C1Englishen.c1.049

Modal backshift in reported speech

Structure:

may → might / can → could / will → would (in reported speech)

May shifts to might, can to could, will to would. Should, might, could, and would do not change.

Example:

She said the project might take longer than expected. (original: 'may take')

Examples

She said the project might take longer than expected.

(original: 'may take')

Question 1 of 30 correct

Which grammar pattern does this sentence use? "She said the project might take longer than expected."

Absolute construction (nominative absolute)

Absolute construction: All things considered

Absolute construction: The matter having been settled

Advanced affixation: noun and adjective suffixes

Advanced affixation: productive prefixes