Learn how to change Exclamatory sentences into indirect speech. We are giving here rules of as well as some practice exercises to help learners master the direct and indirect transformation of sentences. watch the video tutorials also to learn how to change a direct speech exclamation into its indirect speech exclamation.

New exercises are added from time to time, so keep coming here.

Click here for rules of Reported Speech

Click here for more English Grammar Topics.

Narration: Exclamatory Sentences

Exclamatory Sentences:

Sentences which express some sudden feelings (such as pleasure, anger, surprise) about something which has been said or done, are called Exclamatory sentences.

Exclamatory sentences or expressions take a mark of exclamation (!) at their end.

Examples:

• Hurrah! we have won.
• Alas! he is ruined.
• What a lovely flower!
• How foolish he is!

Exclamatory Sentences: General Rules

1. Use ‘exclaimed’ in place of ‘said’ in the reporting verb in the indirect speech:
   Sometimes Exclamatory sentences contain exclamations like Hurrah! Alas! Oh! Heavens! Bravo, etc. Such exclamatory words are removed in the indirect speech and we use ‘exclaimed with sorrow’, exclaimed with joy, exclaimed with surprise, applaud, pray etc. instead of ‘said’.
2. Generally, Indirect speech begins with that the Conjunction ‘that’
3. Use ‘wish’ and ‘pray to God’ in sentences involving wish and prayer.
4. Convert the exclamatory sentence to a statement i.e. end with a full stop dot (.)

Examples

1. Direct: Kohli said, “Hurrah! We won the match.”
   Indirect: Kohli exclaimed with joy that they had won the match.
2. Direct: Reena said, “Alas! Sheela’s mother is suffering from cancer.”
   Indirect: Reena exclaimed with sorrow that Sheela’s mother was suffering from cancer.
3. Direct: My mother said, “May God bless you!”
   Indirect: My mother prayed to God for my wellbeing.
4. Direct: He said, “What a pity!”
   Indirect: He exclaimed that it was a great pity.
5. Direct: I said, “How stupid he is!”
   Indirect: I exclaimed that it was a very stupid of him.

Solved Exercises -1

Q. Change the following sentences into Indirect narration.

1. He said, “Alas! I am undone.” 
2. She said, “Hoe clever I am!” 
3. He said, “Bravo! You have done well.” 
4. “Oh, help me, Heaven!” he cried, “I will never steal again.” 
5. She said, “May you succeed, my son.” 
6. He said, “What a great misery!” 
7. The captain said, “Hurrah! We have won the match.” 
8. Sita said, “Goodbye, my friend!” 
9. The spectators said, “Bravo! Well played, Rahul!” 
10. The merchant said, “Alas! I am ruined.” 

Answers

1. He exclaimed sadly (with sorrow) that he was undone. 
2. She exclaimed that she was very clever. 
3. He applauded him saying that he had done well. 
4. He called upon Heaven to witness his resolve never to steal again. 
5. She wished success for her son. OR She prayed for the success of her son. 
6. He exclaimed that it was a great misery. 
7. The captain exclaimed with joy that they had won. 
8. She bade her friend goodbye. 
9. The spectators applauded Rahul saying that he had played well. 
10. The merchant exclaimed with sorrow that he was ruined.