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 • 6794 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.

Show examples from the web [+]

Even so, how could he go around pretending that you're dead?
I asked him what happens if it has progressed further.
It's not like I asked him to go out and finish her off.
I asked him if it was from the fight.
I asked him if it was known something of municipal planning... and he said to me that not.
Especially when I asked him if it was his idea to sell the piano.
I will go out if it is fine tomorrow.
The President-in-Office may recall that in January I asked him in Strasbourg if it was possible that we could invite President Mandela to Cardiff to sign an agreement.
I asked him if he saw anyone there.
I asked him once if he was okay.
I asked him about his secret.
I asked him to check on your brother.
I asked him to find out if most people preferred a bonus or keeping Mrs. Bya on.
I asked you to go out with me, only if you didn't take the money.
I asked Tyler if he'd go out with me.
Nothing can go out if it doesn't come in.
And if it somehow gets revived again, and she finds out that I asked him on a date?
I went and I asked him if it was true,
He would have had an answer the second I asked him.
I asked him to meet me here.

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.

Show examples from the web [+]

He would wear a tux and a mask and one of my mother's dresses if it meant that he could go out with you.
He could go out the front or the back.
If I would've known it was so he could go out with you,
I asked him what happens if it has progressed further.
It's not like I asked him to go out and finish her off.
I asked him if it was from the fight.
I asked him if it was known something of municipal planning... and he said to me that not.
Especially when I asked him if it was his idea to sell the piano.
But he could go to one of her gigs or he could go into the butcher's to buy sausages.
I will go out if it is fine tomorrow.
The President-in-Office may recall that in January I asked him in Strasbourg if it was possible that we could invite President Mandela to Cardiff to sign an agreement.
He could go pro, Mark.
His heart rate... he could go into shock.
Any disturbance to his heart, and he could go into a hypertensive crisis.
Any disturbance to his heart, and he could go into a hypertensive crisis.
If we're right, he could go homeless tomorrow.
He could go any day now.
He's there now, and he could go at any minute.
If you give him too many treats, he could go blind.
But at least he could go home...

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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