IF THE REPORTING VERB IS IN THE PAST TENSES, IT IS USUAL FOR THE VE...
2. If the reporting verb is in the past tenses, it is usual for the verb in the reported clause to move “one tense back”_ explain the rules._ Ss listen and take note.Direct speech Reported speech TensechangeHe said (that)…“I want to buy He wanted to buy it. Present it”simple past simple“I’m writing a He was writing a Present letter.”letter.continuous past continuousHe had come to mend “I’ve come to my car.perfect past mend your car.”perfect“I saw your He had seen my Past simple brother.”brotherpast perfectPast He had been trying to “I was trying to do it.”do it.past perfect “I’ll help you.” He would help me. Will would“I can do it.” He could do it. Can could“I may do it.” He might do it. May might“I must go.” He had t o go. Must had to