Grammar: Reported Speech
B2 Lesson 5: Reporting with Modals
Direct vs. Reported Speech
When we report what someone said, some modal verbs change their form (this is called a backshift).
"I can meet you after work," she said.
She said that she could meet me after work.
The Grammar Rules 📖
Rule 1: Modals That Change (Backshift)
These common modals change to their "past" equivalent when the reporting verb (e.g., said) is in the past.
| Direct Speech Modal | Reported Speech Modal |
|---|---|
| will | would |
| can | could |
| may | might |
| must (for obligation) | had to |
Direct: "You must finish this project by Friday," the boss said.
Reported: The boss said that we had to finish the project by Friday.
Rule 2: Modals That DO NOT Change
The "past" modal verbs—would, could, should, might, ought to—do not change any further when they are reported. They stay the same.
Direct: "You should visit the temples in the morning," the guide advised.
Reported: The guide advised that we should visit the temples in the morning.
💡 Pro Tip: The Two Meanings of "must"
The modal 'must' behaves differently depending on its meaning.
- For Obligation: 'must' changes to 'had to'.
Direct: "I must go home." → He said he had to go home. - For Deduction (a logical guess): 'must' does not change.
Direct: "Sothea isn't here. She must be sick." → He said Sothea must be sick.
Practice Your Grammar 🎯
Exercise: Report the Modal
Choose the correct modal form for the reported sentence.
- Direct: "I can speak Khmer." → She told me that she _______ speak Khmer.
Answer: could - Direct: "We will be there at 7 PM." → They said that they _______ be there at 7 PM.
Answer: would - Direct: "You should try the fish amok." → Our friend from Battambang said we _______ try the fish amok.
Answer: should (no change) - Direct: "You must wear a helmet." → The police officer said I _______ wear a helmet.
Answer: had to (obligation) - Direct: "He must be very rich; he drives a Lamborghini." → She thought that he _______ be very rich.
Answer: must (deduction - no change)
Your Grammar Mission ⭐
What Did They Say?
Report the following sentences in your notebook.
- The weather forecast said, "It may rain heavily tonight."
- My friend said, "I must remember to call my parents this weekend."
- The doctor told me, "You should drink more water."
Key Vocabulary
- Modal Verb A special verb (like must, should, can) that changes the meaning of the main verb.
- Reported Speech The act of reporting what someone else said, without using their exact words.
- Backshift To change a verb tense to a "more past" tense, as is often done in reported speech.
- Obligation / Deduction Something you must do / A logical guess based on evidence.