How do you change modal verbs in indirect speech?

Direct And Indirect Speech Questions Medium



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How do you change modal verbs in indirect speech?

When changing modal verbs in indirect speech, there are a few rules to follow.

1. If the reported speech is in the present or future tense, the modal verb remains unchanged. For example:
- Direct speech: "I can swim."
- Indirect speech: He said that he can swim.

2. If the reported speech is in the past tense, the modal verb is changed to its past form. For example:
- Direct speech: "I could swim."
- Indirect speech: He said that he could swim.

3. If the reported speech is in the past tense and the modal verb is already in its past form, it remains unchanged. For example:
- Direct speech: "I might go."
- Indirect speech: He said that he might go.

4. If the reported speech is in the past tense and the modal verb is 'will', it is changed to 'would'. For example:
- Direct speech: "I will help."
- Indirect speech: He said that he would help.

5. If the reported speech is in the past tense and the modal verb is 'shall', it is changed to 'should'. For example:
- Direct speech: "Shall I come?"
- Indirect speech: He asked if he should come.

It is important to note that the reporting verb and the tense of the reported speech also play a role in determining the changes in modal verbs.