A sentence is provided in direct speech. Mother said, “Don’t touch the stove.

✅ Explanation:

Given sentence (Direct Speech):
👉 Mother said, “Don’t touch the stove.”

This is a negative imperative sentence (a command/order).

🔍 Rule for Imperative Sentences (Negative):

👉 said → told (when there is an object like mother → someone)
👉 Structure:
Subject + told + object + not to + V₁

Since the object (like me/us) is not given, we use a general structure:

✔️ Mother said not to touch the stove.

❌ Why others are incorrect:

• Mother said not touch the stove. ❌ → missing “to”

• Mother said, Do not touch the stove. ❌ → still direct speech

• Mother told that Don't touch the stove. ❌ → wrong structure

• Mother told not to touching the stove. ❌ → incorrect verb form

📌 Extra Facts (Exam Tips):

1. Imperative → Indirect Speech:

   • Positive: said → told + to + V₁

   • Negative: said → told + not to + V₁

2. Use of “told”:

   • Always requires an object (told me, told him, etc.)

3. Memory Trick 🧠:
   👉 “Don’t” → not to

📘 Conclusion:

👉 The correct indirect speech is:
Mother said not to touch the stove.