back shift
a rule where reported-speech verbs shift one tense back.
nounExample
“The back shift changes "I am" to "he said he was."”
Episodes featuring this word
Practice this word
Reinforce your memory with interactive exercises
Related Words
astutevery smart and quick to understand things well.cautionary talea story told to warn of a danger or mistake.fabricationsomething that is invented or made up, not true.gossipto talk about other people's private lives, spreading rumorsgrapevinean informal way news or rumors spread person to person.headlinea newspaper article's title, printed large at the top.reported speechtelling what someone said, not their exact words.spill the teato share secret or exciting private information.
Level Up Your Language Skills
Free weekly lessons with transcripts, vocabulary, and exercises. No spam.
Unsubscribe anytime.