Transformation Of sentences
Transformation is changing the form of a sentence without changing its
meaning. In doing transformation you should have a fairly well knowledge
about the kinds of sentence and their formation. A brief direction about doing
transformation is given below.
According to the meaning:
Affirmative to negative:
Rule 1: Only/ alone/ merely → Replaced by → None but(person)/ nothing
but(things)/ not more than or not less than(number)
Example
Aff: Only Allah can help us.
Neg: None but Allah can help us.
Aff: He has only a ball.
Neg: He has nothing but a ball.
Aff: He has only ten taka.
Neg: He has not more than ten taka.
Rule 2: Must → Replaced by → Cannot but/ Cannot help+ (v+ing).
Example
Aff: We must obey our parents.
Neg: we cannot but obey our parents
Rule 3: Both----and → Replaced by → not only ---- but also.
Example
Aff: Both Dolon and Dola were excited.
Neg: Not only dolon but also Dola were present.
Rule 4: and ( if join two words) → Replaced by → Not only ----- but also.
Example
Aff: He was obedient and gentle.
Neg: He was not only obedient but also gentle.
Rule 5: Everyone/ everybody/every person/ (every + common noun)/all →
Replaced by → There is no + attached word + but.
Example
Aff: Every mother loves her child.
Neg: There is no mother but loves her child.
Rule 6: As soon as → Replaced by → No sooner had ----- Than.
Example
Aff: As soon as the thief saw the police, he ran away.
Neg: No sooner had the thief saw the police he ran away.
Rule 7: Absolute Superlative degree → Replaced by → No other+ attached
word+so+ positive form+ as+subject.
Example
Aff: Dhaka is the biggest city in
Bangladesh.
Neg: No other city is as big as Dhaka in Bangladesh.
Rule8: Sometimes affirmative sentences are changed into negative by using
opposite words. Before the word, off course ‘not’ is used.
Example
Aff: I shall remember you.
Neg: I shall not forget you.
Rule 9: Always → Replaced by → Never.
Example
Aff: Raven always attends the class.
Neg: Raven never misses the class.
Rule 10: Too ---- to → Replaced by → so ---that+ can not/could not(in past).
Example
Aff: He is too weak to walk.
Neg: He is so weak that he cannot walk.
Rule 11: As – as → Replaced by → Not less – than.
Example
Aff: Simi was as wise as Rimi.
Neg: Simi was not less wise than Rimi.
Rule 12: Universal truth are change by making them negative interrogative.
Example
Aff: The Sun sets in the west.
Neg: Doesn’t the Sun set in the west.
Rule 13: Sometimes → Replaced by → Not + always.
Example
Aff: Raven sometimes visits me.
Neg: Raven doesn’t always visit me.
Rule 14: Many → Replaced by → Not a few.
Example
Aff: I have many friends.
Neg: I donot have few friends.
Rule 15: A few → Replaced by → not many.
Example
Aff: Bangladesh has a few scholars.
Neg: Bangladesh doesn’t have many scholars.
Rule 16: Much → Replaced by → A little.
Example
Aff: He belongs much money.
Neg: He doesn’t belong a little money.
Rule 17: A little → Replaced by → not much.
Example
Aff: Dolon has a little riches.
Neg: Dolon doesn’t have much riches.
ASSERTIVE TO INTERROGATIVE
Rule 1: If the sentence is in the affirmative you have to change it into negative
interrogative. If it is in negative then you have to change it into bare
interrogative.
Example
Ass: He was very gentle.
Int: was n’t he very gentle?
Aff: He is not a good person.
Int: Is he a good person?
Rule 2: No auxiliary verb in sentence →→ Change it by using →→
Do/does/did Or Don’t/doesn’t/didn’t.
Example
Ass: He plays Football.
Int: Does he play football?
Ass: They did not play football yesterday.
Int: Did they play football yesterday?
Rule3: Never → Replaced by → Ever.
Ass: I never drink tea.
Int: Do I ever drink tea?
Rule 4: Every body/everyone/ All → Replaced by → Who + Don’t/ Doesn’t/
Didn’t
Example
Everybody wishes to be happy.
Int: : Who doesn’t wish to be happy?
Rule 5: Every + noun → Replaced by → Is there any + noun+ Who
don’t/doesn’t/didn’t.
Example
Ass: Every man wishes to be happy.
Int: Is there any man who doesn’t wish to be happy?
Rule 6: No body/ no one / None → Replaced by → Who.
Example
Nobody could count my love for you.
Int: Who could ever count my love for you?
Rule 7 : There is no → Replaced by → Is there any/ Who(person)/
What( thing).
Example
Ass: There is no use of this law.
Int: What is the use of this law.
Ass: There is no man happier than Jamil.
Int: Who is Happier than jamil.
Rule 8: It Is no → Replaced by → Is there any/Why.
Example
Ass: It is no use of taking unfair means in the exam.
Int: Why take unfair means in the exam?
Rule 9: It Doesn’t matter → Replaced by → what though/ Does it matter.
Example
Ass: It does not matter if you fail in te exam.
Int: What though if you fail in the exam?
