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Anonymous Posted 17 years ago
Grammar

Correct tense for reported speech?

Hi. Would both of these be correct under a right context? Are these reported speech? I think they are reported speech. Would the difference between the two be that the number 2 sentence with the past perfect tense puts emphasis on time and reports it with such emphasis, whereas the number 1 sentence doesn't have the time emphasis? But -- but -- then again, don't we have to change the tense when we report a fact such as this -- this being his purchasing the watch on the way there? (Not sure if I used dashes correctly in the previous question, but I hope you get the crux of what I am trying to ask.)

1.He said he purchased a watch on the way here.

2.He said he had purchased a watch on the way here.
  

Top answer

I'd say Yes, Yes, Yes, and Not necessarily.

— Mister Micawber

  • I'd say Yes, Yes, Yes, and Not necessarily.
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2 Answers
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I'd say Yes, Yes, Yes, and Not necessarily.
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Hi. Thank you taking your time to answer my question. I think the part you anwered "Not necessary" deals with my question of whether or not there should be a tense change if we report the fact of his purchasing a watch on the way there in the number 1 sentence. Could you explain to me why you said what you said? I am sure your response "Not necessary" corresponds to the above question, as I mentio
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