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JungKim Posted 11 years ago
Grammar

Indirect speech with the present perfect

Here's a direct speech I intend to express: He has said, "I need some help."

Which is the correct indirect speech of the above direct speech?:

(1) He has said that he needs some help.
(2) He has said that he needed some help.
  

Top answer

Both are possible depending on what the context is. But even for indirect speech, past tense is adequate. John has been out of work for 6 months.

— Anonymous

  • Both are possible depending on what the context is.
  • But even for indirect speech, past tense is adequate.
  • John has been out of work for 6 months.
  • He said (t o his best friend) a few days ago that he needs financial help to keep the house.
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13 Answers
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Both are possible depending on what the context is. But even for indirect speech, past tense is adequate.
John has been out of work for 6 months. He said (to his best friend) a few days ago that he needs financial help to keep the house.
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When the reporting verb is in the past tense, backshifting generally occurs. But when the reporting verb is in the present perfect, does backshifting occur the same way?
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JungKimHe has said, "I need some help." ...indirect speech ...
He said he needed some help.

CJ
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JungKimWhen the reporting verb is in the past tense, backshifting generally occurs. But when the reporting verb is in the present perfect, does backshifting occur the same way?
Yes. See above.

CJ
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CalifJim JungKimHe has said, "I need some help." ...indirect speech ...He said he needed some help.CJ
Any reason why you changed the present perfect reporting verb 'has said' to the past reporting verb 'said'?
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JungKimAny reason why you changed the present perfect reporting verb 'has said' to the past reporting verb 'said'?
I don't find the present perfect very idiomatic, either in the direct or the indirect form.

CJ
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I find the present perfect idiomatic in a habitual context:

He has said many times in the past that he needed some help. I think he's just crying wolf.
Lately he has been saying that he needs some help. Do you want to pitch in with me?
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AlpheccaStarsHe has said many times ...
So, out of curiosity, are you OK with the following?

He has said many times, "I need some help".

(It sounds "off" to my ear.)

CJ
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What about this: He says he needs some help.

It's still the reporting speech, isn't it?
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CalifJimSo, out of curiosity, are you OK with the following?He has said many times, "I need some help".
It sounds ok to me. I would assume the habit extends to the present.
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