Three sentences need help with.

Question

Didn't you say you haven't fixed it up yet. Or

Didn't you say you hadn't fixed it up yet?

I thought you said you haven't eaten yet. Or

I thought you said you hadn't eaten yet.

I thought you said you had it with you. Or

I thought you said you have it with you.

Avangi · Accepted Answer

It's your choice. In all three cases, both are possible. If you wish to stress that one event or condition preceeded the other, you may do so.

As CJ says, it's never incorrect to backshift in these situations.

But in certain contexts, it may not be what you want to say.

For instance, in the last one, did you think he said it one minute ago or two weeks ago?
He may have just said it, then reached in his pocket and found he was mistaken.

Pleasehelp · Answer

Here's a scenario:

My friend told me on the phone that he's hungry and we should get some grub. He comes over and as we're about to leave the apt, he says that he's already eaten. So then I replied with:

I thought you said you hadn't eaten yet. But it seems as tho haven't can also be used? No?

Is this correct?

Avangi · Answer

pleasehelp I thought you said you hadn't eaten yet. But it seems as tho haven't can also be used? No?

Is this correct? I would say that it's not. There's been some water under the bridge since your earlier conversation, and you may have reason to believe that the situation has changed. If you use "haven't eaten," you're essentially accusing him of lying.
Well, I suppose you could say it.
When you're about to leave, it turns out you're both broke, each assuming the other would pay. He lies and says he's already eaten to avoid embarrassment, and you call him on it. That is, you don't believe him, but you're not angry about it.

Three sentences need help with.

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