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PreciousJones Posted 13 years ago
Grammar

I say:

I texted Tim this morning just to see how he was doing. Or

I texted Tim this morning just to see how he is doing.

Are both useable or should I stick to the past tense? Even if it's not the afternoon, and he hasn't replied me yet.

Thanks!
  

Top answer

I would stick with the past tense. I texted Tim this morning just to see how he was doing. Whether he has replied or not is irrelevant.

— Douglas Johnston

  • I would stick with the past tense.
  • I texted Tim this morning just to see how he was doing.
  • Whether he has replied or not is irrelevant.
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5 Answers
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I would stick with the past tense.

I texted Tim this morning just to see how he was doing.

Whether he has replied or not is irrelevant.
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Backshifting (present tense to past) is always correct. Retaining the original tense is acceptable if the situation referred to still applies., so 'to see how he is doing' is possible in your sentence.
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fivejedjonBackshifting (present tense to past) is always correct. Retaining the original tense is acceptable if the situation referred to still applies., so 'to see how he is doing' is possible in your sentence.
What do you mean by still applies?

The main reason I didn't backshift is because he hasn't gotten back to me, so I didn't use the past tense.
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If, at the time of reporting the texting, you are still interested in knowing how he is doing, then backshifting is not obligatory.
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fivejedjonIf, at the time of reporting the texting, you are still interested in knowing how he is doing, then backshifting is not obligatory.
Thanks again!
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