Exclamatory sentence to Assertive sentence
Rule1: Subject and Verb of exclamatory sentence are to be used as the subject
and verb of assertive sentence at the outset of the [Link]/what →
Replace by → Very(before adjective)/ Great(before noun)
Example
Exc: How fortunate you are!
Ass: You are very fortunate.
Exc: What a fool you are!
Ass: You are a great fool.
Rule 2: Sometimes the subject and verb may be eclipsed.
Example
Exc: What a beautiful scenery!
Ass: It is a very beautiful scenery.
Exc: What a pity!
Ass: It is a great pity.
Rule 3: Hurrah/ Bravo → Replace by → I/we rejoice that/ It is a matter of joy
that.
Example
Exc: Hurrah! We have own the game.
Ass: It is a matter of joy that we have won the game.
Rule 4: Alas → Replace by → I/we Mourn that/ It is a matter of sorrow or grief
that.
Example
Exc: Alas! He has failed.
Ass: We mourn that he has failed.
Rule 5: Had/were/If /Would that(at the out set) → Replaced by → I wish +
subject again + were/ had+ rest part.
Example
Exc: Had I the wings of a bird!
Ass: I wish I had the wings of a bird.
Exc: Were I a bird!
Ass: I wish I were a bird
Exc: If I were young again!
Ass: I wish I were young again.
Exc: would that I could be a child!
Ass: I wish I could be a child.
Imperative to assertive
Simple,
Rule 1: Add subject + should in doing assertive.
Example
Imp: Do the work.
Ass: you should do the work.
Rule 2 Please/kindly → Replaced by → you are requested to.
Example
Imp: Please, help me.
Ass: You are requested to help me.
Rule 3: Do not → Replaced by → You should not.
Example
Imp: Do not run in the sun.
Ass: you should not run in the sun.
Rule 4: Never → Replaced by → you should never.
Example
Imp: Never tell a lie.
Ass: You should never tell a lie.
Rule 5: Let us → Replaced by → We should.
Example
Imp: Let us go out for a walk.
Ass: We should go out for a walk.
Rule 6: Let + noun/pronoun → Replaced by → Subject + might.
Example
Imp:Let him play football.
Ass: He might play football.
Change of degree
Rule1: If the superlative degree says about the best thing then the Rule is:-For
comparative,use –subject +verb + adjective/adverb(comp. form) + Than any
other + rest partFor positive, use-No other + rest part after supr. Degree + verb
+ so/as + positive form of adj/adv + as + sub.
Example
Su: Suman is the tallest boy in the class.
Com: Suman is taller than any other boy in the class.
Pos: No other boy in the class is as tall as Suman.
Rule 2: If In superlative degree ‘One of the’ is transformed in this
way:Comparative: Sub+verb +comp. form +than most other+ Rest [Link]:
Very few+ rest part after supr. Degree + verb + so/as + positive form of adj/adv
+ as + sub.
Example
Sup: Nazrul was one of the greatest poets in Bangladesh.
Com: Nazrul was greater than most other poets in Bangladesh.
Pos: Very few poets in Bangladesh were so great as Nazrul.
Remember: Superlative: Of all/ of anyComparative: Than all other/than any
[Link]: It does not exist.
Example
Sup: Mr. khan is the oldest of all men in the village.
Com: Mr. Khan is older than all other men in the village.
Pos: No other man is as old as Mr. Khan.
Rule 3: Simple comparative is transformed into positive by using(not so +
adj/adv+as)/ (so+adj/adv+as)if negative. Second noun or pronoun is used first.
Example
Com: Rina is wiser than Mina.
Pos: Mina is not so wise as Rina.
Com: Mina is not wiser than Rina.
Rule 4:. No/not less --- than is transformed into positive by using as +adj/adv+
as
Example
Com: Karim is not less meritorious than Suman.
Pos: Karim is so meritorious as Suman.
Rule:01.
Simple: Verb + ing + Extension ,Subject + can/ could + verb + Ext.
Example: Reading books, you can acquire knowledge.
Compound: Verb + Ext. + and + Subject + can/could + verb + Ext.
Example: Read books and you can acquire knowledge.
Complex: If + sub + verb + other word, sub + can/may + verb + Other
word.
Example: If you read books you can acquire knowledge.
Rule:02.
Simple: Subject + verb + ing + other word + P.V. + other word.
Example: Some people playing in the field are footballers..
Compound: X
Example: X
Complex: Subject + Relative pronoun + P.V. + other word + P.V. + other
word.
Example: Some people who are playing in the field are footballers.
Rule:03.
Simple: Subject + P.V. + article + adverb + adjective + noun.
Example: I saw a lame man.
Compound: Subject + P.V. + other word + and + subject + P.V. + other
word.
Example: I saw a man and he was a lame.
Complex: Subject + P.V. + noun Phrase + who/ which/that + P.V. +
other word.
Example: I saw a man who was lame.
Rule:04.
Simple: Subject + verb + object + verb (ing) + object.
Example: I saw them playing.
Compound: Subject + to be verb (am/is/are/was/were) + verb(ing) + and
+ verb(ing).
Example: They were playing and I saw them.
Complex: S + verb + phrase + relative pronoun + to be verb + present
participle/past participle.
Example: I saw them who were playing.
Rule:05.
Simple: Subject + verb + infinitive (to + verb)………
Example: We eat to live.
