Reported Speech Flashcards
30 fixed patterns · Flip · Learn · Master — every rule from the Grammar RuleBook chapter, plus advanced patterns
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The Tense Backshift Rule
Past reporting verb shifts every verb back one tense
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The Tense Backshift Rule
TensePast reporting verb shifts every verb back one tense
Definition
When the reporting verb is past, all verbs in the reported clause shift one tense back — present to past, will to would, and so on.
Example Sentence
“She said that she was tired and would rest after the meeting.”
Common Mistake
She said that she is tired and will rest after the meeting
Related Forms
can → could, may → might, shall → should
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