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How to put this phrase in the past tense?
Gordon says that he has a new car.
I'm doubting how to put that phrase in the past tense. Because do I just change the first verb or do I change both? because he does keep the car, so it would seem strange to me, to change it. Can anyone help?
I'm doubting how to put that phrase in the past tense. Because do I just change the first verb or do I change both? because he does keep the car, so it would seem strange to me, to change it. Can anyone help?
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It's a good question. It depends on what the speaker is trying to convey. For example, if I saw my friend John at work, and he bought a new car, then when I get home, I would say to my wife (if I had a wife) "John said he HAS a new car" because the "HAVING" is still relevant, true information.
If, however, I saw as I was leaving work, that John actually bought scooter. I would say to my gorgeous wife. ``John said he had a new car. What a liar``.
The short answer: If you don`t know more about the context EITHER WAY IS FINE!
If, however, I saw as I was leaving work, that John actually bought scooter. I would say to my gorgeous wife. ``John said he had a new car. What a liar``.
The short answer: If you don`t know more about the context EITHER WAY IS FINE!
The rules of reported speech say to change both verbs: "Gordon said that he had a new car." You'd use this to mean 'the information which was true at the time of the report'. Whether or not it changed later is a moot point.
If you want to indicate that Gordon's comment is still definitely true, then you can write "Gordon said that he has a new car." This is bending the rules somewhat, and this probably isn't a good example to illustrate the point.
If you want to indicate that Gordon's comment is still definitely true, then you can write "Gordon said that he has a new car." This is bending the rules somewhat, and this probably isn't a good example to illustrate the point.
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