“ARE there any rules prescribing when to use present-tense reporting verbs over past-tense reporting verbs? Also, can’t we just use past-tense reporting verbs at all times so that whatever is being ...

The coach said, “My boys are determined to bring the cup home.” (Direct) The coach said his boys were determined to bring the cup home. (Indirect/Reported) In the above example, some changes occurred ...

There is a general rule which says that when we use a reporting verb in the past, as above, the verbs used in the original speech are usually moved one tense further back. Thus: (Take care to use ...