In indirect speech or reported speech, the modal verb “would” plays a significant role in expressing past or hypothetical statements when quoting what someone else said. Here’s how “would” functions in indirect speech:

1. Expressing Polite Requests or Offers:

In reported speech, direct requests or offers made using “will” are often changed to requests or offers using “would” for politeness. For example:

Direct speech: He said, “Will you help me?”

Indirect speech: He asked if I would help him.

2. Expressing Past Habits or States:

When reporting past habits or states in indirect speech, “would” is employed to indicate the habitual actions or states of the past. For example:

Direct speech: She said, “I would go jogging every morning.”

Indirect speech: She said that she would go jogging every morning.

3. Making Hypothetical Statements:

In indirect speech, “would” is utilized to convey hypothetical or imagined situations that were related in reported speech. For example:

Direct speech: They said, “We would travel the world if we had the opportunity.”

Indirect speech: They said that they would travel the world if they had the opportunity.

4. Shifting Perspective or Time:

Using “would” in indirect speech helps in changing the perspective or time frame from the original statement. It signifies that the reported speech occurred in the past in relation to the reporting speech. For example:

Direct speech: Sarah said, “I will call you tomorrow.”
Indirect speech: Sarah said that she would call me the next day.

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