Cambridge Grammar of English Hardback with cd-rom a comprehensive Guide

TENSE AND ASPECT IN REPORTING VERBS 

492

The past simple 

492a

When the report refers to a single past occasion of speech as a concluded event,

the reporting verb is usually in the past simple tense. This form is by far the most

frequent, in both spoken and written contexts:

‘Well,’ 

he said, ‘you’re not 21.’

They said that was exactly what they wanted.

The present simple

492b

In indirect speech reports, if the reported speech is seen as always true or relevant,

or likely to be said on any given occasion, the present simple may be used with the

reporting verb:

He went to a lady doctor in there. 

He says she’s very nice. 

(he would probably always say that if asked)

But when 

she says water sports, what does she mean? 

(every time she says that word, not just one occasion)

Û

360 The present simple for dramatic effect