No Change in Verb Tenses in Reported Speech
We have already explained direct speech and indirect speech separately in previous sections. It is certain that verbs in definite tenses will be changed according to the verb of reporting verb in indirect speech. So, we must remember the changing rules to transform direct speech into indirect speech. Along with that there are also specific conditions when tense will not be changed in the reported speech of indirect speech. In the following article we will learn when not to change verb tenses within reported speech. To know all the rules accurately students have to follow the entire article till end.
Rules with Examples in Sentence
The definite rules of changing verb tenses in indirect speech are explained below with proper examples. Students will be benefitted definitely after following these general rules.
i) Reporting verb:
When the reporting verb is one of the tenses from present tense, future tense and present perfect tense, tense of reported speech will remain unchanged in indirect speech.
Ex.
He says, “I go to school every day”.
He says that he goes to school every day.
ii) Habitual fact and universal truth:
When the statement of reported speech signifies any habitual fact or universal truth specifically then reported speech will not be changed.
Ex.
Our science teacher said, “The sun rises in the east”.
Our science teacher said that the sun rises in the east.
iii) Time clause:
If the reported speech is part of a clause mentioning time then the tense in the specific part of time clause will be unchanged in indirect speech.
Ex.
She said, “I left home when I was still in school”.
She said that she had left home when she was still in school.
iv) Second and third condition:
In the second or third condition, when the verb express something of imaginary past or unreal past then its tense will not be changed.
Ex.
She said, “If I won the prize money I would travel the country”.
She said that she would travel the country if she won the prize money.
v) Subjunctive mood:
When there is the subjunctive mood present in subordinate clause or reported speech it will be unchanged.
Ex.
The students said, “We wish we did not have to study hard”.
The students said that they wished they did not have to study hard.
vi) Certain phrases:
If the reported speech starts with verbs like used to, had better, ought to, should, might, would, must not then the words will be unchanged in indirect speech.
Ex.
She said, “I had better keep inside in rain”.
She said that she had better keep inside in rain.
She said, “Bimal might come today”.
She said that Bimal might come that day.
vii) Reporting something:
When we have to report something immediately as effects if certain events or actions then the clause remains unchanged.
FAQs:
1.) What does it mean no change in indirect speech?
Answer. No change in indirect speech generally means that the verb tense of reported speech will be unchanged in indirect speech.
2.) What is common reason of no change?
Answer. When there is something about habitual fact and universal truth then reported speech will not be changed.
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