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I asked him how could he go out if it started raining vs I asked him how he could go out if it started raining

The correct phrase is: "I asked him how he could go out if it started raining." In English, when reporting a question in indirect speech, the verb tense in the reported clause is usually shifted back one tense. Therefore, the second phrase is the correct one in this context.

Last updated: March 27, 2024 • 6810 views

I asked him how could he go out if it started raining

This phrase is not correct. In indirect speech, the verb tense in the reported clause should be shifted back one tense.

Incorrect - the verb tense in the reported clause should be shifted back one tense in indirect speech.
  • i asked him how could he go out if it started raining. No error. a b c d. (a)i asked him. (b)how could he go out. (c)if it started raining. (d)No error.
  • I asked him how could he go out if it started raining. No error. (a) (b) (c) (d) 03. One of the state in which Satyagraha was offered was Rajkot, (a) (b)
  • ... I asked him how could he go out if it started raining. No error a b c d. 3. One of the state in which Satyagraha was offered was Rajkot, a b where he had ...
  • ... I asked him how could he go out if it started raining. No error a b c d 3. One of the state in which Satyagraha was offered was Rajkot, a b where he had ...

I asked him how he could go out if it started raining

This phrase is correct. In indirect speech, the verb tense in the reported clause should be shifted back one tense.

Correct - when reporting a question in indirect speech, the verb tense in the reported clause is usually shifted back one tense.

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