What are the rules for changing verb forms in reported speech?

The rules for changing verb forms in reported speech are as follows:

1. Tense shift: In reported speech, the tense of the verb is usually shifted back in time. For example, if the original statement is in the present tense, it is usually changed to the past tense in reported speech. Similarly, if the original statement is in the past tense, it is changed to the past perfect tense in reported speech.

2. Pronoun shift: The pronouns used in reported speech are often changed to reflect the perspective of the speaker in the reported speech. For example, if the original statement includes the pronoun "I," it is changed to "he" or "she" in reported speech.

3. Time and place shift: When reporting someone's words, the time and place references may need to be adjusted to fit the context of the reported speech. For example, if the original statement includes a specific time or place, it may need to be changed or omitted in reported speech.

4. Modal verbs: Modal verbs such as "can," "could," "may," "might," "shall," "should," "will," "would," "must," etc., are usually changed according to the context and the speaker's intention. For example, "can" may change to "could," "may" may change to "might," and so on.

5. Reporting verbs: The choice of reporting verbs can also affect the verb forms in reported speech. For example, if the reporting verb is in the present tense, the verb forms in reported speech remain unchanged. However, if the reporting verb is in the past tense, the verb forms in reported speech are usually shifted back in time.

It is important to note that these rules may vary depending on the context and the specific situation. It is always advisable to consider the overall meaning and intention of the original statement while changing the verb forms in reported speech.