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Rule 5 – Direct Speech to Indirect Speech

Conversion – Changes in Modals

While changing direct speech to indirect speech, the

modals used in the sentences change like:

1.Can becomes could

2.May becomes might

3.Must becomes had to /would have to

Check the examples:

•Direct : She said, „She can dance‟.

•Indirect: She said that she could dance.

•Direct: She said, „I may buy a dress‟.

•Indirect: She said that she might buy a dress.

•Direct: Rama said, „I must complete the assignment‟.

•Indirect: Rama said that he had to complete the

assignment.

There are modals that do not change – Could, Would,

Should, Might, Ought to

•Direct: She said, „I should clean the house‟

•Indirect: She said that she should clean the house.