Choose the indirect form of the following statement from the given options:
Mohan said to his sister,"Do not tell a lie."
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → Mohan advised his sister not to tell a lie.
Imperative sentence in indirect speech:
A command, request or piece of advice is reported with a verb that shows its force: told / ordered (command), requested (request), advised (advice).
| Change | Direct | Indirect | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reporting verb | said to | advised | Mohan is giving his sister moral advice, so “said to” becomes advised. |
| Verb change | Do not tell | not to tell | The negative imperative “Do not + verb” becomes not to + verb, and “do” is dropped: “Do not tell” becomes not to tell. |
| Full sentence | Mohan said to his sister, “Do not tell a lie.” | Mohan advised his sister not to tell a lie. |
Example: The doctor said to me, “Do not skip your medicine.” → The doctor advised me not to skip my medicine.
Why the Other Options are Incorrect?
Option 2: Mohan warned his sister for not to tell a lie. — Incorrect. The pattern is "warned + person + not to + verb". The extra "for" makes the sentence ungrammatical.
Option 3: Mohan asked his sister about telling a lie. — Incorrect. "Asked about" reports a question on a topic. The original is advice, not a question.
Option 4: Mohan questioned his sister about telling a lie. — Incorrect. "Questioned" means interrogated. It suggests she has already lied, which the original does not say.