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Indirect Commands Quiz 1 (30 MCQs)

This multiple-choice question set evaluates the understanding of indirect commands, including their structure in English and Spanish, usage with past tense and subjunctive mood, and differences between direct and indirect speech. It also tests the ability to form polite requests and identify possessive pronouns and dative cases.

Quiz Instructions

Select an option to see the correct answer instantly.

1. When Medusa was killed, Perseus announced [that he wished to marry Andromeda.]

Explanations: The sentence "When Medusa was killed, Perseus announced [that he wished to marry Andromeda.]" is an indirect statement because it expresses a wish or intention without using the imperative form (e.g., "Perseus wishes to marry Andromeda"). Instead, it uses the structure of announcing a statement.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Indirect question - Incorrect. The sentence is not asking for information.
Option B: Indirect statement - Correct. It expresses an intention through announcement.
Option C: Indirect command - Incorrect. There's no direct or implied request or instruction.
Option D: None of above - Incorrect. Option B is correct.

2. Form the subjunctive verb:I had believed

Explanations: The subjunctive mood is used to express wishes, hypothetical situations, and commands that are not direct. In the context of indirect commands, we use the past subjunctive form to indicate a command given in the past. The correct form for "I had believed" in the past subjunctive is Credidissem . This matches option D.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Crederem - Incorrect, this is the imperfect subjunctive.
Option B: Credo - Incorrect, this is the present indicative form.
Option C: Crediderim - Incorrect, this is a pluperfect subjunctive form used for "I had believed" in direct speech or reported past actions.
Option D: Credidissem - Correct, this is the correct past imperfect subjunctive form for "had believed".

3. Tips to boost your happiness. Choose the correct indirect command. " Make a list of all the things you are grateful for."

Explanations: Option B is correct because it uses the appropriate pronoun "me" to indicate that the command is directed at the listener, and "I am" maintains the first-person perspective required in indirect commands when addressing the listener directly.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Incorrect as it uses "to" which is not necessary in indirect commands.
Option B: Correct for reasons explained above.
Option C: Incorrect because it uses "you," making the command too direct and not an indirect command.
Option D: Incorrect as Option B is valid.

4. Hermes and Athena told Perseus that they would give him divine gifts. ]

Explanations: The sentence "Hermes and Athena told Perseus that they would give him divine gifts" is an indirect statement because it reports what Hermes and Athena said to Perseus without using the exact words of the speakers. It conveys a message or information about something said, rather than directly quoting the speakers.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Indirect question - Incorrect. This option refers to asking for information in an indirect manner, not reporting what was said.
Option B: Indirect statement - Correct. The sentence reports the content of a message without using direct quotation marks or exact words.
Option C: Indirect command - Incorrect. This option refers to giving instructions in an indirect manner, not reporting what was said.
Option D: None of above - Incorrect. Option B is correct.

5. Mom to me: "Take care of your things."

Explanations: Option B is correct because it accurately reflects an indirect command where the subject "Mom" is giving a directive to the speaker ("me") to take care of their own things, which aligns with the original sentence structure and meaning. Indirect commands often use the imperative form but are addressed to the listener.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Incorrect as it changes the subject from "Mom" to "her," altering the intended message.
Option B: Correct for reasons explained above.
Option C: Incorrect due to the use of "him" instead of addressing the speaker directly and the incorrect phrasing of the command.
Option D: Not applicable as Option B is correct.

6. What case is the receiver of the command following the verbs rogo or moneo?

Explanations: The receiver of the command following verbs like rogo (I ask) or moneo (I advise) is in the accusative case because these verbs require a direct object that answers "whom" the action is directed towards.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Ablative - Incorrect. The ablative case is used for means, manner, or cause.
Option B: Dative - Incorrect. The dative case indicates the indirect object of a verb, not the direct object in this context.
Option C: Accusative - Correct. This is the correct case for the direct object receiving the command.
Option D: Nominative - Incorrect. The nominative case indicates the subject of a sentence, not the direct object in this context.

