Do time expressions change in reported speech when the introductory verb is in the present simple? When the introductory verb (say, ask, etc.) is in the present simple, the rule says that tenses don't change in reported speech. What about time expressions? Which one is correct? “Did you give up smoking yesterday?” the doctor asks. 1)The doctor asks if you gave up smoking yesterday. 2)The doctor asks if you gave up smoking the day before. “How many apples have you eaten today?” Mum asks. 1)Mum asks how many apples I have eaten today. 2)Mum asks how many apples I have eaten that day.