reported/ quoted speech

[chum]

backshifting of tenses when it comes to reported speesh confuses me. could someone give me a guide?thanks!

[Tdol]

You only need to backshift if the reporting verb is in the past, or past perfect, though the past is the most common tense. However, if the thing reported is a fact or still true we often don't chnage:

He said his name's Tom. (I think his name is Tom and won't change)
He said his name was Tom. (I am not sure whether he was telling the truth)

[chum]

thanks!^^