CSS English MCQs

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.

The pronoun changes to match Ali, and the present tense backshifts after a past reporting verb.
'Am' therefore becomes 'was.'

'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.

The simple past may backshift to the past perfect in reported speech.
'Yesterday' changes to 'the previous day.'

A comma separates the reporting clause from the quotation.
The final period is placed inside the closing quotation mark in this style.

A universal scientific truth normally remains in the simple present.
Backshift is unnecessary because the statement is still true.

The zero conditional expresses a general scientific result.
Both clauses normally use the simple present.