Compound: Subject + verb + and + subject + want/wanted + to +
verb…….
Example: We eat and (we) want to live.
Complex: Subject + verb + so that + subject + can/could/may/might +
verb……
Example: We eat so that we may live.
Rule:06.
Simple: Sub + verb (past/present) + too + adj + to be + verb(P.P) + other
word.
Example: The man is too dishonest to be respected.
Compound: Sub + verb(past/present) + very + adj + and + sub +
verb(Past/present) + other word.
Example: The man is very dishonest and nobody respects him.
Complex: Sub + verb (past/present) + so + adj + that + sub +
cannot/could not + verb(present) + other word.
Example: The man is so dishonest that people cannot /do not respect
him.
Rule:07.
Simple: Sub + verb (past/present) + adj + enough + to verb (Present) +
other word.
Example: The girl is innocent enough to believe any man.
Compound: Sub + verb (past/present) + very + adj + and + Subject + can
/could + verb(Present) + other word.
Example: The girl is innocent and she believes any one.
Complex: Sub + verb (past/present) + so + adj + that + Subject + can
/could + verb(Present) + other word.
Example: The girl is so innocent that she believes anybody.
Rule:08.
Simple: Sub + verb (to be) + adj + enough + for + objective form + to +
verb(present) + other word.
Example: The question is easy enough for anybody to answer.
Compound: Sub + verb (past/present) + very + adj + and + Subject + can
/could + verb(Present) + other word.
Example: The question is very easy and anybody can answer.
Complex: Sub + verb (past/present) + so + adj + that + Subject + can
/could + verb(Present) + other word.
Example: The question is so easy that anybody can answer.
Rule:09.
Simple: Sub + verb (past/present) + adj + enough + for + object +
verb(Present) + other word.
Example: The essay is very easy enough for any student can memorize.
Compound: Sub + verb (past/present) + very + adj + and + Subject + can
/could + verb(Present) + other word.
Example: The essay is very easy and any student can memorize.
Complex: Sub + verb (past/present) + so + adj + that + Subject + can
/could + verb(Present) + other word.
Example: The essay is so easy that any student can memorize.
Rule:10.
Simple: Sub + verb (past/present) + adj + enough + to be + verb (P.P) +
other word.
Example: The man is honest enough to be respected.
Compound: Sub + verb(past/present) + very + adj + and + sub +
verb(Past/present) + other word.
Example: The man is very honest and everybody respect him.
Complex: Sub + verb (past/present) + so + adj + that + sub +
cannot/could not + verb (present) + other word.
Example: The man is honest that everybody respects him.
Rule:11.
Simple: Subject + Verb(past participle) + other word + P.V. + other word
Example: The book written by Humayan Ahmed is very interesting
Compound: Subject + P.V. + other word + and + sub + P.V. + other
word.
Example: The book is very interesting and Humayun Ahmed wrote it.
Complex: Subject + who/which/that + P.V. + other word + P.V + other
word.
Example: The book which is written by Humayun Ahmed is very
interesting.
Rule:12.
Simple: Sub + verb (past/present) + too + adj + for + objective form + to
+ verb (present) + other word.
Example: The bag is too heavy for the girl to carry.
Compound: Sub + verb (past/present) + very + adj + and + sub +
cannot/could not + verb (present) + other word.
Example: The bag is very heavy and the girl cannot carry it.
Complex: Sub + verb(past/present) + so + adj + that + sub +
cannot/could not + verb (present) + other word.
Example: The bag is very heavy and the girl cannot carry it.
Rule:13.
Simple: In spite of /despite + possessive case + noun/adjective……….
Example: In spite of his honesty, he was scolded.
Compound: Subject + verb + adjective + but + ………………..
Example: Example;He was honest but scolded.
Complex: Though/Although + subjective form + verb + noun/adjective,
…………………..
Example: Though he was honest ,he was scolded.
Rule:14.
Simple: In spite of/despite cold/fog/rough weather/raining/snowing
Example: Despite fog, we reached there on time.
Compound: It + to be verb + ,……..but + ………………..
Example: Example;It was fog but we reached there on time.
Complex: Though/Although + it + to be verb + cold/hot/storm/rough
weather/ing (verb) + ..
Example: Though/Although it was fog, we reached there on time.
Rule:15.
Simple: Without + verb(ing) + subject + verb + ext.
Example: Without doing, you will die.
Compound: Verb (present form) + or + ……
Example: Do or you will die/Do or die.
Complex: If + subject + do not/does not/did not + verb + Ext.,Subject +
will/would + verb + …….
Example: If you do not do,you will die.
Rule:16.
Simple: Subject + to be verb + at/in/on etc + time word
Example: John was born in 1986.
Compound: It + to be verb + time word + and + subject + to be verb +
preposition…..
Example: It was 1986 and John was born.
Complex: When + it + to be verb + time word + ,.
Example: When it was 1986,John was born.
Rule:17.
Simple:
Simple: At the time of/In the moment of + possessive case + verb (ing) +
ext. + ………
Example: At the time of his departure, I was at the airport.
Compound: Subject + verb(according to tense)……and + ……..
Example: He departed and I was at the airport.
