| Transformation Of Direct And Indirect Objects
Toefl Grammar |
Transformation Of Direct And Indirect Objects
Transformation of Direct and Indirect Objects in English
Introduction: In English, sentences often include direct and indirect objects that provide additional information about the actions performed by the subject. Understanding how to transform direct and indirect objects between direct and indirect speech is essential for effective communication. In this section, we will explore the process of transforming direct and indirect objects, both in reported (indirect) speech and direct speech, and provide examples to illustrate the conversions.
1- Direct Objects: Direct objects receive the action of the verb directly and answer the question “Whom?” or “What?” in relation to the verb.
Example 1: She bought a book. (The direct object “a book” receives the action of the verb “bought.”)
2- Indirect Objects: Indirect objects indicate the recipient or beneficiary of the action and answer the question “To/For whom?” or “To/For what?”.
Example 2: He gave his sister a gift. (The indirect object “his sister” receives the gift.)
Transformation from Direct to Indirect Speech: When transforming a sentence from direct to indirect speech, the direct object can become the indirect object. This transformation often involves changing the verb and adding appropriate reporting verbs and conjunctions.
Example 3 (Direct Speech): “I love you,” he said. (Indirect Speech): He said that he loved her.
3- Transformation of Direct and Indirect Objects: In reported speech, both direct and indirect objects can be transformed according to the rules mentioned above. The reporting verb and other elements may need to be adjusted accordingly.
Example 4 (Direct Speech): “I will show you the way,” she said to him. (Indirect Speech): She told him that she would show him the way.
Transformation from Indirect to Direct Speech: When transforming a sentence from indirect to direct speech, the indirect object can become the direct object. Reporting verbs and conjunctions are typically omitted in direct speech.
Example 5 (Indirect Speech): He said that he would lend me his car. (Direct Speech): “I will lend you my car,” he said. |
Conclusion: Transforming direct and indirect objects between direct and indirect speech is crucial for accurate and effective communication. By understanding the role of direct and indirect objects and applying the appropriate transformations, you can convey information in a clear and grammatically correct manner. Practice converting sentences between direct and indirect speech, paying attention to the changes in verb forms, reporting verbs, and conjunctions. This skill will enhance your ability to report conversations accurately and convey information in different contexts. |
Exercise-1
Define whether the following sentences below are True or False
| 1. We returned the detective merchandise to the store immediately. |
| 2. I hope you will write to me long letters while you are away. |
| 3. When do you think you can deliver them the package? |
| 4. That is the third time you have asked me the same question. |
| 5. My mother is making for Mary a new shirt. |
| 6. Please pass the potatoes to me after you take some. |
| 7. The belt buckle cost over ten dollars to Bob. |
| 8. He taught to me everything he new. |
| 9. When she was abroad, Laura got several pairs of earrings for her mother. |
| 10. He sent me a beautiful letter from Spain. |
Answers :
1. True
2. I hope you will write me long letters while you are away.
3. The sentence contains a word order error. It should be: “When do you think you can deliver the package to them?”
4. True
5. The sentence contains an incorrect word order. It should be: “My mother is making a new shirt for Mary.”
6. True
7. The sentence contains an error. It should be: “The belt buckle cost Bob over ten dollars.”
8. The sentence contains an error. It should be: “He taught me everything he knew.”
9. True
10. True |
Exercise -2
Transformation of Direct and Indirect Objects : TOEFL Practice Test
Question -1 ) The manager told the employees, “Please submit your reports by Friday.”
Options :
a) The manager told the employees to submit their reports by Friday.
b) The manager told the employees if they submit their reports by Friday.
c) The manager told the employees that submit their reports by Friday.
d) The manager told the employees if they submitted their reports by Friday.
Answer : a) The manager told the employees to submit their reports by Friday.
Explanation: The direct statement “Please submit your reports by Friday” is transformed into an indirect statement using the reporting verb “told.” The word order is changed, and the pronoun “you” becomes “they.” The correct transformation is: “The manager told the employees to submit their reports by Friday.” |
Question -2) He asked his sister, “Can you pass me the salt, please?”
Options :
a) He asked his sister if she could pass him the salt, please.
b) He asked his sister if could she pass him the salt, please.
c) He asked his sister if she can pass him the salt, please.
d) He asked his sister if she passing him the salt, please.
Answer : a) He asked his sister if she could pass him the salt, please.
Explanation: The direct question “Can you pass me the salt, please?” is transformed into an indirect question using the reporting verb “asked.” The word order is changed, and the pronouns “you” and “me” become “she” and “him” respectively. The correct transformation is: “He asked his sister if she could pass him the salt, please.” |
Question -3 ) They said, “We will give you a surprise party on your birthday.”
