Choosing the most appropriate answer from the given list. Convert the following sentence in Direct Speech to Indirect Speech.
"I am guilty", the defended said.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) - The defendant admitted that he was guilty
When converting from Direct Speech to Indirect Speech, follow these rules:
- The present tense (am guilty) changes to the past tense (was guilty).
- The reporting verb (said) is often replaced by a verb that conveys the nature of the statement. Here, "admitted" is suitable as it reflects the acknowledgment of guilt.
Other options:
- "The defendant accepted his guilt": Though close, it doesn’t precisely follow the structure of reported speech.
- "The defendant said yes he was guilty": Incorrect, as "said yes" is not grammatically correct in formal indirect speech.
- "The guilty defendant accepted his fault": Incorrect, as it adds unnecessary details and changes the meaning.