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Vishaljain23231 Posted 13 years ago
Grammar
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh avoided any political comment on Kashmir during his recent visit to Srinagar. He focussed on developmental issues, announcing power projects and inaugurating the railway tunnel that will eventually connect the regions of Jammu and Kashmir. He said he was ready to talk to those who shun violence — but it wasn’t a voluntary statement but one offered in response to a question about separatists in a press conference.
Why would the author author write "was ready" and not "is ready", as even now the Prime Minister is ready, so shouldn't is ready is appropriate or had the visit just completed "is ready" could have been used.
Why would the author author write "was ready" and not "is ready", as even now the Prime Minister is ready, so shouldn't is ready is appropriate or had the visit just completed "is ready" could have been used.
Top answer
vishaljain23231 Why would the author author write "was ready" and not "is ready", as even now the Prime Minister is ready, That is due to the unfortunate habit of 'backshifting' the verb tense in reported speech.
- vishaljain23231 Why would the author author write "was ready" and not "is ready", as even now the Prime Minister is ready, That is due to the unfortunate habit of 'backshifting' the verb tense in reported speech.
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3 Answers
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vishaljain23231Why would the author author write "was ready" and not "is ready", as even now the Prime Minister is ready,That is due to the unfortunate habit of 'backshifting' the verb tense in reported speech.
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vishaljain23231So that is right or wrong?I think it is wrong because it changes the meaning. But inspite of that, it is widely done.
However, even people who support backshifting admit that backshifting is optional. I don't backshift and my advice to you is to not backshift.
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