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Cat desk Posted 8 years ago
Grammar
Backshifting in English
Hi there, When we report someone's speech, as per rules, if the main clause is in past tense the latter clause must be in past tense and the words that are mostly used in reporting speech are "tell", "request" etc. My question is, do the rules of reporting speech apply with other words too?
Here is the example:
1- A group of Cuban scientists have dicovered a vaccine. Yesterday in the press conference, they claimed that it would/will help to treat lung cancer.
2- Yesterday, as a consultant I went to meet my friend Peter who has been found guilty of fraud. He claimed that he is/was not guilty of any fraud.
Here is the example:
1- A group of Cuban scientists have dicovered a vaccine. Yesterday in the press conference, they claimed that it would/will help to treat lung cancer.
2- Yesterday, as a consultant I went to meet my friend Peter who has been found guilty of fraud. He claimed that he is/was not guilty of any fraud.
Can I use the 'simpe present' too?
As usual, if there is anything ungrammatical, please correct it.
Top answer
cat desk 1- A group of Cuban scientists have dicovered a vaccine. 2- Yesterday, as a consultant I went to meet my friend Peter , who has been found guilty of fraud. He claimed that he was not guilty of any fraud.
- cat desk 1- A group of Cuban scientists have dicovered a vaccine.
- 2- Yesterday, as a consultant I went to meet my friend Peter , who has been found guilty of fraud.
- He claimed that he was not guilty of any fraud.
- The above is the native choice.
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1 Answers
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cat desk1- A group of Cuban scientists have dicovered a vaccine. Yesterday in the press conference, they claimed that it would help to treat lung cancer.2- Yesterday, as a consultant I went to meet my friend Peter, who has been found guilty of fraud. He claimed that he was not guilty of any fraud.
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