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Vsuresh Posted 9 years ago
Grammar

Indirect speech

Hi

Please tell if this answer is correct.

John said to me "I was not sure if it was me."

John told me that he had not been sure if it had been me.

I have followed the back shift rule. But, when it comes to be verb I feel the back shift sometimes sounds odd; especially in this case, I don't know how the use of past perfect in the subordinate clause goes with the native speakers.


Please give your comments.

  

Top answer

" I'd say that in indirect reported speech it would be: John told me that he wasn't sure if it was him .

— BillJ

  • " I'd say that in indirect reported speech it would be: John told me that he wasn't sure if it was him .
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2 Answers
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John said to me "I was not sure if it was me."

I'd say that in indirect reported speech it would be:

John told me that he wasn't sure if it was him.

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John told me that he had not been sure if it had been him me .

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This does sound rather cumbersome. Whether this back shift is necessary depends on the overall context.

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