.'
Appeared in: RML MAINS 2025
Explanation
- This option correctly applies all the rules for converting a declarative sentence from direct to indirect speech.
- The reporting verb 'said' is retained.
- The conjunction 'that' is correctly introduced.
- The pronoun 'I' is correctly changed to 'he' to match the subject.
- The verb 'am' (simple present) is correctly backshifted to 'was' (simple past) because the reporting verb 'said' is in the past tense.
Why Other Options Were Wrong
- Option B: The reporting verb 'asked' is used for converting questions (interrogative sentences), not statements.
- Option C: The tense of the reporting verb has been changed from past ('said') to present ('says'). The original tense of the reporting verb should be maintained.
- Option D: This option fails to apply the rule of tense backshifting. Because the reporting verb 'said' is in the past, the verb in the reported speech must also be in the past ('was'), not the present ('is').
Related Visual
Clinical Relevance
- Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Conversion of Direct to Indirect Speech as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
- While this is a grammar question, strong communication skills are fundamental in nursing. Clear and accurate documentation is a legal requirement and crucial for patient safety.
- Nurses must accurately report conversations with patients, doctors, and other staff. Understanding how to report speech correctly (e.g., 'The patient said that he was feeling dizzy') ensures the information is conveyed without ambiguity.
- What if the reporting verb was in the present tense? If the sentence was 'He says, "I am happy"', the correct indirect speech would be 'He says that he is happy.' The tense does not backshift when the reporting verb is in the present or future tense.
How to Approach the Question
- First, identify the reporting verb and its tense. In 'He said...', the verb is 'said', which is in the past tense.
- Recognize that a past tense reporting verb requires a 'backshift' of the tense in the reported speech.
- Identify the pronoun ('I') and the verb ('am') in the direct speech.
- Apply the pronoun change rule: 'I' refers to the speaker 'He', so it changes to 'he'.
- Apply the tense change rule: The simple present 'am' must change to its simple past form, 'was'.
- Introduce the conjunction 'that' and remove the quotation marks.
Concept Tested & Keywords
- Concept Tested: Conversion of Direct to Indirect Speech
- Stem keywords: Direct Speech, Indirect Speech, Reported Speech
- Lead-in keywords: Convert
Question ID
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Practise the full RML MAINS 2025
Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.
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