7. Cornelia said that her children were her jewels.

Explanations: Option B "Were her jewels" is correct because the sentence uses a past tense form of the verb "to be," which aligns with Cornelia's statement about her children in the present, implying they are currently her jewels. This usage fits an indirect command or reported speech context where the speaker is recounting something said by Cornelia.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Would be her jewels - Incorrect; "would" implies a future tense or conditional situation, not fitting here.
Option B: Were her jewels - Correct; past tense fits the context of reported speech or indirect command.
Option C: Had been her jewels - Incorrect; "had been" suggests a past perfect tense, indicating an action completed before another in the past, which is not applicable here.
Option D: Will be her jewels - Incorrect; "will" implies a future tense, not fitting the present context of Cornelia's statement.

8. Form the subjunctive verb:they were

Explanations: The subjunctive form of "they were" in Latin is "essent." This is because the subjunctive mood is used to express wishes, hypothetical situations, and commands, among other things. In this case, it's a past subjunctive form for the third person plural.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Erant. This is the indicative past tense, not the subjunctive.
Option B: Essent. Correct; this is the correct subjunctive form.
Option C: Fuerint. This is a future subjunctive form and incorrect for the given context.
Option D: Esserent. This option is not grammatically correct in Latin as "esser-" does not fit the conjugation rules for this tense.

9. Ana said to Andi" Don't open your window!"

Explanations: Option A is correct because it accurately reflects the indirect command structure in Ana's statement to Andi. In an indirect command, the verb is typically negated and placed after "not" without a modal auxiliary (like "don't"). The possessive pronoun "his" correctly refers to Andi’s window.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correctly uses "not to open his window," which is the proper form for an indirect command.
Option B: Incorrect because it implies Ana has a window, which is not necessarily true in this context. Also, "her" would refer to Andi's female counterpart if applicable, but it’s unnecessary here.
Option C: Incorrect for the same reasons as Option B and also introduces "my," which doesn't fit the scenario since Ana isn’t speaking about her own window.
Option D: Incorrect because it places "to not" before the verb, which is not the standard structure for indirect commands in English.

10. Midas announces that he wants more gold.

Explanations: Indirect commands are used to express a polite request or suggestion, often phrased as a statement rather than a direct order. In this context, "Midas announces that he wants more gold" is an indirect command because it expresses Midas's desire in the form of a statement.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Incorrect. This option suggests a statement about capability rather than desire.
Option B: Correct. This accurately reflects that Midas is expressing his desire for more gold, which aligns with the concept of indirect commands.
Option C: Incorrect. This implies a transformation or change in form, not a statement of desire.
Option D: Incorrect. This suggests an assertion of sufficiency, contrary to Midas's expressed need for more gold.

11. Translate:Cowardly Sextus begs the very large wolf not to eat him.

Explanations: The correct answer is A) Ignavus Sextus lupum maximum orat ne se edat. This translation accurately conveys the meaning of "Cowardly Sextus begs the very large wolf not to eat him." Here, "Ignavus" means cowardly, "lupum maximum" refers to the very large wolf, and "orat ne se edat" is the indirect command form for "begs [the wolf] not to eat him."

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. Uses appropriate Latin forms for indirect commands.
Option B: Incorrect. "Lupos maximos" means "very large wolves," which is plural and incorrect in context.
Option C: Incorrect. "Molestus" means troublesome, not cowardly, and the structure does not fit indirect commands properly.
Option D: Incorrect. The subject and object are reversed, making it grammatically wrong for Latin indirect commands.

12. Mr Dean: "What do I need to do next? "

Explanations: The sentence "Mr Dean: 'What do I need to do next? '" is a reported speech form of an indirect command, where Mr Dean is asking about the next action required. The correct answer is A) He asked me what he needed to do next.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. It accurately reflects that Mr Dean inquired about his next task.
Option B: Incorrect. It implies a future action, which is not indicated by the reported speech.
Option C: Incorrect. While similar to option A, it uses "could" instead of "needed," changing the meaning slightly and inaccurately reflecting the original sentence's tense and context.
Option D: Incorrect. There is a correct answer among the options provided.

