[Grammar] Reported speech

[niceguyjin]

I have a question about reported speech. I think my textbook might be incorrect.

My textbook question says: Use indirect speech to report the conversation. Assume only a few minutes have passed between when the conversation happened and now.

Question: Paul: "Do you want to have a drink after work?"

Textbook answer: Paul asked if she wanted to have a drink after work.

This answer looks OK, BUT, remember only a few minutes have passed since the original conversation and now, so the act of having a drink after work must pertain to the future.

The same textbook explains a grammar rule that when a statement pertains to the future, the verb doesn't have to be backshifted a tense.

So shouldn't the answer be: Paul asked if she wants to have a drink after work.

Thanks in advance for any help!

 

[5jj]

The backshifting is more likely. The wanting enquired about was at the (past) time of the asking.

 

[Tdol]

I agree that the backshifting is more likely, but that does mean that no change works too.