What Is The Suitable Adverb Here?
**Understanding Reported Speech: Choosing the Right Adverb** ===========================================================
Introduction
When it comes to reported speech, choosing the right adverb can be a challenging task. In this article, we will delve into the world of reported speech and explore the correct usage of adverbs in this context. We will examine two common scenarios and provide guidance on which adverb to use in each situation.
What is Reported Speech?
Reported speech is a way of repeating what someone else has said, usually in the form of a quotation. It is commonly used in everyday conversations, writing, and even in formal speeches. When reporting what someone else has said, we need to use the correct verb tense and adverb to convey the intended meaning.
Scenario 1: Future Plans
Let's consider the following sentence:
a) "My brother told me that he will travel to London next week." b) "My brother told me that he would travel to London next week."
In this scenario, we are reporting what someone's future plans are. The key to choosing the right adverb lies in understanding the difference between the present simple and the conditional tense.
The Present Simple
The present simple tense is used to describe general truths, habits, or routines. However, when reporting future plans, we use the present simple to indicate that the action is going to take place at a specific point in the future.
The Conditional Tense
The conditional tense is used to describe hypothetical or uncertain situations. In the context of reported speech, the conditional tense is used to indicate that the action is not certain or may not happen.
Choosing the Right Adverb
Now that we have explored the present simple and conditional tense, let's revisit the original sentences:
a) "My brother told me that he will travel to London next week." b) "My brother told me that he would travel to London next week."
In this case, the correct answer is b) "My brother told me that he would travel to London next week." The use of the conditional tense and the adverb "would" indicates that the action is not certain or may not happen.
Scenario 2: Past Actions
Let's consider another scenario:
a) "My brother told me that he went to the store yesterday." b) "My brother told me that he had gone to the store yesterday."
In this scenario, we are reporting what someone did in the past. The key to choosing the right adverb lies in understanding the difference between the past simple and the past perfect tense.
The Past Simple
The past simple tense is used to describe completed actions in the past. However, when reporting past actions, we use the past perfect tense to indicate that the action was completed before another action took place.
The Past Perfect Tense
The past perfect tense is used to describe completed actions in the past that occurred before another action took place. In the context of reported speech, the past perfect tense is used to indicate that the action was completed before another action took place.
Choosing the Right Adverb
Now that we have explored the past simple and past perfect tense, let's revisit the original sentences:
a) "My brother told me that he went to the store yesterday." b) "My brother told me that he had gone to the store yesterday."
In this case, the correct answer is b) "My brother told me that he had gone to the store yesterday." The use of the past perfect tense and the adverb "had" indicates that the action was completed before another action took place.
Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing the right adverb in reported speech can be a challenging task. However, by understanding the difference between the present simple and conditional tense, as well as the past simple and past perfect tense, we can make informed decisions about which adverb to use in each situation. Remember, the key to choosing the right adverb lies in understanding the context and the intended meaning of the sentence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the difference between the present simple and conditional tense?
A: The present simple tense is used to describe general truths, habits, or routines, while the conditional tense is used to describe hypothetical or uncertain situations.
Q: When do I use the past perfect tense in reported speech?
A: You use the past perfect tense in reported speech to indicate that the action was completed before another action took place.
Q: What is the difference between the past simple and past perfect tense?
A: The past simple tense is used to describe completed actions in the past, while the past perfect tense is used to describe completed actions in the past that occurred before another action took place.
Q: How do I choose the right adverb in reported speech?
A: You choose the right adverb in reported speech by understanding the context and the intended meaning of the sentence. Consider the verb tense and the adverb that is used to convey the intended meaning.
Q: What is the correct answer in the following sentence?
a) "My brother told me that he will travel to London next week." b) "My brother told me that he would travel to London next week."
A: The correct answer is b) "My brother told me that he would travel to London next week." The use of the conditional tense and the adverb "would" indicates that the action is not certain or may not happen.
Q: What is the correct answer in the following sentence?
a) "My brother told me that he went to the store yesterday." b) "My brother told me that he had gone to the store yesterday."
A: The correct answer is b) "My brother told me that he had gone to the store yesterday." The use of the past perfect tense and the adverb "had" indicates that the action was completed before another action took place.