Page 171 - English Grammar - IX-X

Direct Speech Reported Speech

Present Continuous: Ritu said, “My uncle is Past Continuous: Ritu said that her uncle was
boarding the train now.” boarding the train then.

Present Perfect: Johny said, “I have seen the Past Perfect: Johny said that he had seen the
old man.” old man.

Simple Past: Radhika said, “They lifted the lady Past Perfect: Radhika said that they had lifted
and took her home.” the lady and taken her home.

Past Perfect: Divya said, “Neha had called us Past Perfect: Divya said that Neha had called
for the party last month.” them for the party the month before.

Change in Modals

When a direct speech is changed into reported speech, the modals in present form are changed
into modals in past form.

For example:

Direct Speech Reported Speech

She said, “I may drive a car.” She said that she might drive a car.

Change in Exclamations

When a direct speech is changed into reported speech, the exclamatory sentences are changed
into assertive form and exclamation mark changes into full stop.

Direct Speech Reported Speech

She said, “What a dreadful thing!” She said that it was a dreadful thing.

Change in Time and Place

When a direct speech is changed into reported speech, the words showing nearness in time
and place are changed into words showing distance.

Direct Speech Reported Speech

Teena said, “I am busy now.” Teena said that she was busy then.

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