165 Indirect speech: sentences with let peg 322

1 He said, 'Let's go' usually becomes:

(a) He suggested going though possible in certain cases are: (b) He suggested that they should go (c) He urged/advised them to go.

He said, 'Let's not go' can be expressed by any of these constructions in the negative; but suggest + negative gerund is slightly less usual than the others and is often replaced by the (b) type of construction or by: He was against going/against the idea/against it. He was opposed to the idea/He opposed the idea etc.

2 He said, 'Let them go,' can become: (a) He suggested that they should go/suggested their going

but usually it expresses an obligation and becomes: (b) He said that they should go/ought to go.

Very occasionally it expresses a command and becomes: (c) He said that they were to go.

'Let him/them' can also express the speaker's indifference: 'Everyone will laugh at you, ' I said. 'Let them!' he retorted. He expressed indifference/said he didn't mind.

3 let is also an ordinary verb meaning allow: 'Let me go!' the boy said to the policeman. The boy asked the policeman to let him go.

Put the following into indirect speech.

1 'Let's go to the cinema,' said Ann. 'Yes, let's,' I said.

2 The Prime Minister said, 'Let us show the nation that we are worthy

of their confidence.' (Use urged.)

3 'Let me stay up a little longer tonight, mother,' begged the child.

4 'Let's eat out tonight,' said Ann. 'Too expensive,' objected Tom. 'Why don't we go back to your flat and have scrambled eggs?'

5 The police officer said, 'Let's leave the wrecked car here for a bit if may remind other drivers to be more careful.'

6 'The neighbours will object!' said Ann. 'Let them,' said Tom.

7 'Let's go on a diet,' said Ann. 'All right,' said Mary reluctantly.

8 'Tom made this mess. Let him clear it up,' said his father.

9 'It's Mothering Sunday tomorrow,' said the boy. 'Let's buy Mum some flowers.'

10 'Let's take a tent and camp out, 'said Bill. 'Let's go to a nice hotel and be comfortable,' said Mary.

11 'Let's give a party,' said Ann. 'Let's not,' said her husband,

12 I said, 'Let's not jump to conclusions. Let's wait till we hear confirmation of this rumour. '

13 'The newspapers will say it's your fault, 'warned his colleagues. 'Let them say what they like,' he said.

14 'Let the nations forget their differences and work together for peace,' said the preacher.

15 'Let me explain,' she said. 'Don't be in such a hurry.'

16 'Let the children play in the garden if they want to,' she told the gardener. I'm sure they won't do any harm.'

17 'Let's stay here till the storm has passed,' I said.

18 It's the government's fault. Let them do something about it,' grumbled my father.