Optional Backshift
When is Backshift Optional?
Backshift is not always necessary. In some cases, you can keep the original tense.
1. Reporting General Truths
Scientific facts and general truths can stay in present:
Direct: “The earth goes around the sun.” Reported: He said (that) the earth goes/went around the sun.
Direct: “Water boils at 100 degrees.” Reported: She explained (that) water boils/boiled at 100 degrees.
Both options are correct because these facts are always true.
2. Reporting Still-True Situations
If the situation is still true now:
Direct: “I work in London.” Reported: She said she works/worked in London. (if she still works there)
Direct: “I love chocolate.” Reported: He said he loves/loved chocolate. (if he still loves it)
3. Reporting with Present Tense Verbs
When the reporting verb is in present tense, no backshift is needed:
Direct: “I will come tomorrow.” Reported: He says he will come tomorrow.
Direct: “I am busy.” Reported: She tells me she is busy.
Common present reporting:
- He says (that)…
- She tells me (that)…
- They claim (that)…
- News reports say (that)…
4. Immediate Reporting
When reporting immediately after something was said:
Direct: “I’m leaving now.” (just said) Reported: She says she’s leaving now.
5. Modals That Don’t Change
Some modals stay the same:
| Modal | No change |
|---|---|
| would | He said he would come. |
| could | She said she could help. |
| might | He said it might rain. |
| should | She said we should wait. |
| ought to | He said I ought to rest. |
These are already “past” forms, so they don’t change.
When to Always Backshift
Use backshift when:
- The situation has changed
- You’re reporting something from long ago
- Precision is important
Direct (a year ago): “I am happy.” Reported: She said she was happy. (but maybe not now)
Summary Table
| Situation | Backshift? |
|---|---|
| General truths/facts | Optional |
| Still-true situations | Optional |
| Reporting verb in present | Not needed |
| Immediate reporting | Optional |
| would, could, might, should | Not needed |
| Past situations | Required |
Backshift is optional when the reported information is still current or universally true: “She said water boils at 100°C” (no backshift needed). Apply backshift consistently in formal writing; in everyday speech, current-state skipping is natural.