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Tashiro Posted 15 years ago
Grammar

Sequence of tenses

Hi, please help me.

"He said that whoever arrives late should be fined 20 dollars."

Is it possible to change "arrives" into "arrived"?
If possible, the meaning will change?
  

Top answer

Hi, arrives makes it sound like a general rule that is still in effect today and for the future. arrived is fine, but tells us nothing about whether the rule still applies today or for the future. In forming indirect speech, the Past tense is commonly used.

— Clive

  • Hi, arrives makes it sound like a general rule that is still in effect today and for the future.
  • arrived is fine, but tells us nothing about whether the rule still applies today or for the future.
  • In forming indirect speech, the Past tense is commonly used.
  • " / He said that he saw Tom.
  • Clive
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2 Answers
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Hi,

arrives makes it sound like a general rule that is still in effect today and for the future.

arrived is fine, but tells us nothing about whether the rule still applies today or for the future. In forming indirect speech, the Past tense is commonl
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Thank you so much.
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