English for everybody

  Reported speech (also called indirect speech ) is when you tell someone what another person said , without quoting their exact words. Direct speech : "I’m tired," she said. Reported speech : She said that she was tired .  How Does It Work? When changing from direct to reported speech, you usually: Change the pronouns Change the verb tense (backshift) Sometimes change time/place words   Pronoun Change Direct: "I love you," she said. Reported: She said she loved me . 3. Time Words Change Example: Direct: "I’ll call you tomorrow ." Reported: He said he would call me the next day . Common reporting verbs: said (that) told (someone) that asked (for questions) explained, mentioned, added, etc. Examples: She said (that) she was tired. He told me (that) he was busy. They asked if I could help. She explained that it was too late.  Reporting Questions Use if or whether for yes/no que...

  Modals of probability are modal verbs that express how certain or uncertain we are about something. They show the degree of certainty about a situation — whether it's definitely true, probably true, possibly true , or impossible . These modals suggest that something is very likely or almost sure. must can’t / cannot (used for negative certainty) Examples: She must be tired. She’s been working all day. → (I'm almost sure she’s tired.) He can’t be at home. I saw him leave an hour ago. → (I'm almost sure he's not at home.) These modals suggest something is probable, but not 100% sure. should ought to Examples: They should arrive soon. The train left on time. → (It’s likely they’ll be here soon.) This book ought to be interesting. It has good reviews. → (I believe it’s probably interesting.) These express something that’s just a possibility . may might could Examples: She might come to the party, but she’s not s...