13. I don't know where to find that.

Explanations: The sentence "I don't know where to find that." is an indirect question, which asks for information without using a direct interrogative form (like "where" or "what"). Indirect questions are often used in reported speech and can be introduced by verbs such as "ask," "tell," "say," etc.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Indirect Statement - This is incorrect because the sentence is not a statement but a question.
Option B: Indirect Command - This is incorrect as commands are direct requests or instructions, not questions.
Option C: Indirect Question - This is correct as it accurately describes the sentence structure and function.
Option D: Ablative Absolute - This is incorrect because there are no ablative forms or absolute constructions in the given sentence.

14. "Be careful tomorrow, Marry, " said Jane.

Explanations: The sentence "Be careful tomorrow, Marry," is an indirect command where Jane is asking Marry to be careful the next day. This aligns with Option B: Jane asked Marry to be careful the day after (assuming today is not considered 'the day after').

Option Analysis:

Option A: Incorrect as it suggests Marry requested caution, which contradicts the context.
Option B: Correct because Jane indirectly commands Marry to be careful for the next day.
Option C: Incorrect since it implies Marry is being asked to be careful tomorrow, not Jane.
Option D: Incorrect as it suggests a request from Marry to Jane, which does not match the sentence structure.

15. Find the best translation of this sentence.

Explanations: Option A is correct because it uses the structure of an indirect command, which is appropriate for giving a suggestion or request to someone else. In English grammar, indirect commands are formed using "have" + subject + base form of verb (read in this case). This construction maintains politeness and formality.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Uses the correct structure for an indirect command.
Option B: Is a declarative sentence, not a command or suggestion.
Option C: Identical to Option A, thus correct but redundant in this context.
Option D: Asks a question rather than giving a command or suggestion.

16. Translate:Cornelius coquo imperavit ut in culina maneret.

Explanations: The correct answer is D) Cornelius ordered the cook to stay in the kitchen. This option accurately reflects an indirect command, where Cornelius gives a direct order to the cook using the past tense "coquo imperavit" (he commanded/cooked), which indicates a past action. The phrase "ut in culina maneret" means "that he might remain in the kitchen," showing the purpose of the command.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Incorrect as it uses present tense, not past.
Option B: Correct form but tense is wrong; should be past tense for "ordered."
Option C: Incorrect as it suggests Cornelius thought rather than commanded.
Option D: Correct in both form and meaning, using past tense to indicate a command given in the past.

17. What case is the receiver of the command following the verbs impero, persuadeo, and mando?

Explanations: The receiver of the command following verbs like impero, persuadeo, and mando is in the dative case because these verbs require a dative indirect object to indicate who is receiving the action commanded by the verb.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Accusative - Incorrect. The accusative case typically follows direct objects, not commands.
Option B: Nominative - Incorrect. The nominative case is used for subjects of sentences, not indirect objects in commands.
Option C: Ablative - Incorrect. The ablative case often indicates means or manner but not the recipient in commands.
Option D: Dative - Correct. This is the proper case for the indirect object receiving the command.

18. How can you tell an indirect command apart from a result clause?

Explanations: The correct answer is Option A: A result clause must have tam/tantus/talis/etc. in the beginning while an indirect command must have a verb like impero/hortor/praceipio/etc. A result clause, also known as a relative clause, typically begins with words such as tam, tantus, talis, quae, or quod to describe the extent of an action. In contrast, an indirect command is an imperative sentence that gives a suggestion or order and usually starts with a verb like impero (command), hortor (encourage), praceipio (advise).

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. Result clauses use tam/tantus/talis/etc., indirect commands start with verbs like impero/hortor/praceipio.
Option B: Incorrect. Indirect commands do not always start with "cum"; they can begin with a verb or other types of phrases.
Option C: Incorrect. Indirect commands do not necessarily include question words; they are imperative in nature.
Option D: Incorrect. While indirect commands are often imperative, they do not always have to be in the form of a direct command.

19. What is the command form for "Arreglar? "

Explanations: Indirect commands in Spanish are formed by using the subjunctive mood with the pronoun "que" (which is often omitted) followed by the subject and the verb in its subjunctive form. For the verb "arreglar," which means to fix or arrange, the correct indirect command form is "Arregle."

