He said to us, "why are you all sitting about there doing nothing"?
Last updated May 13, 2026
Correct Answer:
Option C —
He asked us why we were all sitting about there doing nothing.
When converting a direct question into Indirect (Reported) Speech, several specific grammatical changes must occur:
1. Change in Word Order (Statement Form)
In a direct question, the verb comes before the subject ("why are you all..."). In indirect speech, the question becomes a statement, so the subject comes before the verb ("why we were all...").
2. Backshift of Tense
Since the reporting verb "said" is in the past tense, the present continuous tense ("are sitting") must change to the past continuous tense ("were sitting").
3. Pronoun Change
The pronoun "you" refers to "us" (the people being spoken to), so it changes to "we" in the reported version.
Analysis of Incorrect Options:
A) & B): These fail because they keep the present tense (are) instead of shifting to the past (were).
D): This fails because it keeps the question word order (were we) instead of shifting to the statement word order (we were).
Key Rule for "Wh-" Questions:
When reporting a question starting with Who, What, Where, Why, or How, do not use "that." Use the question word itself as the connector and switch to a subject + verb structure.
Answer verified by Quintessence Classes faculty — Karan Nagar, Srinagar.
