24 rader · Backshift in Reported Speech In simple terms, the structure of reported speech is: reporting clause [+ conjunction] + reported clause We sometimes change the tense of the reported clause by moving it back one tense. For example, present simple goes back one tense to past simple. We call this change " backshift ". When do we use backshift?
If you know John isn't hungry, but you don't backshift the tense in the reported speech, then you've implied that something is true (namely that John is ...
16.07.2012 · No backshifting When the reporting verb is in the present tense, we do not backshift . ‘I want to go home.’ (Direct speech) He has been saying that he wants to go home. (Indirect speech) ‘I have been waiting to hear from you.’ She says that she has been waiting to hear from me. (Indirect speech) ‘Did John come?’ He is asking whether John came.
Reported Speech without backshift – Change of Pronouns Helen is in front of the class holding a presentation on London. As Helen is rather shy, she speaks with a very low voice. Your classmate Gareth does not understand her, so you have to repeat every sentence to him. Complete the sentences in reported speech (no backshift).
Reported Speech without backshift – Change of Pronouns and Places Your friend is an exchange student in the USA at the moment. You are speaking with him on the phone and your friend Sue is standing next to you. She is very excited - you have to repeat every sentence to her. Complete the sentences in reported speech (no backshift).
19.02.2013 · Some English tenses do not backshift in reported speech. These depend on the tense of the main verb in the reported speech. When the main verb in the reported speech is in the present tense, the verb in the reported phrase does not change. This is true no matter what tense is used in the quoted speech. 6 Optional Backshifting
Backshift of Simple Past and Past Progressive is optional if they cannot be mistakenly taken for backshift of Present Tense. So backshift is not necessary if ...