1. Past Reporting Verbs (He said he didn't like driving.) In reporting what someone said, it's common to use different tenses. |
Example: Jen (Monday morning): I can't join you tonight. I have to go home early. Lisa (Monday evening): Jen said she couldn't join us tonight. She had to go home early. |
2. Typical Tense Change After Past Reporting Verbs |
Examples: Will to would; simple present to simple past; present progressive to past progressive; present perfect to past perfect; past to past perfect; can to could; may to might |
But past perfect tense usually do not change. |
3. Past Modal Modal Verbs Remain Unchanged (would, could, etc.) In indirect speech, past modal verbs do not change. |
Example: Direct: It would be nice if we could go somewhere. Indirect: She said it would be nice if we could go somewhere. |
4. I told them I was a reporter The original tenses are usually change even if what the speaker said remains true after past reporting verbs. |
Example: Direct: I'm a reporter. Indirect: I told them I was a reporter. Direct: I can drop Shaun to school tomorrow. Indirect: He said he could drop Shaun to school tomorrow. |
5. He says, I'll tell her, etc. Tenses remains the same after present, future and present perfect reporting verbs. |
Example: Direct: I don't want to stay here. Indirect: He says he doesn't want to stay here. Direct: We need to tidy up the room. Indirect: I'll tell them you need to tidy up the room. |