Option Analysis:

Option A: Incorrect. This option uses the imperative form without "que" and with a direct object pronoun, which does not apply to indirect commands.
Option B: Incorrect. This is an abbreviation that doesn't fit the context of forming indirect commands.
Option C: Correct. This option uses the subjunctive form "Arregle" with the appropriate subject pronoun, which is standard for indirect commands in Spanish.
Option D: Incorrect. This option adds an 'i' at the end, which is not a valid conjugation of "arreglar" in this context.

20. Perseus did not know [why Medusa was so hateful and ugly.]

Explanations: The sentence "Perseus did not know [why Medusa was so hateful and ugly.]" is an indirect question because it expresses a question without using the words "who," "what," "where," "when," "why," or "how" directly.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. The sentence uses an indirect question.
Option B: Incorrect. It is not a statement expressing a fact.
Option C: Incorrect. There is no command given in the sentence.
Option D: Incorrect. The sentence fits into one of the other categories.

21. "Pass me the salad, Tom!" asked Anna.

Explanations: Option B is correct because it accurately reflects the indirect command structure in the original sentence. In "Pass me the salad, Tom!" Anna is using an imperative form to request something from Tom, and by asking him directly, she is making a polite request.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Incorrect as it reverses the subject and object roles.
Option B: Correct for accurately representing Anna's indirect command to Tom.
Option C: Incorrect due to the misspelling of "passed" which changes the meaning.
Option D: Incorrect as it incorrectly attributes the action to Tom and reverses the subject-object roles.

22. My grandma to me: "Don't cry."

Explanations: Indirect commands are used to give a suggestion or request in the form of a statement, rather than a direct order. In this case, "Don't cry" is an indirect command because it suggests that crying should not happen without using imperative language directly.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. This option accurately reflects the indirect nature of the statement as a suggestion or request.
Option B: Incorrect. This implies permission to cry, which contradicts the original statement.
Option C: Incorrect. This reverses the directionality and makes it a direct command from the speaker to themselves, not an indirect command.
Option D: Incorrect. At least one option is correct.

23. Dad to me: "Share your video game with your sister."

Explanations: Option C is correct because the sentence "Dad to me: 'Share your video game with your sister.'" indicates an indirect command where the father is instructing the speaker (you) to share their video game with their sister. The use of "your" in "your video game" shows that the speaker possesses the video game being shared.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Incorrect as it suggests the sister should share, not you.
Option B: Incorrect as it implies you are not to share anything.
Option C: Correct as explained above.
Option D: Incorrect as option C is valid.

24. I think I saw a chickpea in the market

Explanations: The sentence "I think I saw a chickpea in the market" is an indirect command, which implies a suggestion or advice rather than a direct order. The correct answer is C) Saw. This option correctly conveys the past tense action of seeing something that has already happened.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Sees - Incorrect as it uses present tense, indicating an ongoing or habitual action.
Option B: Will see - Incorrect as it implies a future action, not past observation.
Option C: Saw - Correct for the past tense of seeing something that has already happened.
Option D: Can see - Incorrect as it suggests current ability to see, not an action completed in the past.

25. Susan told us, "Be on time tomorrow!"

Explanations: Option A is incorrect because the original sentence "Susan told us, 'Be on time tomorrow!'" indicates that Susan gave a direct command to be on time for an event happening the next day. Option A misinterprets this by suggesting it was about the day after.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Incorrect; misinterprets the timing of the event.
Option B: Incorrect; reverses the subject and object, making it illogical.
Option C: Correct; accurately reflects Susan's direct command to be on time for an event happening tomorrow.
Option D: Incorrect; suggests we gave a command to Susan, which is not what happened in the original sentence.

26. Which two subjunctive tenses would you use in an indirect command?

Explanations: Indirect commands in English typically involve the use of the subjunctive mood, which is often signaled by verbs such as "suggest," "request," "demand," etc. In these constructions, the main clause uses a form of "should" followed by the base form of the verb (present subjunctive), while the subordinate clause uses the imperfect subjunctive to express a past or habitual action.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Present/imperfect. Correct. The main clause uses the present subjunctive ("should + base form"), and the subordinate clause uses the imperfect subjunctive.
Option B: Perfect/pluperfect. Incorrect. These tenses are not typically used in indirect commands.
Option C: Imperfect/perfect. Incorrect. The perfect tense is not commonly used in this context, and the pluperfect would indicate a past action that is no longer relevant, which does not fit the typical structure of an indirect command.
Option D: Pluperfect/present. Incorrect. The pluperfect indicates a past action completed before another past action, which is not the case in indirect commands.

