Question

In the case of defective verbs, how are they changed from the direct into the indirect form of speech?

Answer 1

See explanation.

Explanation:

In case of a defective verb you use its synonym which has all forms.

Examples:

Direct speech: He said "I must go to work on Saturday."

Reported speech: He said, that he had to go to work on Saturday."

Direct speech: She said "I could not do anything with it."

Reported speech: She said, that she had not been able to do anything with it.

In the examples I used have to as a synonym of must, and be able to as a synonym of can.