Tense

This is the question.( Note that I’m talking about the past)

Yesterday
Mom: I’m going to pay for it
Dad: No! it’s my hard earned money too

This was the conversation they had yesterday. So when I report to my friend do I say No 1 or No 2 below:-


1) Mom did offer to pay but dad had to interfere by saying that it is his hard earn money.
2) Mom did offer to pay but dad had to interfere by saying that it was his hard earn money.

Which is the correct answer? It is or it was?

[Francois]

2) looks right to me.

FRC

[Tdol]

I'd use 'was' too. BTW, it's 'hard earned money'.

Originally Posted by tdol

I'd use 'was' too. BTW, it's 'hard earned money'.

what about this situation?

yesterday

Mom: I'm going topay for it
Dad: You just can't pay for it!!!!!!!!!!( Note that he's objecting to it)

So when i report to my friend,which should be the one below?

1) Mom wanted to do it but he had to interfere by saying that she just couldn't pay for it.

2) Mom wanted to do it but he had to interfere by saying she just can't pay it.

[Tdol]

I'd use 'couldn't'. We keepthe tense when it is a fact or true now and into the future, but that doesn'tseem relevant here- the inability to pay was important at the time.