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Advanced Reported Speech — Discorso Indiretto B2·Backshift: Optional vs Obligatory
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Rule reminder

Backshift is OBLIGATORY when the reported event belongs to a completed past. Backshift is OPTIONAL (both tenses correct) when: 1) the reported fact is still true at the time of reporting, 2) the statement is a universal truth, 3) the reporting context is clearly 'simultaneous' present. This nuance is crucial at B2 level.

Backshift: Optional vs Obligatory1 / 10

Yesterday Anna said: 'L'acqua bolle a 100 gradi.' Today you report this. Which is correct?

More in this section

→ Reporting with Subjunctive-Taking Verbs→ Journalistic Reported Speech→ Error Detection in Reported Speech→ Reporting Exclamations and Interjections
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