Complex: When + subject + verb + Ext. Subject + verb + ……
Example: When he departed, I was at the airport.
Rule:18.
Simple: Subject + verb + other word + at the time of + verb + ing + other
word/at + time.
Example: She came here at four.
Compound: Subject + verb + other word + and + subject + verb + other
word + then
Example: He woke up and it was raining then.
Complex: When/While + subject + verb + other word + subject + verb +
other word.
Example: When it was raining he woke up.
Rule:19.
Simple: Being + adjective + ,-----
Example: Being weak in English, the boy could not do well in the
examination.
Compound: Subject + to be verb + …………………..and +
…………………
Example: The boy was weak in english and not do well in the
examination.
Complex: Since/As + subject + to be verb + ext.
Example: Since he was weak in English, the boy could not do well in the
examination.
Rule:20.
Simple: Subject + being + ext, + second sentence.
Example: Tea being hot, I could not drink.
Compound: Subject + to be verb(am/is/are/was/were + ext. + and +
Subject + …….
Example: Tea was hot and I could not drink it.
Complex: As + Subject + to be verb + adjective/noun, Subject +
………………………
Example: As tea was hot, I could not drink it.
Rule:21.
Simple: At the time of/In the time of + Verb (ing), + ………
Example: At the time of raining, I was at home.
Compound: It + to be verb(am/is/are/was/were) + Verb(ing) +
and………………
Example: It was raining and I went at home.
Complex: When + it + to be verb + verb (ing),S + verb………………
Example: When it was raining, I was a t home.
Rule:22.
Simple: Having + verb(Past participle),Another sentence.
Example: Having done the work, the farmers left the field.
Compound: Subject + verb to have + verb(past participle) + ext. another
sentence.
Example: The farmers had done the work and left the field.
Complex: Since/As + subject + have/had + verb(past participle) + ext.
Example: When the farmers had done the work, they left the field.
Rule:23.
Simple: When subject is same: Subject + having + v(past participle) +
ext., + second sentence.
Example: The sun having risen, we went to play in the fields.
Compound: Subject + to have verb(have/has/had) + verb(p.p.) + Ext. +
and + second sentence.
Example: The sun had risen and we went to play in the field.
Complex: X
Example: X
Rule:24.
Simple: Having + been + verb(P.P) + other word + subject + verb + other
word.
Example: Having been dismissed from the job the man is now at a loss.
Compound: Subject + verb + other word + and + subject + verb + other
word.
Example: The man was dismissed and he was at a loss.
Complex: When/After + subject + have/had + verb(P.P) + sub + verb +
other word.
Example: When the man lost the job,he was at a loss.
Rule:25.
Simple: Because of, due to, owing to, on account of + possessive case +
verb(Participle form) + adjective/noun + Ext. + Next sentence.
Example: Due to his blindness, he cannot see.
Compound: It + to be verb + adjective form + and + …………….
Example: He is blind and cannot see.
Complex: Since/As + Subject + to be verb + Adjective/Noun + , +
Subject + ………………
Example: As he is blind and he cannot see.
Rule:26.
Simple: Because of, due to, owing to + cold/fog/rough weather /raining
/snowing, + Next sentence.
Example: Because of raining, I did not go to college. It + to be verb +
cold/fog/rough weather /raining /snowing, + and + Next sentence.
Example: It was raining and I did not go to college. Since/As + it + to be verb +
Adjective/Noun, + subject + …………………………… Since it was raining, I
did not go to college.
Rule:27.
Simple: Besides + verb(ing)……..subject + ………
Example: Besides knowing English, Our Headmaster know Spanish.
Compound: Subject + not only + …………but also……………
Example: Our headmaster knows not only English but also Spanish.
Complex: X
Example: X
Rule:28.
Simple: Both + Subject + and + S + verb + ………
Example: Both John and Jerry went there.
Compound: Not only + First subject + but also + second sentence + verb
+ …….
Example: Not only John but also Jerry went there.
Complex: X
Example: X
Rule:29.
Simple: Subject + verb to be + both + a + noun/adjective + and + a +
noun/ adjective.
Example: He is both a singer and a composer.
Compound: Subject + verb to be + not only + a + Noun + but also + subj
+ verb to be + a + noun.
Example: He is not only a singer but also a composer.
Complex: Subject + who + verb to be + noun + as well as + ......
Example: He who is a singer as well as a composer.
Rule:30.
Simple: Subject + verb + adverb + to + verb.
Example: He reads attentively to pass.
Compound: Subject + verb + adverb + and + subject + want to/wanted
to/desire to + verb + ……
Example: He reads attentively and he desires to pass.
Complex: Subject + verb + adverb + so that + subject + may/might +
verb + …………………
Example: He reads attentively so that he might pass.
Rule:31.
Simple: By + verb + ing + Ext, Subject + can/could + verb + Ext.
Example: By reading books, you can acquire knowledge.
Compound: Verb + ext. + and + Subject + can/could + verb + Ext.
Example: Read books and you can acquire knowledge.
Complex: If + Subject + verb + ext, S + can/could + verb + ext.
Example: If you read books, you can acquire knowledge.
Rule:32.
Simple: Subject + verb + noun/adjective/adverb + ……………
Example: Honesty is the best [Link] is wealth
Compound: Subject + verb + other word + and subject + verb + other
word.
