Question

If the verb in the independent clause is in the present tense, in which tense should the verb in the indirect quotation be?

Answer 1

may be in past tense bcz u will be at present doing the task in direct or independent speech but in indirect speech u r telling it someone else.

Answer 2

Answer :

This question is based on direct and indirect speech.

Cambridge English Dictionary defines 'indirect speech' or 'indirect quotation' as 'the act of reporting something that was said, but not using exactly the same words.'

If the verb in the independent clause is in the present tense, the verb in the indirect quotation should preserve or use the tense of the original direct speech.

For example :

Direct Speech : "He has signed the agreement."

Indirect Speech : The mediator tells us that he has signed the agreement.