This unit assumes that the basic rules for forming indirect speech are already known

Indirect speech with modal auxiliaries

If the reporting verb is in a past tense, modals change where there is a 'past' equivalent.

will - would can - could may - might

Could, would, and might do not change.

- I might be late. She said (that) she might be late.

Should changes to would if it is used as a first person form of would.

- I should love to come. She said (that) she would love to come.

Otherwise should remains unchanged.

- You should rest. They said (that) I should rest.

Must can be reported as either had to or remain as must.

Indirect speech with conditional sentences

After a past tense reporting verb, real situations include tense changes.

- If we leave now, we'll catch the train.

I told him that if we left we'd catch the train.

In reported hypothetical situations, tense changes are not made if the event has reference to a possible future.

-If you came back tomorrow, I'd be able to help you.

She said that if I came back the next day, she'd be able to help me.

If the event is clearly hypothetical and impossible, time changes are made.

- If I had a spanner, I could fix this.

He said that if he had had a spanner he could have fixed it.

Hypothetical past conditional sentences do not change.

Don't think

Statements reported with verbs of thinking such as think, expect, suppose can transfer the negative from the statement to the verb.

I suppose she won't come. = I don't suppose she will come.

Past tenses

It is not strictly necessary to report past tenses with a shift into past perfect in spoken language, if the sequence of events is clear.

Reporting verbs

There are numerous reporting verbs, which report the words of others, or our own words or thoughts. Only a selection is given here. Other examples are included in the activities. Only the most useful categories are given here. It is advisable to use a dictionary to check on how reporting verbs are used.

1. Verbs followed by that + clause (with can be followed by a person)

add confirm feel predict say

admit consider hope promise state

agree decide imply reassure suggest

announce deny insist reckon suppose

argue doubt mean remark tell

believe estimate mention repeat think

claim expect object reply threaten

complain explain persuade report warn

2. Verbs followed by person + to

Functions

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