90%
Complete the HR manager's confidential memo about a rather bizarre employee interview. Select the grammatically correct reported modal for each gap.
When questioned about the missing donuts, Bob insisted that he _________________________ at his desk during the incident. He added that we _____________________________________ further, and promised he __________________________ a new box the following day.
The correct answers are must have been, didn't have to investigate, and would bring.
Let's look at Bob's original, direct speech and how the modals backshift (or don't) in reported speech:
- "I must have been at my desk." (Past deduction). Modals of past deduction (must have + past participle) do not change in reported speech. "Had to be" would incorrectly imply an obligation, not a deduction.
- "You needn't investigate further." (Present lack of obligation). When reporting a lack of obligation, needn't backshifts to didn't have to (or wouldn't have to for the future). "Needn't have investigated" would mean we did investigate but it was unnecessary, which changes the meaning.
- "I will bring a new box." (Future promise). The modal will simply backshifts to would.