27. How do you say "Help her!" (the mom)

Explanations: The correct answer is D) Ayudale. This option uses the indirect command form "ayudale," which means "help her!" in Spanish when addressing a female person informally or as a polite request. The pronoun "le" (her) is placed at the end of the verb, following the rule for indirect commands.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Incorrect; it uses "ayudalo," which means "help him!" instead.
Option B: Incorrect; it uses "le ayuda," which is in the third-person present tense and not an indirect command form.
Option C: Incorrect; it uses "lo ayuda," which also means "he helps" or "him helps" and does not follow the indirect command structure for a female person.
Option D: Correct; it follows the indirect command structure with "ayudale."

28. Translate: I pray him to become a better man.

Explanations: The correct answer is A) I order him to become a better man. This option accurately reflects an indirect command, where the speaker is giving a direct instruction to someone in the form of a statement. In English grammar, indirect commands are often used when speaking formally or politely and involve using the base form of the verb after "order," "ask," etc.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct for indirect command structure.
Option B: Incorrect. This option uses a direct command with "order" and doesn't fit the context of an indirect request or prayer.
Option C: Incorrect. This option incorrectly uses "ordered" in past tense, and the sentence structure is not appropriate for an indirect command.
Option D: Incorrect. This option also uses a direct command with "ask," which doesn't match the context of praying or indirectly requesting someone to change.

29. Perseus is warned [not to look at Medusa's face.]

Explanations: The sentence "Perseus is warned [not to look at Medusa's face.]" is an indirect command because it uses the verb "warned" to convey a request or instruction in an indirect manner, rather than using imperative verbs like "do not look."

Option Analysis:

Option A: Indirect question - Incorrect. It is not asking for information.
Option B: Indirect statement - Incorrect. It is giving a command, not just stating a fact.
Option C: Indirect command - Correct. The warning to Perseus is an indirect way of telling him what not to do.
Option D: None of above - Incorrect. Option C is correct.

30. What is the command form for "Poner? "

Explanations: Indirect commands in Spanish typically use the imperative form of the verb, which for "poner" (to put) is "pon". This is used when giving a polite request or instruction to someone without addressing them directly.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. "Pon" is the correct form for an indirect command of "poner".
Option B: Incorrect. "Pona" is a conjugation used in formal commands or when addressing one person, not indirect commands.
Option C: Incorrect. "Pone" is the third-person singular form and would be used in sentences like "Él/ella pone", not for indirect commands.
Option D: Incorrect. "Poni" is a gerund or present participle, not used in forming indirect commands.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are indirect commands?

Indirect commands, also known as polite requests or suggestions, are a way to make a direct command less forceful by using softer language. They often involve phrases like 'could you' or 'would you,' making the request more polite and less abrupt.

How do indirect commands differ from direct commands?

Direct commands are straightforward and often use imperative form, such as 'Close the door.' Indirect commands, on the other hand, soften this by using phrases like 'Could you close the door?' or 'Would it be possible to close the door?' This makes the request more polite and considerate.

Can indirect commands be used in different languages?

Yes, indirect commands can be found in various languages. For example, in Spanish, you might use '¿Podrías cerrar la puerta?' (Could you close the door?), and in Latin, indirect commands often involve subjunctive mood to express a polite request.

How do indirect commands relate to reported speech?

Indirect commands are closely related to reported speech, as they often involve transforming direct commands into softer requests. When reporting an indirect command in a sentence, you might use phrases like 'asked if,' 'suggested that,' or 'requested that' to indicate the polite nature of the request.

What is the role of the subjunctive mood in indirect commands?

In languages like Latin, the subjunctive mood plays a crucial role in forming indirect commands. It indicates that the action is not certain or is contrary to fact, making the request more polite and less direct.

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