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PreciousJones Posted 13 years ago
Grammar
celebrity
My friend just saw a celebrity and told me later. I say:
I didn't even know who she was/is!
Are both useable? DO I have to backshift?
Thanks!
I didn't even know who she was/is!
Are both useable? DO I have to backshift?
Thanks!
Top answer
' Rover
- ' Rover
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4 Answers
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Rover_KE'I didn't even know who she was.'RoverIs it wrong to not backshift and use is?
thanks!
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Hi Precious,
It's hard to say anything like this is categorically wrong. There may well be native speakers somewhere in the world who would say "is" in this sentence. But that would definitely be non-standard. I think it's safe to say that you should always follow the "sequence of tenses" rules in sentences like this one, and say "was" rather than "is".
Warmest wishes
It's hard to say anything like this is categorically wrong. There may well be native speakers somewhere in the world who would say "is" in this sentence. But that would definitely be non-standard. I think it's safe to say that you should always follow the "sequence of tenses" rules in sentences like this one, and say "was" rather than "is".
Warmest wishes
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PreciousJonesIs it wrong to not backshift and use "is"?I wouldn’t concern myself with whether it’s right or wrong. It’s just less natural and common. Avoid it.
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