told

Question

I've been told by many men that they were virgins when I know/knew for a fact that it wasn't true. I think they just wanted me to think that they are/were pure and innocent.

Please proofread. Should I backshift or is it not needed?

Thank you!

Fivejedjon · Accepted Answer

You are almost never wrong if you backshift.

Knightofsports · Answer

fivejedjonYou are almost never wrong if you backshift.

Yes, I understand. But is it wrong not to backshift in this situation? Example below:

I've been told by many men that they were virgins when I know or a fact that it wasn't true. I think they just wanted me to think that they are pure and innocent.

Thanks!

Fivejedjon · Answer

KnightofsportsI've been told by many men that they were virgins when I know or a fact that it wasn't true. I think they just wanted me to think that they are pure and innocent.Thanks!

As is often the case, the tense depends on what is going through the speaker's mind at the time. All of these are possible:

I've been told by many men that they were virgins when I knew for a fact that it wasn't true. I think they just wanted me to think that they were pure and innocent.

I've been told by many men that they were virgins when I know for a fact that it wasn't true. I think they just wanted me to think that they were pure and innocent.

I've been told by many men that they are virgins when I know for a fact that it isn't true. I think they just wanted me to think that they are pure and innocent.

I've been told by many men that they are virgins when I know or a fact that it isn't true. I think they just want me to think that they are pure and innocent.

I recommend that learners taking examinations backshift completely as in my first example. Some teachers and examiners seem to feel that backshifting is almost always obligatory.

Knightofsports · Answer

fivejedjon KnightofsportsI've been told by many men that they were virgins when I know or a fact that it wasn't true. I think they just wanted me to think that they are pure and innocent.Thanks!As is often the case, the tense depends on what is going through the speaker's mind at the time. All of these are possible:I've been told by many men that they were virgins when I knew for a fact that it wasn't true. I think they just wanted me to think that they were pure and innocent.I've been told by many men that they were virgins when I know for a fact that it wasn't true. I think they just wanted me to think that they were pure and innocent.I've been told by many men that they are virgins when I know for a fact that it isn't true. I think they just wanted me to think that they are pure and innocent.I've been told by many men that they are virgins when I know or a fact that it isn't true. I think they just want me to think that they are pure and innocent. I recommend that learners taking examinations backshift completely as in my first example. Some teachers and examiners seem to feel that backshifting is almost always obligatory.

WOAH! Thank you very much!!

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