Convert the direct speech into reported speech: Rahul said, "I have been studying English for two hours."
Answer
Rahul said that he had been studying English for two hours.
The correct answer is Rahul said that he had been studying English for two hours. — Combine all changes: 'Rahul said that he had been studying English for two hours.'
Step-by-step solution
- The reporting verb 'said' is in the past, so a backshift of the verb tense is required.
- The original verb is present perfect continuous ('have been studying').
- Backshift changes it to past perfect continuous ('had been studying').
- Replace the pronoun 'I' with 'he' to match the third‑person perspective.
- Add the conjunction 'that' for smooth reported speech.
- Combine all changes: 'Rahul said that he had been studying English for two hours.'
Common mistake: Leaving the verb as present perfect ('has been studying') without backshifting.
Concept tested: Reported Speech (tense shift)
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