Example: It is honesty and that is the best policy.
Complex: It + to be verb + Subject + relative pronoun (who,that,which)
+ verb + Noun/Adjective/adverb……
Example: It is honesty that is the best policy. It is health which is wealth.
Rule:33.
Simple: Subject + verb + the way of + possessive + verb + ing
Example: I know the way of his doing the work.
Compound: Sub + verb + other word + and + subject + verb + other
word.
Example: He did the work and I know that.
Complex: Subject + verb + how + sub + verb +
Example: I know how he did the work.
Rule:34.
Simple: Subject + verb + up to + possessive + verb + verb + ing + other
word.
Example: Students will stay in the classroom up to taking examination
sheets by their teachers.
Compound: Sub + verb + other word + and + then + sub + verb + other
word
Example: Students will stay in the classroom and their teacher will take
their examination sheets.
Complex: Subject + verb + other word + till/until + sub + verb + other
word.
Example: Student will stay in the classroom till/until their teachers take
their examination sheets.
Rule:35.
Simple: Just at the time of + verb + ing + other word + sub + verb + other
word.
Example: Just at the time of coming here I saw him.
Compound: Sub + verb + other word + and just then + sub + verb +
other word.
Example: I came here and just then I saw him.
Complex: As soon as + sub + verb + other word + sub + verb + other
word.
Example: As soon as I came here, I saw him.
Rule:36.
Simple: Subject + verb + the reason of + verb + ing + Noun + other
word.
Example: I know the reason of his absence.
Compound: Sub + verb + other word + and + sub + verb + other word.
Example: He is absent and I know the reason.
Complex: Sub + verb + why + verb + other word.
Example: I know why he is absent.
Rule:37.
Simple: Subject + verb + the place of + verb + ing /at/in + place.
Example: I was born in Dhaka.
Compound: Subject + verb + other word + and + sub + verb + other
word.
Example: It is Dhaka and I was born here.
Complex: Subject + verb + other word(noun) + where + sub + verb +
other word.
Example: It is Dhaka where I was born.
Rule:38.
Simple: Subject + verb + possessive + verb + ing /noun + other word.
Example: I know his demand.
Compound: Sub + verb + conjunction + subject + verb + other word.
Example: He demands and I know it.
Complex: Subject + verb + what + sub + verb + other word.
Example: I know what he demands.
Rule:39.
Simple: Just + before + possessive + verb + ing + other word.
Example: The train started just before our reaching at the station.
Compound: Subject + verb + other word + and + just then + subject +
verb + ….
Example: We reached the station and just then the train left.
Complex: No sooner had + sub + verb(pp) + than + subject + verb(Past)
+ other word.
Example: No sooner had we reached the station than the train left.
Rule:40.
Simple: subject + verb + to + verb(present)/in order to + verb(present) +
other word.
Example: He came to know the matter/in order to know the matter.
Compound: Sub + verb + other word + and + subject + verb + other
word.
Example: He came to me and he wanted to know the matter.
Complex: Sub + verb + other word + so that + subject + can/could +
verb(present) + other word
Example: He came to me so that he could know the matter.
Rule:41.
Simple: With/for all, notwithstanding + possessive case + noun +
principal clause.
Example: For all/with all its beauty, it is very short
Compound: X
Example: X
Complex: However/whatever
Example: However beautiful it may be, it is very short.
Rule:42.
Simple: Subject + verb + adjective + like + noun/pronoun
Example: The boy is brave like his brother.
Compound: X
Example: X
Complex: As ……as, so……..as
Example: The boy as brave as his brother.
Simple:
Rule:43.
Simple: With a view to
Example: We went to library with a view to reading books.
Compound: X
Example: X
Complex: Subject + so that/in order that/that + may/might/can/could +
verb
Example: We went to library so that we could read books.
Rule:44.
Simple: Every + noun
Example: Every man wants to prosper in life.
Compound: X
Example: X
Complex: There is/was no + noun + but + verb + ….
Example: There is no man but wants to prosper in life.
Rule:45.
Simple: Adjective + verb + noun
Example: A studious student can make a better result.
Compound: X
Example: X
Complex: The + noun + who/which + to be verb + adjective + verb +
/….
Example: The student who is studious can make a better result.
Simple:
Rule:46.
Simple: Adjective(Common Noun)
Example: The idle cannot prosper in life.
Compound: X
Example: X
Complex: Those + who + verb to be + adjective + verb…..
Example: Those who are idle cannot prosper in life.
Rule:47.
Simple: Subject + Verb + adjective + noun
Example: I saw a pious man.
Compound: X
Example: X
Complex: Subject + verb + noun + who/which + to be verb + …..
Example: I saw a man who was pious.
Rule:48.
Simple: subject + verb + NP + interrogative adverb
Example: Teacher showed us how to solve the problem.
Compound: X
Example: X
Complex: Subject + verb + NP + Interrogative adverb + subject +
should/could + verb
Example: Teacher showed us how we could /should solve the problem.
Rule:49.
Simple: Adverb, + sentence
Example: Unfortunately, the girl failed in the examination.
Compound: X
Example: X
Complex: It is + adjective + that + ….
