In this direct and indirect speech question, choose the option that correctly reports the comparative statement: She said to him, "I can run faster than you."

Introduction / Context:
This question examines your ability to convert a statement with a modal verb can into indirect speech. The original sentence expresses a comparison of ability between two people. When reporting such a statement, you must know how to change the modal can, how to adjust pronouns, and how to keep the comparison structure intact. This is a typical reported speech item that combines modal verbs with comparative forms like faster than.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Direct sentence: She said to him, "I can run faster than you."
• Reporting verb: said to, with him as the object.
• The modal verb in the reported clause is can.
• The comparison uses the structure faster than you.
• The speaker is she, and the listener is him.

Concept / Approach:
In reported speech, modal verbs often change when the reporting verb is in the past. Can usually becomes could to reflect the past viewpoint. Pronoun I must be changed to she, and you must be changed to him to match the listener. The structure run faster than him remains the same, preserving the comparative meaning. The reporting verb said to him is more naturally expressed as told him in indirect speech. The final structure should read: She told him that she could run faster than him.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Change said to him into told him for smooth indirect speech. Step 2: Introduce the reported clause with that: that I can run faster than you. Step 3: Replace I with she to match the third person subject in the report. Step 4: Change can to could to follow the sequence of tenses with the past reporting verb. Step 5: Replace you with him to show that the comparison is made with the listener.

Verification / Alternative check:
The final sentence is: She told him that she could run faster than him. It maintains the idea of comparative ability, uses the correct modal could, and adjusts pronouns appropriately. The sentence is grammatically correct and typical of the type of answer that exam setters choose as the key for a question about can becoming could in indirect speech.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option B is incorrect because it keeps can instead of changing it to could, which goes against the usual exam rule for tense backshift after a past reporting verb.
Option C is incorrect because could be running suggests a progressive aspect that changes the original meaning from general ability to a temporary ongoing action.
Option D is incorrect because has told is present perfect and can remains present, which does not match the original structure with said in the simple past.
Option E is incorrect because would run indicates a conditional or future in the past sense, which is different from the simple statement of ability in the original sentence.

Common Pitfalls:
Learners often overlook how modal verbs change in reported speech. Can, may, and will commonly become could, might, and would when the reporting verb is in the past. Another mistake is leaving pronouns unchanged, especially you, which must be interpreted from context. Some students also introduce continuous or future forms that alter the basic meaning. To avoid these issues, always check the modal verb, the pronouns, and whether the original sentence expresses a general ability, a request, or a promise before you choose the reported version.

Final Answer:
She told him that she could run faster than him.