has/had tense

[PhillipW]

I have a question regarding tenses.

Take this sentence: Speaking at an energy summit in in Japan, Mr. Sarkozy and Mr. Obama both implied the world has become too dependent on fossil fuels.


The sentence is in the past tense. Does that mean the men implied the world HAD become too dependent on fossil fuels, or is 'has' correct because it is still true now?

Here is another example: Growing increasingly nervous, Germany recently announced that it has the capacity to provide funds to Greece.

Should this be changed to: ...it HAD the capacity to provide funds to Greece?

Your help would be much appreciated.

[bhaisahab]

I have a question regarding tenses.

Take this sentence: Speaking at an energy summit in in Japan, Mr. Sarkozy and Mr. Obama both implied the world has become too dependent on fossil fuels.


The sentence is in the past tense. Does that mean the men implied the world HAD become too dependent on fossil fuels, or is 'has' correct because it is still true now?
Has is correct because, as you say, it's still true now.
Here is another example: Growing increasingly nervous, Germany recently announced that it has the capacity to provide funds to Greece.

Should this be changed to: ...it HAD the capacity to provide funds to Greece? No. Germany, at this present moment in time, possesses the funds necessary.

Your help would be much appreciated.

Bhai.

[Bennevis]

They do use the present tense in such situations.

"Speaking at an energy summit in Japan, Mr Sarkozy and Mr Obama both implied the world has become too dependent on fossil fuels".

The world has become too dependent on fossil fuels. (the present perfect tense)

It doesn't matter whether they are saying or said that. The author just depicts the current state of affairs - something still going on today.