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#1
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| eg. " I am happy", he said. He said that he was happy. How about : "I am English", he said. Is it : He said that he is English or He said that he was English And Why? Thanking you in advance. |
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#2
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| Quote:
1) when reporting something that someone has just said Sarah: I'm tired from all that shopping. Joe: What did you say? Sarah: I said I was tired. OR I said I'm tired. ( I prefer this one.) 2) when reporting something that is still true John said, "I love Mary." John said that he loved Mary OR John said that he loves Mary. 3) when reporting a general truth or scientific law Harry said, "The world is round." Harry said the world was round. OR Harry said the world is round. So, in answer to your question, I'd say that both forms are correct if he is still living and still English. He said that he was English. OR He said that he is English. I prefer the second option in all the examples, but the other form is also fine with me. |
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#3
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#4
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| If I weren't sure that he was telling the truth, I'd say 'he said he was English'. If I believed him, I'd use the present. |
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#5
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| Quote:
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