Select the correct indirect form of the given sentence. “Call the first witness,” said the judge.

Question

Select the correct indirect form of the given sentence. “Call the first witness,” said the judge.

1. A. The judge asked if they would call the first witness.
2. B. The judge said that the first witness should be called.
3. C. The judge ordered that called the first witness.
4. D. The judge ordered them to call the first witness. (Correct answer)

Correct Answer

Option D — The judge ordered them to call the first witness.

Detailed Solution & Explanation

The correct answer is The judge ordered them to call the first witness.

Key Points

• The quoted sentence is an imperative — a command — so the reported form uses a command verb + object + to-infinitive.
• "Call the first witness" becomes ordered them to call the first witness.
• No conjunction *that* is used, and the base verb becomes an infinitive. Option C's "ordered that called" is ungrammatical, and B reports it as a statement rather than a command.

Additional Information

• Reporting verbs for imperatives: order, command, tell, ask, request, advise, urge, forbid, warn — the choice reflecting the force of the original.
• Negative commands take *not* before the infinitive: "Don't move" → *told them not to move*.
• Requests are reported with requested and polite forms: "Please sit down" → *requested them to sit down*.
• Since the imperative has no stated subject, the reported version must supply an object — here *them* — which is what distinguishes the correct option from the rest.