Modal backshifting in reported speech

Article excerpt · target grammar marked

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 Reference · Modal backshifting in 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

Time reference shifts

"I am ready now." → She said she was ready then. — now→then, tomorrow→the following day

Common error

She said she will try. ✗ → She said she would try. ✓ — always backshift after past reporting verb

01Exercise 1 — Form · Write the Correct Form

Modal backshifting in reported speech

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.

4."I must speak to the director now," she insisted. → She insisted that she speak to the director then.

5."Shall I send the proposal tomorrow?" he asked. → He asked whether he send the proposal the following day.

6."The results will be available this afternoon," she announced. → She announced that the results be available that afternoon.

02Exercise 2 — Transform

rewrite with the new structure

1."I will call you tomorrow," she said.

2."We can improve the strategy," the CEO claimed.

3."The deal may fall through," the analyst warned.

4."You must submit the form today," the supervisor said.

5."I shall handle the presentation tomorrow," he promised.

6."She will face real obstacles," the mentor predicted.

03Exercise 3 — About You

in your notebook

Personalise: complete five sentences about yourself using the target grammar.

Modal backshifting in reported speech01EnglishPlans.com