Question
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Direct Speech : "Don't talk!"
Reported Speech :
เลือก
The teacher told us not to talk.
he teacher told us to not talk. ia." *

Ask by Estrada Owen. in Thailand
Dec 24,2024

Upstudy AI Solution

Tutor-Verified Answer

Answer

The teacher told us not to talk.

Solution

To convert the direct speech “Don’t talk!” into reported speech, we need to follow the rules of changing direct commands into reported commands.
  1. Identify the speaker and the command: The direct speech is a command from a teacher telling someone not to talk.
  2. Change the verb form: In reported speech, we typically change the verb to a past tense form. The command “Don’t talk!” becomes “not to talk” in reported speech.
  3. Add the reporting verb: We use a reporting verb like “told” to indicate that someone is conveying the command.
  4. Structure the sentence: The structure for reported commands is usually:
    • Reporting verb + object + infinitive form of the verb (with “to”).
Now, let’s analyze the options provided:
  • Option 1: “The teacher told us not to talk.”
    • This is correct as it follows the structure of reported speech.
  • Option 2: “The teacher told us to not talk.”
    • This is less common in English, as “to not” is often considered awkward. The preferred form is “not to.”
Thus, the correct conversion of the direct speech “Don’t talk!” into reported speech is:
Reported Speech: “The teacher told us not to talk.”

Answered by UpStudy AI and reviewed by a Professional Tutor

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Mind Expander

When converting direct speech to reported speech, the structure often changes to reflect the original speaker’s intent. In this case, “Don’t talk!” becomes “The teacher told us not to talk.” This alteration captures the essence of the command while transitioning it into indirect communication. The word “not” remains before “to talk,” maintaining clarity without altering the meaning.
Common mistakes often occur when learners forget the structure or confuse the negation. For instance, saying “The teacher told us to not talk” is typically less preferred in formal English compared to using “not” before the verb. It’s essential to keep an eye on these nuances to avoid sounding awkward!

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