Question:
A sentence is provided in indirect speech. From the four given options, choose the one that most accurately conveys the sentence in its corresponding direct speech. The archivist declared that, unless the humidity controls were recalibrated, the papyri could deteriorate beyond salvage.
A sentence is provided in indirect speech. From the four given options, choose the one that most accurately conveys the sentence in its corresponding direct speech. The archivist declared that, unless the humidity controls were recalibrated, the papyri could deteriorate beyond salvage.
Options:
- a) The archivist declared, “Unless the humidity controls are recalibrated, the papyri could deteriorate beyond salvage.”
- b) The archivist declared, “If humidity controls were recalibrated, papyri would deteriorate.”
- c) The archivist declared, “Unless humidity controls were recalibrated, the papyri could deteriorate beyond salvage.”
- d) The archivist declared, “Unless humidity controls were recalibrated, papyri can get deteriorated beyond salvage.”
- a) The archivist declared, “Unless the humidity controls are recalibrated, the papyri could deteriorate beyond salvage.”
- b) The archivist declared, “If humidity controls were recalibrated, papyri would deteriorate.”
- c) The archivist declared, “Unless humidity controls were recalibrated, the papyri could deteriorate beyond salvage.”
- d) The archivist declared, “Unless humidity controls were recalibrated, papyri can get deteriorated beyond salvage.”
correct answer : a)
Explanation:
When converting from indirect to direct speech, the past tense ‘were’ changes to the present tense ‘are’. The modal ‘could’ can remain ‘could’ as it expresses a possibility.
When converting from indirect to direct speech, the past tense ‘were’ changes to the present tense ‘are’. The modal ‘could’ can remain ‘could’ as it expresses a possibility.