In reported speech clauses, “would” is the past tense of “will.” First, listen to “will” in direct speech: ... When we change this to reported speech, we change “will” to “would”: Anita said (that) she would bring the drinks.

Would and could in reported speech?

Reporting speech with modals

Will, can, and shall change to would, could, and should when reported. Will is used to make statements about the future in English. When reporting this kind of statement, will becomes would.

What does would change to in reported speech?

These modal verbs do not change in reported speech: might, could, would, should, ought to: We explained, "It could be difficult to find our house." = We explained that it could be difficult to find our house. She said, "I might bring a friend to the party." = She said that she might bring a friend to the party.