PMS MCQs

A negative command is reported with 'not to' plus the base verb.
'Warned' accurately conveys the cautionary force.

An exclamation is reported with 'exclaimed' and a statement clause.
The emotional intensifier is expressed through 'very.'

'Alas' expresses sorrow and is replaced by an appropriate reporting phrase.
The present perfect backshifts to the past perfect.

A wish or prayer is reported with 'wished' or 'prayed.'
'May' commonly changes to 'might' in indirect speech.

'Let us' expressing a proposal is reported with 'suggested.'
A that-clause with 'should' correctly conveys the suggestion.

Reported questions use statement word order after the wh-word.
The present tense backshifts to the past.

With a present reporting verb, tense backshift is generally unnecessary.
The statement keeps the present tense because it remains current.

'Said to' becomes 'told' with an object, and 'can' backshifts to 'could.'
Pronouns change according to the participants.

The present perfect normally backshifts to the past perfect after 'said.'
Pronouns also change to match Sara.

Obligatory 'must' often changes to 'had to' in past reported speech.
'Now' changes to 'then.'

'Will' backshifts to 'would,' and 'tomorrow' becomes 'the next day.'
The object pronoun changes according to the reporting context.

'Shall I' seeking guidance is often reported with 'should.'
The yes-no question uses 'whether' and statement word order.