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Mudclay Posted 14 years ago
Grammar

Reported speech "general rule"

Dear teachers,

I have a question about using the general rule of reported speech. I always follow the rule (move one tense back) "please correct me if I'm wrong".
Is it always safe to follow the rule?

A: I'm sad.
B to C: "A" said (that) he was sad.

Then how about if it's for general truth?

Teacher: Mammals like dolphins have mammary glands.
Student: My teacher told me (that) dolphins had/have mammary glands.

Thank you again.
  

Top answer

mudclay I have a question about using the general rule of reported speech. I always follow the rule 'move one tense back'. Is it always safe to follow the rule?

— Rover_KE

  • mudclay I have a question about using the general rule of reported speech.
  • I always follow the rule 'move one tense back'.
  • Is it always safe to follow the rule?
  • No, it isn't.
  • You have gone on to give a fine example where have is correct in reported speech.
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2 Answers
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mudclayI have a question about using the general rule of reported speech. I always follow the rule 'move one tense back'. Is it always safe to follow the rule?
No, it isn't.

You have gone on to give a fine example where have is correct in reported speech.

Rover
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Thank you teacher. I have a follow up question, I hope you don't mind.

What are the cases when "no change of verb" is necessary? Can you give me more examples for my future reference? Thank you again.
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