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Flower1234 Posted 14 years ago
Essay & Composition Writing
Reported speech
I am still confused about reported speech. When I report a conversation that took place a couple of hours ago, can I report in present tense without 'back shift', in (a). Thank you teacher
a) I have spoken to John today. He says he has been unwell and he has been off work. He says he will email me a list of items he is putting up for auction next week.
Do I always have to 'back shift' and report it in past tense? (b)
b) I spoke to John today. He said he had been unwell and he had been off work. He said he would email me a list of items he was putting up for auction next week.
a) I have spoken to John today. He says he has been unwell and he has been off work. He says he will email me a list of items he is putting up for auction next week.
Do I always have to 'back shift' and report it in past tense? (b)
b) I spoke to John today. He said he had been unwell and he had been off work. He said he would email me a list of items he was putting up for auction next week.
Top answer
The present tense is fine in your example. " Of course you may always backshift.
- The present tense is fine in your example.
- " Of course you may always backshift.
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1 Answers
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The present tense is fine in your example.
It would work whether you use "I have spoken" or "I spoke."
Of course you may always backshift.
It would work whether you use "I have spoken" or "I spoke."
Of course you may always backshift.
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