Select the option that expresses the given sentence in direct speech.
I said that I would be there before the clock struck twelve.

Correct option is A

✔️ Option (a) I said, “I will be here before the clock strikes twelve.” is the correct direct speech.
· Definition of Direct/Indirect Speech:
· Direct Speech: Reports the speaker’s exact words using quotation marks.
· Indirect Speech: Paraphrases the speaker’s words and changes pronouns, tenses accordingly.
· Explanation:
· In indirect speech: “I would be there...”
· While converting to direct: “I will be here...” (future tense inside quotes)
· Grammatical Rule Used:
· Future in the past (“would be”) converts to “will be” in direct speech.
· Tense shift rule: Reported speech reverts to original future tense in direct.
· Meanings of all options:
· (b) “should be” – modal use; does not match original tense
· (c) “will have been” – incorrect tense form
· (d) “have been” – incorrect present perfect for future context