1. COMMUNICATIVE GRAMMAR IV
ect Speech: Tense Changes
César Ochoa Cueva, M.S.Ed.

2. Indirect Speech 1
Indirect Speech 1
When the reporting verb is in the simple past, the verb
tense in the indirect speech statement often changes.
Direct Speech Indirect Speech
Simple Present  Simple Past
Present Progressive  Past Progressive
Simple Past Tense
 Past Perfect
Present Perfect
 Past Perfect

3. Indirect Speech 1
Indirect Speech 1
“My boss is happy.” Mark said his boss was happy.
“A terrible storm is Ann said a terrible storm was
coming.” coming.

4. Indirect Speech 1
Indirect Speech 1
“My grandma called me.” She said her grandma had
called her.
“I’ve talked to my father.” He said he had talked to his
father.

5. Indirect Speech 2
Indirect Speech 2
Modals often change in indirect speech.
Direct Speech Indirect Speech
will  would
can  could
may  might
must
 had to

6. Indirect Speech 2
Indirect Speech 2
“The twister will be strong.” He said the twister would be
strong.
“I can swim.” She said she could swim.

7. Indirect Speech 2
Indirect Speech 2
“The storm may last He said the storm might last
all night.” all night.
“I must do my homework.” My father said I had to do
my homework.

8. Indirect Speech 3
Indirect Speech 3
The following modals do not change in indirect
speech: should, could, might, and ought to.
“I should listen to the Tom said she should listen
news.” to the news.
“I might visit you in Ann said she might visit me
Rome.” in Rome.

10. Bibliography
Bibliography
• Fuchs, M. & Bonner, M., Focus on Grammar 4
Pearson Education , White Plains, NY 10606,
2006
• http://www.myenglishteacher.net
• Photo credit: Microsoft Office