Using indirect speech to report words and ideas (Choosing past or present tense) (p. 3)

Using indirect speech to report words and ideas

Choosing past or present tense

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Choosing a tense for the subordinate clause

When we use a present tense for a reporting verb, we can use a present, past, or future tense in the subordinate clause which follows the reporting verb. This choice is dependent on meaning.

If what we are reporting is still true or relevant, we use a present tense in the subordinate clause:

Now evidence tells us our discontent is justified. (SCMP 14/4/94)

This sentence means that it is still true that "our" discontent is justified. Here are some other examples:

The report says that about 98,000 young people go missing annually. (Microconcord Corpus A)

Chef Tonin tells me that the secret lies in the fact that the hotel is perfectly self-contained. (SCMP 15/3/93)

If what we are reporting happened before the time of reporting, we use a past tense in the subordinate clause:

He claims he suffocated Leung by accident. (SCMP 22/4/94)

This means that "he" suffocated Leung before reporting it to other people. Here are some further examples:

She at last tells how she was interfered with at the age of 10 by a retired admiral. (Microconcord Corpus A)

The writ states that the road accident occurred at about 1.40 pm on July 27 last year. (SCMP 16/9/92)

If what we are reporting has not happened yet but will happen later, we use a future tense in the subordinate clause:

The letter explains that the meeting will be held on 20 November, 15 minutes after the AGM. (Microconcord Corpus A)

At the time of reporting, the date of the meeting was in the future. This explains the use of the future tense for the verb hold. Here are some other examples:

Ira Grass reports that Governor Clinton will be running a very different campaign from those of his Democratic opponents. (Bank of English)

He states that his work will remain a possession for all times.
(Bank of English)

Introduction
Choosing a tense for the reporting verb
Choosing a tense for the subordinate clause