“I will do it”
He said he would do it
He said he will do it
My question is when can I use these two versions, 1 and 2. In which situations is it correct to use version 1 or version 2?
In other words when do I need to switch tenses?
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Mari-Lou A
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We usually "backshift" in such contexts (e.g. - He said his name was* John). But we don't have* to - both versions are fine. Except if the time for doing it has passed - if it was my birthday yesterday, it's not idiomatic to say He said he will come to my birthday party. – FumbleFingers Jan 06 '24 at 11:22
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2Does this answer your question? Modal verbs in reported speech Also Reported Speech - Backshifting or not? and Verb Tense Consistency: How do I distinguish these two sentences? and He said he will attend the party held this weekend. (mixing of tenses), among others. – FumbleFingers Jan 06 '24 at 11:23
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I add some context and summarise what @FumbleFingers said.
Edit
If the party is on 7 Jan, and someone said on 4 Jan "I will do it" in response to a request to book a table by 5 Jan, both examples can be used on 5 Jan if there is still time for the task. Backshifting is normal but not mandatory.
Only example 1 is possible on 6 Jan because the chance to book the table has passed.
Seowjooheng Singapore
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It is more complex than The party is on January 7th. That is not sufficient as context to say which sentence should be used. – apaderno Jan 06 '24 at 12:24
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The party is on January 7. On January 4, Albert says We need somebody who will book at table at her preferred restaurant by tomorrow. Robert replies I will do it. On January 6, would you say He said he will do it. or He said he would do it.? – apaderno Jan 06 '24 at 12:32
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That's making it complicated. If the table needed to be booked by Jan. 5, on 6th you say 'He said he would do it'. But if the party hasn't happened yet, 'He said he will come' and 'He said he would come' are both possible. – Kate Bunting Jan 06 '24 at 13:03
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Thanks @Kate Bunting and apaderno. I have edited my answer. – Seowjooheng Singapore Jan 06 '24 at 14:02