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PreciousJones Posted 16 years ago
Grammar
Direct-indirect speech
* She said, "I want to bring my children." BECOMES She said she wanted to bring her children.
Does this mean that the time period had already passed, like it had already happened or she still wants to bring her children?
Let's say we're on the phone and I just got off it with "she".
Should I say: She said she wants to bring her children. Or She said she wanted to bring her children.
Does this mean that the time period had already passed, like it had already happened or she still wants to bring her children?
Let's say we're on the phone and I just got off it with "she".
Should I say: She said she wants to bring her children. Or She said she wanted to bring her children.
Top answer
-- The regressed verb hides the present status of the condition. If the verb is not regressed, then the condition still obtains in the present. Should I say: She said she wants to bring her children.
- -- The regressed verb hides the present status of the condition.
- If the verb is not regressed, then the condition still obtains in the present.
- Should I say: She said she wants to bring her children.
- -- You can say either; since it has just transpired, the event may be still rooted in the present for the speaker.
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1 Answers
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Does this mean that the time period had already passed, like it had already happened or she still wants to bring her children?-- The regressed verb hides the present status of the condition. If the verb is not regressed, then the condition still obtains in the present.
Should I say: She said she wants to bring her children. Or She said she wanted to bring her children.-- You
Should I say: She said she wants to bring her children. Or She said she wanted to bring her children.-- You
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