Page 138 - IELTS Preparation Grammar and Vocab

19 Reporting

la Verb tenses in reporting

When reporting, we often change the tense that was in the original.
The airport authorities are not telling the truth: 4 She warned that the airport authorities were not telling
the truth.
We carried out the trial flights last month: 4 Mr Kelly said that they had carried out the trial flights last
month. or Mr Kelly said that they carried out ...
We don't usually change a past perfect verb:
We had hoped for more support: 4 He said they had hoped for more support
We can use a present tense verb for a situation that still exists when we report it:
Magnus said he's worried about the nuclear power station on the coast. or ... said he was worried ...
We usually use a past tense in the reporting clause. However, we can use the present simple to report current
news or views, what is always said, or what many people say
I hear that Boeing 737s will be landing there.
Everyone I've spoken to thinks it's awful.
2.4 Modal verbs in reporting
A modal verb in the original sometimes changes in the report
will changes to would, can to could, and may usually changes to might
'It may increase tourism in the area: 4 They said it might increase tourism in the region.
However, if the situation we are reporting still exists or is in the future, modals don't change if there is a
present tense verb in the reporting clause
'We'll be displaying copies of the plans in the village hall: 4 They say they'll be putting copies of the plans in
the village hall.
We can use either form if there is a past tense verb in the reporting clause
'The expansion will create 2,000 jobs: 4 They told us that the expansion will/would create around 2,000 jobs.
shall changes to would to talk about the future, and to should to report suggestions, recommendations and
requests for advice
'I shall decide later?-) He said he would decide later.
'What shall we do next?' -) He asked what they should do next.
must doesn't change or changes to had to when it is used to say it is necessary to do something
'You must look at the plans before making any decisions:-) He said! must / had to look at the plans before
making any decisions. (Had to is more natural in speech.)
could, should, would, might, ought Wand used to don't usually Change in the report:
'We ought to write to our local politicians?-) She suggested we ought to write ...
in Reporting questions

a •
'What are your views on this?' 4 They asked witct our views were. or They asked (for) our views.
'Have you got any more questions?' 4 They wanted to know if/whether we had any more questions.
(See Unit 16,2.3 for more on the choice between whether and if)

136