Modal Verbs In Reported Speech Exercises – Modals Exercises PDF
When there is a modal verb in the original statement, suggestion, etc., this sometimes changes when we report what was said. The changes are summarised in below table.
| modal verb in original | modal verb in report |
| could, would, should, might, ought to, used to | could, would, should, might, ought to, used to |
| will, can, may | would, could, might
will, can, may (existing or future situations and present tense verb in reporting clause) will or would, can or could, may or might (existing or future situations and past tense verb in reporting clause) |
| shall | would, should (offers, suggestions, etc.) |
| must (=necessary)
must (=conclude) mustn’t |
must or had to
had to mustn’t |
1. We sometimes use a modal verb in a report when there is no modal verb in the original:
- ‘You’re not allowed to smoke here’ → she told me that I mustn’t smoke there.
2. The verbs could, would, should, might, ought to, and used to don’t change in the report:
- ‘I could meet you at the airport.’ → He said that he could meet us at the airport.
- ‘We might drop in if we have time.’ →They said they might drop in if they have time.
3. Will usually changes to would, can to could, may to might. However, if the situation we are reporting still exists or is still in the future and the verb in the reporting clause is in a present tense, we prefer will, can, and may in the reported clause. Compare :
- ‘Careful! You’ll fall through the ice!’ → I warned him he would fall through the ice.
- ‘I‘ll be in Paris at Christmas.’ → She tells me she’ll be in Paris at Christmas.
If the situation we are reporting still exists or is still in the future and the verb in the reporting clause is in a past tense, then we can use either would or will, can or could, and may or might in the reported clause:
- ‘ The problem can be solved.’ → They said the problem can/could be solved.
4. When shall is used in the original to talk about the future, we use would in the report:
- ‘I shall (I’ll) call you on Monday.’ → She told me she would call me on Monday.
However, when shall is used in offers, requests for advice and confirmation, etc. then we can use should in the report, but not shall.
- ‘Where shall I put this box?’ → He asked where he should put the box.
5. When must is used in the original to say that it is necessary to do something, we can usually use either must or had to in the report, although must is less common:
- ‘You must be home by 9 o’clock’ → she said I must/had to be home by 9 o’clock.
However, when must is used in the original to conclude that something (has) happened or that something is true, then we must, not had to, in the report:
- ‘I keep forgetting things. I must be getting old.’ → Neil said he must be getting old.
If mustn’t is used in the original, we can use mustn’t in the report but not didn’t have to:
- ‘You mustn’t tell my brother.’ → He warned me that I mustn’t tell his brother.
Modal Verbs In Reported Speech Exercises with Answers
Report what was said using a sentence with a that-clause. Use an appropriate modal verb in that-clause.
- ‘It’s important for you to be at the theatre on time.’ → She said that I had to/ must be at the theatre on time.
- ‘My advice is to look for a new job now.’ → She said (that) I should/ought to look for a new job now.
- ‘It’s possible that I’ll have to leave early.’ → She said (that) she may/might have to leave early.
- ‘You should have used brighter wallpaper for the bedroom.’ → She said (that) I should have/ought to have used brighter wallpaper for the bedroom.
- ‘I’ll be disappointed if I don’t get the job.’ → She said (that) she would/will be disappointed if she didn’t/doesn’t get the job.
- ‘I’d recommended that you take the jumper back to the shop.’ → She said (that) I should/ought to take the jumper back to the shop.
- ‘It’s okay if you want to borrow my guitar.’ → She said (that) I could/can borrow her guitar.
- ‘I’m sorry I couldn’t come to visit you last summer.’ → She said that she was sorry she couldn’t come to visit me/us last summer.
Underline the more likely or more appropriate verb. If both are possible, underline them both.
- Bill tells me that he will/would be leaving work early tonight.
- They thought that Bob would/will get a good job, but they were wrong.
- They said that a decision would/will be made soon.
- When I phoned Liz this morning I told her I may/might be late.
- She says that she could/can see us any time we are free.
- He explained that people will/would still need a key to get in.
- Kathy understands that we won’t/wouldn’t be able to visit her this week.
- Jim told us that we could/can stay in his house when he’s on holiday.
Complete the sentences to report what was said.
- ‘Who shall I deliver the parcel to?’ → He asked who he should (or ought to) deliver the parcel to.
- ‘I shall be extremely interested to see the results.’ → He said (that) he would be extremely interested to see the results.
- ‘What shall I do next?’ → He asked what he should (or ought to) do next.
- ‘You mustn’t forget your membership card.’ → He told me (that) I mustn’t forget my membership card. (‘He told me not to forget my membership card.’ might also be used here.’)
- ‘You must collect more data.’ → He told me (that) I must/ had to/ have to collect more data.
- ‘I shall always remember her kindness.’ → He said (that) he would always remember her kindness.
- ‘The baby’s crying. You must have woken her.’ → He said I must have woken the baby (or her).
Report what was said using a that-clause with a modal verb.
- ‘We’ll organise the Christmas party.’ → They promised that they would organise the Christmas party.
- ‘You’re right. I can’t remember where I’ve left the car.’ → He admitted that he couldn’t remember where he had left the car. (No alternative with a to-infinitive clause.)
- We will turn back the invaders or die fighting.’ → The army leaders vowed that they would turn back the invaders or die fighting. (‘The army leaders vowed to turn back the invaders or die fighting.’ is also possible.’)
- ‘I’m pretty sure I’ll be finished by this evening.’ → He expects that he will be finished by this evening. (‘He expects to finish..’ are also possible.)
- ‘I can show you the way.’ → She said that she can/could show me the way. (No alternative with a to-infinitive clause.)
All the best for your upcoming exam!
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