COMMUNICATIVE GRAMMAR IV

Indirect Speech: Tense Changes

César Ochoa Cueva, M.S.Ed.

Indirect Speech 1Indirect Speech 1

When the reporting verb is in the simple past, the verb tense in the indirect speech statement often changes.

Direct Speech Indirect Speech

Simple Present

Present Progressive

Simple Past Tense

Present Perfect

Simple PastSimple Past

Past ProgressivePast Progressive

Past PerfectPast Perfect

Past Perfect

Indirect Speech 1Indirect Speech 1

“My boss is happy.” Mark said his boss was happy.

“A terrible storm is coming.”

Ann said a terrible storm was coming.

Indirect Speech 1Indirect Speech 1

“My grandma called me.” She said her grandma had called her.

“I’ve talked to my father.” He said he had talked to his father.

Indirect Speech 2Indirect Speech 2

Modals often change in indirect speech.

Direct Speech Indirect Speech

will

can

may

must

wouldwould

couldcould

mightmight

had tohad to

Indirect Speech 2Indirect Speech 2

“The twister will be strong.” He said the twister would be strong.

“I can swim.” She said she could swim.

Indirect Speech 2Indirect Speech 2

“The storm may last all night.”

He said the storm might last all night.

“I must do my homework.” My father said I had to do my homework.

Indirect Speech 3Indirect Speech 3

The following modals do not change in indirect speech: should, could, might, and ought to.

“I should listen to the news.”

Tom said she should listen to the news.

“I might visit you in Rome.”

Ann said she might visit me in Rome.

• Fuchs, M. & Bonner, M., Focus on Grammar 4

Pearson Education , White Plains, NY 10606, 2006

• http://www.myenglishteacher.net

• Photo credit: Microsoft Office

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