Question

Convert the given sentence into Indirect Speech :
The Judge said , “ the defendant’s counsel may leave the courtroom now ”

• A. The judge said that the defendant’s counsel may leave the courtroom then
• B. The judge said that the defendant’s counsel may left the courtroom then
• C. The judge said that the defendant’s counsel might leave the courtroom then
• D. The judge said that the defendant’s counsel might left the courtroom then

Hint:

Always pair modal auxiliary verbs ('might', 'should', 'could', 'would') with the base form of the main verb (infinitive without 'to').
Expressions like 'might left' or 'could went' are grammatically incorrect.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Identify the modal verb shift.
In indirect speech, the modal may shifts to might as part of the backshift rule. This eliminates options 1 and 2 which retain may.
Step 2: Check the verb form.
The base verb must remain leave (infinitive), not left (past). Option 4 incorrectly uses might left.
Step 3: Check the adverb.
Now in direct speech becomes then in indirect speech. Option 3 correctly uses then.
\[ \boxed{\text{the defendant's counsel might leave the courtroom then}} \]