Question:

Convert the given sentence into Direct Speech :
The Officer ordered the Guard not to permit vehicles inside the restricted area.

Show Hint

Negative commands in indirect speech ('not to do something') always trace back to 'Do not...' in direct speech.
Look for this simple pattern to quickly identify the correct choice without getting confused by wordy options.
Updated On: Jun 30, 2026
  • The Officer said to the Guard,“ Do not permit vehicles inside the restricted area ”
  • The Officer said to the Guard,“ Not to permit vehicles inside the restricted area ”
  • The Officer said to the Guard,“ Did not permit vehicles inside the restricted area ”
  • The Officer said to the Guard,“ Does not to permit vehicles inside the restricted area”
Show Solution
collegedunia
Verified By Collegedunia

The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
This question involves converting an imperative sentence in indirect speech back into direct speech.
The indirect sentence contains a command: "ordered the Guard not to permit...".

Step 2: Key Approach:
Map the reporting verb ('ordered') and negative infinitive clause ('not to permit') back into a direct negative imperative clause ('Do not permit').
Recognize the basic structure of directive commands in dialogue form.

Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
Let's analyze the rules for converting commands and negative imperatives:

Rule 1: Reporting Verb Change:
The verb 'ordered' indicates a command given directly to someone.
In direct speech, this is represented by "said to".

Rule 2: Negative Imperative Construction:
In indirect speech, a negative command is represented by the infinitive construct 'not to [verb]'.
In direct speech, this must be converted back to the standard negative imperative form: "Do not [verb]".
Option B ("Not to permit...") keeps the infinitive structure, which is grammatically incorrect in direct speech.
Option C ("Did not permit...") changes the mood to a past indicative statement instead of an imperative command.
Option D ("Does not to permit...") is structurally ungrammatical.


Step 4: Final Answer:
Therefore, the correct direct speech formulation is: The Officer said to the Guard, “Do not permit vehicles inside the restricted area.”
Was this answer helpful?
0
0