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PreciousJones Posted 14 years ago
Grammar

Reported Speech

When I reporting a speech that hasn't happened yet do I still continue with the past tense? E.G:

My friends told me that the club we were/are going to tonight isn't the best place in town.

I think the grammar rule is to use the past tense, but it makes the sentences sound like we're not going to the club anymore.

Thank you!
  

Top answer

PreciousJones but it makes the sentences sound like we're not going to the club anymore. Yes, so use the present tense. My friends told me that the club we are going to tonight isn't the best place in town.

— RandomGuy

  • PreciousJones but it makes the sentences sound like we're not going to the club anymore.
  • Yes, so use the present tense.
  • My friends told me that the club we are going to tonight isn't the best place in town.
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4 Answers
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PreciousJonesbut it makes the sentences sound like we're not going to the club anymore.
Yes, so use the present tense.

My friends told me that the club we are going to tonight isn't the best place in town.
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PreciousJonesWhen I'm reporting a speech that hasn't happened yet do I still continue with the past tense?
You probably don't want to do that in this case, for the reason you already mentioned.

My friends told me that the club we are going to tonight isn't the best place in town.

CJ
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CalifJim PreciousJonesWhen I'm reporting a speech that hasn't happened yet do I still continue with the past tense?You probably don't want to do that in this case, for the reason you already mentioned.My friends told me that the club we are going to tonight isn't the best place in town.CJ
Thank you both.

But would using the past tense be incorrect?
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PreciousJonesBut would using the past tense be incorrect?
I'd say no. It would be correct, but it's too confusing to use because it sounds too close to

My friends told me that the club we were going to go to tonight (but decided not to) isn't the best place in town.

CJ
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