Grammar
REPORTED SPEECH THEORY Explanations Problems This unit assumes that the basic rules for forming reported speech are already known. • The most important rule is to use verb forms that are natural in the situation. 'I'm happy to help you' she said. She told me she is happy to help us. In the above example, the verb has not been put one stage back in the past. In the following example, the same is true. I wanted to go to the cinema, but John wasn't so keen,' said Sue. Sue said that she wanted to go to the cinema, but John wasn't so keen. • Reported speech with modal auxiliaries If the reporting verb is in a past verb form, 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 perso...