Example: It is unfortunate that the girl failed in the examination.
Rule:50.
Simple: Sub + want/wish/desire/expect/like/advise/urge/persuade
/request/beg/order + indirect object + to be verb + ..
Example: Mother wishes me to be an ideal citizen
Compound: X
Example: X
Complex: Subject + verb + that + subject + should + infinitive case + …
Example: Mother wishes that I could/should be an ideal citizen.
Rule:51.
Simple: Adjective + noun=Noun Phrase
Example: He is an honest man.
Compound: ……………and………
Example: He is a man and he is honest.
Complex: Principal clause + Subordinate adjective clause.
Example: He is the man who is honest.
Rule:52.
Simple: Until/till/after/before + Gerund/Noun
Example: Wait here till raining.
Compound: X
Example: X
Complex: Subject + verb…………….until/till/after/before + subject +
verb
Example: Wait here till it rains.
Rule:53.
Simple: After possessive case + Noun; / At the time of + Gerund/Noun
Example: At the time of his waking up, it was raining.
Compound: X
Example: X
Complex: When + subject + verb + ……..subject + verb + …………
Example: When we woke up ,it was raining.
Rule:54.
Simple: While/During + (Possessive case) + Gerund/Noun + Principal
clause.
Example: Wait here while raining.
Compound: X
Example: X
Complex: As long as as/so long
Example: Wait here as long as it rains.
Rule:55.
Simple: Subject + to be verb (past/present) + too + adj + to + verb……
Example: He was too weak to eat.
Compound: Subject + to be verb(past/present) + very + adjective + and
+ can not/could not + verb + ext.
Example: He was very weak and could not eat.
Complex: Subject + to be verb(past/present) + so + adj + that + s +
cannot/could not + verb +
Example: He was so weak that he could not eat.
Necessary Changes in Tenses
Direct Speech Indirect Speech
Present Indefinite Past Indefinite
Present Continuous Past Continuous
Present Perfect Past Perfect
Present Perfect Past Perfect
Continuous Continuous
Past Indefinite Tense Past Perfect
Past Perfect
Past Continuous
Continuous
Necessary Changes in Words
Direct Indirect
Can Could
May Might
Shall Should / Would
Will Would
Come Go
The following
Next week/year
week/year
The previous
Last week/year
week/year
A year before/ the
A year ago
previous year
This That
These Those
Tonight That night
Had to / Must (Factual
Must
Truth)
Ago Before
Thus So/ that way
Here There
Today That day / Yesterday
Tomorrow The next day
Yesterday The previous day
Last night The previous night
The day before
Two days before
yesterday
The day after
In two days of time
tomorrow
Hence Thence
Now Then
Some Example
The teacher said, “Students must obey their parents.”
He said that he was having a party the next weekend.
He said,“I went to the theatre last night.
Rakib said,“I came over from London 3 years ago.”
habib said, “I am having a party next weekend.”
He said that he had gone to the theatre the night before.
He said that he was staying there until the following week.
Narration includes these sentences as following:
Assertive Sentence
Interrogative Sentence
Imperative Sentence
Optative Sentence>
Exclamatory Sentence
Assertive Sentence Rule 1: If the Reported Speech is Universal
Truth / Scientific Truth / Natural Truth / Habitual Truth / Factual Truth,
we don’t make any change in the Reported Speech rather we change
the person only.
The teacher said, “God is one.”
The teacher said that God is one. (Universal Truth)
He said, “Fire burns.”
He said that fire burns. (Scientific Truth)
Nancy said, “It is hot in the summer.”
Nancy said that it is hot in the summer. (Natural Truth)
The teacher said, “Physical exercise is good for health.”
The teacher said that physical exercise is good for health. (Habitual
Truth)
Mamun said, “Farah is my cousin.”
Mamun said that Farah is his cousin. (Factual Truth)
Rule 2: If the Reporting Verb is in the Present Tense / the Future Tense / the
Present Perfect Tense, they don’t undergo any change.
Chumky says or will say, “I am right.”
Chumky says or will say that she is right.
Kona has said to me, “I have just taken my breakfast.” (First Person)
Kona has told me that she has just taken her breakfast. (Here we changed
the persons only.)
He said to me, “You are a liar.” (Second Person)
He told me that I was a liar.
Note: ‘Said to’ is changed into ‘told’ but ‘said’ remains unchanged.
Note: ‘First Person’ in the Reported Speech indicates the ‘Subject’ of the
Reporting Verb
and the ‘Second Person’ in the Reported Speech indicates the ‘Object’ of
the Reporting Verb.
Rule 3: Sometimes, introductory portion of the Reported Speech may remain
absent. In such a situation, we should guess the possible speaker.
“I shall do my duty.”
He says or will say that he will do his duty.
He said that he would do his duty.
Note: ‘Reporting Verb’ is not always more than one.
Note: Subjective Case converted into Subjective Case, Possessive Case
changed into
Possessive One and Objective Case transformed into Objective One.
Rule 4: Sometimes, the Reporting Verb is mentioned after the Reported Speech
and it is possible.
“I am happy now.” – said Nancy.
Nancy said that she was happy then.
