When the reporting verb is in the past tense, all present tenses of the direct speech change to corresponding past tenses. The simple present tense… Continue reading
Detailed rules for change of tenses in indirect speech
Lessons
Indirect Speech: Change in Pronouns, Adverbs and Tenses
Pronouns A change of speaker may mean a change of pronoun. Study the following sentences: Alice (on Sunday evening): I don’t like this party. I… Continue reading
Direct and Indirect Speech
There are two main ways of reporting people’s words, thoughts, beliefs etc. Direct speech We can give the exact words that were said. This kind… Continue reading
Reporting past tenses
In indirect speech, a speaker’s present perfect and past tenses are often reported using past perfect tenses. This is because the events a person spoke… Continue reading
Whether or If
Both whether and if can be used to introduce indirect yes/no questions. I don’t know whether I can come. OR I don’t know if I… Continue reading