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!

Question

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!

Answer

Hi joggingMulberry - Both are correct. The book is giving you a general rule for reporting verbs, but If we are reporting a fact or something that is still true, the direct speech form can be used.  Hope this helps. Rachel.

Answer

Were is the correct answer.   The verb tense in this particular sentence must match.   How old did (past) you say you are (present)/ were (past)?  As you can see both verbs talked about the past.  31 being the age is irrelevant.  The question is asking what he/she said the age was. In colloquial speech, I doubt anyone would know the difference.

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