Note: When we change any Direct Speech into Indirect Speech, it
becomes an Assertive
Sentence. No matter, whether it is an Assertive Sentence or Optative
Sentence or Imperative
Sentence or Exclamatory Sentence or Interrogative Sentence.
Rule 5: ‘Yes’ – replied in the affirmative, ‘No’- replied in the negative, ‘Please’
- kindly and ‘Sir’ / ‘Madam’ – politely / respectfully / with respect.
The student said to me, “I am sorry, Sir.”
The student told me politely that he was sorry.
“Yes, sir,” the student replied. I have done my duty.”
The student respectfully replied that he had done his duty.
The students said to the teacher, “Please, explain the matter again, Sir.”
The students requested the teacher politely to explain the matter again.
Rule 6: If there are two or more than two Past Tenses in the Direct Speech, they
do not undergo any change but we only change the persons.
George said, “I came home, took bath and ate my meal.”
George said that he came home, took bath and ate his meal.
Rule 7: Students often change ‘it’ into ‘that’ but that is wrong. It remains
unchanged in the Indirect Speech.
He said to me, “I know it well.”
He told me that he knew it well.
Rule 8: Changes in the tag questions:
He said to me, “You are going to the play ground, aren’t you?
He asked me whether it was true that I was going to the playground.
Rule 9: All 3rd Person Pronouns will remain unchanged.
He said, “He is busy with his toy”
He said that He was busy with his toy.
Rule 10: ‘So’ = that is why, ‘But’ = with dissatisfaction
He said to me, “I am unwell. So I shall not go to school.”
He told me that he was unwell and that is why he would not go to school.
The boy said, “I have come to chop your wood. “But you are too small to
chop wood,” said the woman.
Rule 11: Assertive Sentence with question mark: (Use ‘Being surprised’ with
the reporting verb and follow the rules of doing interrogative sentence.)
He said to me “You are angry with me?”
Being surprised he asked me if I was angry with him.
Rule 12: Well, you see (if used with in inverted comma) Omit them and do in
general way.
The teacher said, “Well Raven, I shall reward you.”
The teacher told Raven that he would reward him.
Rule 13: If we find any Complex Sentence in the Direct Speech, we may
change one Clause or both the Clauses in the Indirect Speech. (Complex
Sentence)
Mita said to me, “You were my good friend when you were a student of
Saint Joseph”
Mita told me I had been her good friend when I had been a student of
Saint Joseph.
He said to Ratul, “You were a mere a boy when I saw you last.”
(Complex Sentence)
He told Ratul he had been a mere boy when he had seen him last.
Rule 14: When we report something that is still true:
Emma said, “People in Africa are starving.” (The fact is still true.)
Emma said that people in Africa are starving.
Rule 15: Unreal Past Tense after ‘wish’, ‘would rather / sooner’, ‘had better’,
‘used to’, ‘ought to’, ‘would’, ‘could’, ‘might’, ‘must not’, ‘need not’ and ‘it is
time’ don’t change rather we change the person in the Indirect Speech.
“We wish we did not have to take exams”, said the children.
The children said they wished they did not have to take exams.
“It is time we began planning our holidays”, he said.
He said that it was time they began planning their holidays.
They ought to widen this road”, I said.
I said that they ought to widen the road.
He explained, “I know the place well because I used to live here.”
He explained that he knew the place well because he used to live there.
She said to her hubby, “You had better take warm water for gurgling.”
She told her bubby that he had better take warm water for gurgling.
He said, “You must not tell anyone.”
He said that she must not tell anyone.
He said, “You needn’t wait.”
He said that I needn’t wait.
He said to me, “I used to meet him in the afternoon.”
He told me that he used to meet him in the afternoon. (With that)
He told me he used to meet him in the afternoon. (Without that)
Rule 16: The 2nd and the 3rd Conditional Sentences remain unchanged rather
we change the persons.
“If I had a permit, I could get a job”, he said.
He said that if he had a permit, he could get a job. (The 2nd Conditional
Sentence)
“If she had loved Wilson”, he said, “She would not have left him.”
He said that if she had loved Wilson, she would not have left him. (The
3rd
Conditional Sentence)
Rule 17: When there is uncertainty as to the particular person to whom the
pronoun in the Indirect Speech refers, the name of the person should be
mentioned in the brackets.
He said to the Ram, “You are wrong.”
He told Ram that he (Ram) was wrong
Harry sait to Jatin, “You will pass.”
Harry told Jatin that he (Jatin) would pass.
Interrogative Sentence (?)
Rule 1: We use ask(ed) / want(ed) to know / enquire(ed) in the Indirect Speech
in the place of ‘said’ / ‘said to’ and we don’t change the Interrogative
Pronouns / the Interrogative Adjectives / the Interrogative Adverbs for
transformation.
My mother said to me, “How are you now?”
My mother asked me how I was then.
“Where are you staying next week?”, my friend said to me.
My friend wanted to know where I was staying the following week.
Rule 2: If any Interrogative Sentence commences with just an Auxiliary Verb
rather than the Interrogative Pronouns / Adjectives / Adverbs, we use if /
whether.
My teacher said to me, “Are you making a noise?”
My teacher asked me if or whether I was making a noise.
The noble man said to the poor man, “Have you taken anything for
lunch?”