Options :
a) They said that they will give him a surprise party on his birthday.
b) They said if they will give him a surprise party on his birthday.
c) They said if they give him a surprise party on his birthday.
d) They said that they giving him a surprise party on his birthday.
Answer : a) They said that they will give him a surprise party on his birthday.
Explanation: The direct statement “We will give you a surprise party on your birthday” is transformed into an indirect statement using the reporting verb “said.” The word order is changed, and the pronouns “we” and “you” become “they” and “him” respectively. The correct transformation is: “They said that they will give him a surprise party on his birthday.” |
Question -4) She asked the waiter, “Could you bring me the menu, please?”
Options :
a) She asked the waiter if he could bring her the menu, please.
b) She asked the waiter if could he bring her the menu, please.
c) She asked the waiter if he can bring her the menu, please.
d) She asked the waiter if he bringing her the menu, please.
Answer : a) She asked the waiter if he could bring her the menu, please.
Explanation: The direct question “Could you bring me the menu, please?” is transformed into an indirect question using the reporting verb “asked.” The word order is changed, and the pronouns “you” and “me” become “he” and “her” respectively. The correct transformation is: “She asked the waiter if he could bring her the menu, please.” |
Question -5) He said, “I will tell her the truth.”
Options :
a) He said that he will tell her the truth.
b) He said if he will tell her the truth.
c) He said if he telling her the truth.
d) He said that he telling her the truth.
Answer : a) He said that he will tell her the truth.
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Transformation Of Direct And Indirect Objects Exercise -2
Question -6) The teacher asked the students, “Did you do your homework?”
Options :
a) The teacher asked the students if they did their homework.
b) The teacher asked the students if did they do their homework.
c) The teacher asked the students if they done their homework.
d) The teacher asked the students if they had done their homework.
Answer : a) The teacher asked the students if they did their homework.
Explanation: In this sentence, the direct question “Did you do your homework?” is transformed into an indirect question by using the reporting verb “asked.” The word order is changed, and the pronoun “you” becomes “they.” The correct transformation is: “The teacher asked the students if they did their homework.” |
Question -7) She said, “Can you lend me your pen?”
Options :
a) She said if I could lend her my pen.
b) She said if can I lend her my pen.
c) She said if could I lend her my pen.
d) She said if I could I lend her my pen.
Answer : a) She said if I could lend her my pen.
Explanation: The direct statement “Can you lend me your pen?” is transformed into an indirect statement using the reporting verb “said.” The word order is changed, and the pronouns “you” and “me” are also transformed. The correct transformation is: “She said if I could lend her my pen.” |
Question -8) He asked his friend, “Did you give Mary the book?”
Options :
a) He asked his friend if he gave Mary the book.
b) He asked his friend if did he give Mary the book.
c) He asked his friend if he give Mary the book.
d) He asked his friend if he had given Mary the book.
Answer : a) He asked his friend if he gave Mary the book.
Explanation: The direct question “Did you give Mary the book?” is transformed into an indirect question using the reporting verb “asked.” The word order is changed, and the pronoun “you” becomes “he.” The correct transformation is: “He asked his friend if he gave Mary the book.” |
Question -9) They said, “We have sent the package to the address you provided.”
Options :
a) They said if they have sent the package to the address we provided.
b) They said if they had sent the package to the address we provided.
c) They said if they have sent the package to the address you had provided.
d) They said if they had sent the package to the address you had provided.
Answer : b) They said if they had sent the package to the address we provided.
Explanation: The direct statement “We have sent the package to the address you provided” is transformed into an indirect statement using the reporting verb “said.” The word order is changed, and the pronouns “we” and “you” are transformed. The correct transformation is: “They said if they had sent the package to the address we provided.” |
Question -10) She asked him, “Will you buy me a gift?”
Options :
a) She asked him if will he buy her a gift.
b) She asked him if he will buy her a gift.
c) She asked him if he buy her a gift.
d) She asked him if he would buy her a gift.
Answer : d) She asked him if he would buy her a gift.
Explanation: The direct question “Will you buy me a gift?” is transformed into an indirect question |
Transformation Of Direct And Indirect Objects
Improve your TOEFL preparation with our comprehensive practice test on the transformation of direct and indirect objects. Test your understanding of this grammar topic with 10 multiple-choice questions, complete with answers and explanations. Get ready to ace the TOEFL exam! |
Transformation Of Direct And Indirect Objects