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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!
  

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4 Answers
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'I didn't even know who she was.'

Rover
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Rover_KE'I didn't even know who she was.'Rover
Is 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
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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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