Batman has said that he needs a key. No backshift occurs as the main verb is
Asimple past
Bpast perfect
Cfuture simple
Dpresent perfect
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: D. present perfect
A present perfect main verb is not a past tense, so the natural sequence applies.
Keep practising Direct Indirect Speech
Browse all Direct Indirect Speech questions for SSC CGL, or explore more English topics.
Related questions
Which words are liable to change when speech is reported?A direct verb already in the past perfect, once reported, becomesIn the future-in-the-past, will and shall change toTense changes in reporting arise when the verb of saying is in theWhich situation favours keeping the original tense after "said"?"I need a key," says Batman. "Needs" stays because the main verb isIn indirect speech, pronouns and place words suit the context ofReporting "How do people live here?" needs question syntax to become