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Thread: She said that she could/might use her pen.

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    Tan Elaine is offline Key Member
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    Default She said that she could/might use her pen.

    You may use my pen.

    In reported speech, which verb in bold should I use?

    She said that I could/might use her pen.

    Thanks.

  2. #2
    5jj's Avatar
    5jj
    5jj is online now Moderator
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    Default Re: She said that she could/might use her pen.

    Both are possible. The best choice depends on the words originally uttered, though even if she used 'may', some people would report it as 'could'.
    Tan Elaine likes this.
    Context is always important; labelling is rarely important.


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