Question

Convert the given sentence into indirect speech:
She said, ``I may buy a book on geography''

• A. She said that she will buy a book on geography.
• B. She says that she might be buying a book on geography.
• C. She said that she might be buying a book on geography.
• D. She said that she might buy a book on geography.

Hint:

Modal verbs change predictably in past reported speech: 'may' turns into 'might', 'can' turns into 'could', and 'will' turns into 'would'. Do not alter the primary action verb ('buy') that follows them.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Modal backshift.
'May' becomes 'might' after past reporting verb ('said').
Step 2: Keep simple form.
'May buy' becomes 'might buy' (not progressive). 'I' becomes 'she'.
Answer: she might buy