How old did you say you are/were? A: How old are you? B: I am 31 C: Sorry, I didn't hear you clearly. How old did you say you are/were? The book I am reading says 'were' is correct, because a sub-clause (that you are/were 31 years old) should follow the same tense as the main clause (you said). However, I doubt it because it doesn't make sense to me. I have already asked a question on this, but I just want to confirm here. 'are' is the correct word to use, right? Thanks in advance!