Level 4Workgrammar

Modal backshifting in reported speech — Oprah's Turning Points

Grammar: Reported Speech

Free ESL grammar exercise on modal backshifting in reported speech themed around oprah's turning points. Printable worksheet from EnglishPlans.com.

What's on this worksheet

A Level 4 (upper intermediate) ESL grammar exercise on work, practising reported speech. The worksheet has a short reading excerpt, a grammar reference and graded practice items.

From the reading

Winfrey claimed she had learned that lesson early. Before The Color Purple opened, she recalled that Spielberg had warned her the project might attract fierce criticism. "He told me it would be controversial," she said, "and that I might face serious backlash."

Grammar: Reported Speech

will → would
"I will succeed." → She said she would succeed. — will shifts to would in reported speech
can/may → could/might
"It can be done." → He said it could be done. — can→could, may→might

Sample items

  1. "I will finish the report by Friday," Marco promised. → Marco promised that he ______ the report by Friday.
  2. "The contract may not be renewed," the manager warned. → The manager warned that the contract ______ not be renewed.
  3. "We can solve this problem today," said the team leader. → The team leader said they ______ solve the problem that day.

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