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Alex said not to lose hope when a doctor says/said survival is/was impossible.?
1. Direct = Alex said, “Don’t lose hope when a doctor says survival is impossible.”
2. Indirect = Alex said not to lose hope when a doctor says survival is impossible.
3. Indirect = Alex said not to lose hope when a doctor said survival was impossible.
Hello teachers,
I remember that once I asked you whether 2 is correct or 3.
Most said that 2 is correct.
But I think both 2 and 3 can be correct.
I found a note in my book with some examples, I think according to that note, using (said-was) in sentence #3 can be correct.
This is the note:
When a reporting verb is in the simple past tense, backshifting is optional when:
The direct speech refers to something that’s still true or the direct speech refers to a scientific or general truth.
Look at the examples which look like to my sentence #3
Direct = He found, “the Earth is the fifth largest planet in the solar system.”
Indirect = He noted that the Earth is the fifth largest planet in the solar system.
Indirect = He noted that the Earth was the fifth largest planet in the solar system.
So according to this, in sentence #3, using both (said-was) or (says-is) is correct.
I also took a picture of my book page. If you click here you can see it.
http://www.8pic.ir/images/94884409300628794956.jpg
Aren't I right?
2 Answers
- ?Lv 68 years agoFavorite Answer
1.
Your second answer (No-2) appears absolutely correct.
2.
It is always to be noted that there shouldn't be any change of tense of Direct Narration sentences even if the reporting clause happens to be in past tense if the sentence refers to facts of UNIVERSAl TRUTH.
You are correct as there is assimilation of your view to my answer.
Thanks. Thanks.
Source(s): Self - ?Lv 68 years ago
Sarah, number three, said/was, is wrong.
"When a doctor says survival is impossible" is a dependant clause. The example in the book, "the Earth is/was the fifth largest planet", is an independent clause. It does not apply to the "Alex said" example.
Direct: Alex said, “Don’t lose hope when a doctor says survival is impossible”.
Indirect: Alex said not to lose hope when a doctor says survival is impossible.
Number three COULD be correct, but it would change the meaning of the sentence.
Direct: Alex said, “Don’t lose hope when the doctor SAID survival is impossible.”
Indirect: Alex encouraged me not to lose hope though the doctor HAD SAID that survival WAS impossible.
Native speakers change direct to indirect quotes "instinctively" without knowing the rules. The entire subject is a little confusing, and explaining it is even more confusing. I have tried to make it as simple as possible. I hope this helps.
