Overview
Future forms backshift in reported speech: will → would, am/is/are going to → was/were going to, present continuous (future) → past continuous. Example: 'I will call you tomorrow' → She said she would call me the next day.
Will → Would
- Direct'I will call you tomorrow,' he said.
- ReportedHe said he would call me the next day.
- Direct'She will arrive at 8,' they said.
- ReportedThey said she would arrive at 8.
Going To → Was/Were Going To
- Direct'We are going to move,' she said.
- ReportedShe said they were going to move.
- Direct'I am going to resign,' he said.
- ReportedHe said he was going to resign.
Present Continuous Future → Past Continuous
- Direct'I am leaving at noon,' she said.
- ReportedShe said she was leaving at noon.
- NoteTime expressions also change: tomorrow → the next day.
When to use
Business
She said she would send the report the following day.
News
The minister said the law would take effect in January.
Conversation
He said he was going to move to Canada.
Planning
She confirmed the meeting would be held online.