Reported Speech Questions Medium
The exceptions to tense backshifting when reporting reported speech in indirect speech are as follows:
1. Present simple tense: If the reported speech is in the present simple tense and the information is still true or relevant at the time of reporting, there is no need to backshift the tense. For example:
- Direct speech: "I live in London."
- Indirect speech: She said that she lives in London.
2. Present perfect tense: If the reported speech is in the present perfect tense and the action or event is still connected to the present, there is no need to backshift the tense. For example:
- Direct speech: "I have seen that movie before."
- Indirect speech: He said that he has seen that movie before.
3. Future tense: If the reported speech is in the future tense and the action or event is still expected to happen in the future, there is no need to backshift the tense. For example:
- Direct speech: "I will meet you tomorrow."
- Indirect speech: She said that she will meet me tomorrow.
It is important to note that these exceptions only apply when the reported speech is still true, relevant, or connected to the present or future at the time of reporting.