In indirect speech, if the reporting verb is in the past, “can” changes to:

Correct answer: Could. In indirect speech with a past reporting verb, “can” changes to “could”.

Background: This tense change is called backshift.

• Will: “Will” changes to “would”.
• Shall: “Shall” changes to “should”.
• May: “May” changes to “might”.

Did you know? “Will” → “would”, “can” → “could”, “may” → “might”.

Memory trick: Can → could.