Using could or can

Question

When we speak of what people said about us in what we are capable of,in the past, do we use could or can? Here is an example that confuses me:

"He said I can become a musician"

I'm thinking this may be correct, but it was said in the past. Shouldn't it be: "He said I could become a musician"?
Should it be could if it isn't true anymore and can if the person can still become one?

CalifJim · Accepted Answer

Anonymousdo we use could or can?

Either one, depending on the circumstances.

1. Is it an immediate report? Does what he said apply at the time you report what he said? Are you reporting this at a time when things concerning your ability to do music have not changed much from when he said it? Example: He just told you this within the last month or so.

He said I can become a musician. / He said I could become a musician. [Either one is OK in this situation.]

2. Is it a delayed report? Does what he said apply only to the time in the past when he said those words? Are you reporting this after a lot of time has passed since he said it? Enough time for your ability to do music to have changed? Example: He told you this many, many years ago.

He said I could become a musician. [Only this is OK here.]

If you have not actually become a musician since the time this was said, you can also use:

He said I could have become a musician.

CJ

Using could or can

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