The noble man asked the poor man if he had taken anything for lunch.
Chumky said to me, “Do you want to help me?”
Chumky asked me if I wanted to help her.
Rule 3: If there is a Present participle phrase with the reporting verb, it will
come in front of the reporting verb in doing the indirect speech. But if it is not
present participle phrase then the position of it will remain unchanged.
“Are you brothers?” asked the mistress of the house turning to the
Dervishes.
Turning to the Dervishes the Mistress of the house asked if they were
brothers.
Imperative Sentence
We use tell, beg, implore (to ask sb to do sth in an anxious way because you
want or need it very much), entreat (formal) : to ask sb to do sth in a serious and
often emotional way), encourage, forbid, recommend, remind, urge, warn, ask,
told and the rest in the place of ‘said’ or ‘said to’ in the Indirect Speech in the
sentence.
Rule 1: We use the Infinitive (to + verb present form)
The teacher said to his boys, “Do it at once.”
The teacher advised his boys to do it at once. (The Infinitive)
Khona said to her teacher, “Grant me my prayer, Sir.”
Khona politely requested her teacher to grant her prayer.
He said, “Lie down, Tom.”
He told Tom to lie down.
She said, “You had better hurry, Bill.”
She advised Bill to hurry.
He said to his friends, “Please wait for me till I return.”
He requested his friend kindly to wait for him till he returned.
Rule 2: If the Reported Speech starts with ‘Do not / Never’, we use ‘not to +
verb’ in the Indirect Speech in the time of leaving out the comma quotations.
My father said to me, “Do not run in the sun.”
My father advised me not to run in the sun.
My father forbade me to run in the sun.
My teacher said, “Never tell a lie.”
My teacher advised me not to tell a lie.
Rule 3: The Modals must, would and could are not normally changed in the
Indirect Speech. You should also note that some sentences with would and
could are Interrogative in form but Imperative in nature
He said to me, “You must leave the place.”
He told me I must leave the place. (Assertive Sentence)
He said to me, “Would you help me to do the sum?”
He requested me to help him to do the sum. (Imperative Sentence)
I said to her, “Could you give me a cup of tea?”
I requested her to give me a cup of tea. (Imperative Sentence)
Rule 4: Calling in the name of person (The name will be added as object of
reporting verb)
He said, “Raven, don’t misbehave with anyone.”
He advised Raven not to misbehave with anyone.
Rule 5: Calling in the name of relations
The student said, “Sir, please forgive me.” (Addressing as
brother/sister/friend/sir)
Addressing as sir the student requested kindly to forgive him.
Rule 6: By Allah/by God/by Jove/by my love/by my life (Swearing by
Allah/God/Jove/Life/Love)
“By Allah,” she replied, “I will not forget you.”
Swearing by Allah, she replied that she would not forget me.
Rule 7: Imperative sentence with tag question(Tag question will be omitted and
rules of imperative sentence will be followed.)
He told me, “Shut the door, will you?”
He asked/requested me to shut the door.
Rule 8: When ‘let’ denotes a proposal, the Reporting Verb should be changed
in to ‘propose’ or ‘suggest’ and ‘let’ be replaced by ‘should’.
Chumky said, “Let’s have a walk.”
Chumky proposed that we should have a walk.
He said to me, “Let’s go home.”
He suggested to me that we should go home.
Rule 9: But when ‘Let’ does not express a proposal, the Reporting Verb does
not change, only ‘let’ is changed into ‘may’ or ‘might’ or ‘might be allowed’ or
any other verb as per the relevant meaning.
He said, “Let me have a glass of milk.”
He wished that he might have a class of milk.
Rule 10: It is often safer for the students to use ‘tell’ in the Indirect Speech.
I said to him angrily, “Leave me alone.”
I told him angrily to leave me alone.
Optative Sentence We use ‘wish’ or ‘pray’ in the Optative Sentence in the
place of ‘said to’ or ‘said’.
My grandfather said, “May you live long.”
My grandfather wished that I might live long.
The teacher said to the boy, “God bless you.” (Optative Sentence without
May)
The teacher prayed for the boy that God might bless him.
He said, “Would that I were here.”
He wished that he had been there.
They said,” O that! We had won the match.”
They wished that they had won the match.
Exclamatory Sentence (!) We use hurrah - exclaim with joy, alas - exclaim
with sorrow, fie - exclaim with shame, wow - exclaimed with wonder/surprise,
cry out, ‘wish’ or ‘pray’ in the place of ‘said’ / ‘said to’
The boy said, “What a piece of good news it is!”
The boy exclaimed with joy that it was a piece of very good news.
She said, “Had I the wings of a bird!”
She strongly wished that she had the wings of a bird.
Farhad said, “Good-bye, my friends!”
Farhad said good-bye to his friends.
Farhad bade his friends good-bye.
The poor boy cried, “Alas! I am undone.”
The poor boy exclaimed with sorrow that he was done.
The maidservant said, “By Allah! I know nothing about the stolen purse.”
The maidservant swore by Allah that she knew nothing about the stolen
purse.
I said to them,” Bravo! You played very well.”
I applauded them that they had played very well. (Bravo – applauded)
My friend said to me, “Thanks! / Congratulations!”
My friend thanked/congratulated me.