In an indirect speech, the verb tense of the reported clause changes from the tense of the original speech. Normally, the tense of the reported clause adjusts one tense back. This is called backshifting. Study the following table that shows examples of backshifting in reported speech.
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Simple Present Dasaratha: Rama is the most worthy of my sons. |
Simple Past Dasaratha said that Rama was the most worthy of his sons. |
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Simple Past Rama: I gave my word to the king. |
Past Perfect Rama said that he had given his word to the king. |
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Present Perfect Shurpanakha: Sita has not been good enough for you, Rama. |
Past Perfect Shurpanakha said that Sita had not been good enough for Rama. |
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Present Continuous Servant: The enemies are entering the camp! |
Past Continuous The servant reported that the enemies were entering the camp. |
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Past Continuous Hanuman: Rama and Lakshmana were fighting gallantly. |
Past Perfect Continuous Hanuman commented that Rama and Lakshmana had been fighting gallantly. |
In the case of modal verbs (might, could, would, and should), their use from original speech to reported speech does not change.
Example:
Head Priest: I wish I could understand what is going on in the King’s head.
Reported Speech: The head priest wished that he could understand what was going on in the King’s head.